Where is Hoosier Pass?
Usa, north-america
34.43 km
3,518 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Hoosier Pass in Colorado! This beauty sits way up high at 11,542 feet, straddling Park and Summit counties, not too far west of Denver.
Why "Hoosier"? Blame those pioneers from Indiana, the "Hoosier State."
You'll cruise along the fully paved Colorado State Highway 9, a 21.4-mile stretch from Breckenridge down to Fairplay. Expect a smooth ride coming from the south, but be ready for some switchbacks as you head north! It’s not crazy steep, but at 8% grade, you'll definitely feel it.
Good news – this Continental Divide crossing is usually open year-round! Keep an eye on the weather though, because winter storms can shut things down. In good weather, any vehicle should be fine.
Now, for the truly adventurous: Just west of the main pass, a rugged, unpaved mining road (Trail #2) climbs even higher to the "real" Hoosier Pass at 12,112 feet. This one's for the 4x4 crowd only! Forget all-wheel drive; you'll need the real deal to tackle this steep climb. Trust me, it's worth it for the incredible views of those jagged western mountains!
So, pack your camera, fill up the tank, and get ready for some seriously stunning Colorado scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 34.43 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,518 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateAn epic enthralling road to Webb Mountain in MT
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk Webb Mountain in Montana's beautiful Lincoln County. This peak clocks in at a cool 5,990 feet and boasts some seriously amazing views. Getting there? It's a 4.1-mile trek up Road 7179 from NF-337. The whole thing is unpaved, so get ready for some dirt! Most cars can handle it, but be warned: that last quarter mile gets pretty gnarly with steep, rocky terrain. Low-riders might want to sit this one out. It's a steady climb, with some sections hitting an 8% grade, so you'll definitely feel it. You're gaining about 1,076 feet in elevation, averaging around a 5% grade – a good workout for your car (and your nerves!). At the top, you'll find a fire lookout tower. Built in '59, it was used to spot forest fires for over 40 years. Imagine the views they had!
moderateHistory: Military Base to Bio-Security Fortress
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: a mysterious island lurking just off the coast of Long Island’s North Fork, called Plum Island. Sounds idyllic, right? Wrong. This place is seriously off-limits. We're talking Fort Knox levels of security. Why the big deal? Well, beneath the surface of this small island lies a network of paved roads, a relic of its past as a military fort. But these roads aren't for leisurely drives. They're exclusively for accessing the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC), a top-secret research facility. Think high-containment labs studying scary animal diseases. Getting anywhere near these roads is a no-go. No public access, no private vehicles, nada. We're talking federal law enforcement and serious security. The reason isn’t treacherous terrain or hidden dangers, but a bio-containment and national security protocol. Every move is monitored, every person decontaminated. This isn’t your average scenic route. It's a network of roads existing solely within a high-security quarantine zone. The primary danger isn't a sharp turn or a steep drop, but something microscopic. So, while the scenery might be intriguing, this is one road trip you'll only experience in your imagination.
moderateIs Flesher Pass paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Montana? You HAVE to check out Flesher Pass! This paved road, also known as County Road 279, climbs to a cool 6,141 feet above sea level in the Helena National Forest, right on the Continental Divide in Lewis and Clark County. The Flesher Pass Road clocks in at about 16.6 miles long, stretching from Wilborn up to the MT-200. The climb can get a little spicy, with grades hitting almost 9% in spots! At the top, there's a parking area, but space is limited, especially if you're hauling a trailer. The views though? Totally worth it! You'll be soaking up 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding mountains. Keep in mind that while the pass is usually open year-round, winter weather can be a real mood killer, so expect some closures.
moderateWhere is Mangas Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Mangas Mountain in western New Mexico, practically hugging the Arizona border in the Apache National Forest. Picture this: you're cruising on dirt roads for roughly miles after leaving the pavement. Don't expect a Sunday drive, though. It's mostly a but there are a couple of spots, especially near that'll make you pucker up! You'll climb feet in elevation, so yeah, it's a steady climb. The views from the top are incredible, with overlooks to the east, south, and west. Heads up though: there's a up there, so maybe skip it if there's lightning in the area.