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
moderateHow long is the Top of the World Highway?
🇨🇦 Canada
Ready for an epic road trip between Alaska and Canada? The Top of the World Highway is calling your name! This 131km (81 mile) route is a wild ride that connects the area near Jack Wade, Alaska, to Dawson City, Yukon – the heart of the Klondike Gold Rush. Built back in '55, it's one of the most northerly highways around, but fair warning: it's mostly unpaved these days. It was all smooth tarmac in the late 90s, but Mother Nature had other plans, so about half is gravel now. Expect a narrow track, the occasional pothole, washboard surfaces, and sometimes, zero shoulder. Heads up: this highway is a seasonal sweetheart, open from late spring to early fall, mirroring the Dawson City ferry's schedule. You'll hit a high point of 1,274m (4,179ft) near the border at Little Gold Creek, then peak again at 1,314m (4,311ft) on the Canadian side. The border crossing is open May-September, 9am-9pm Yukon time (8am-8pm Alaska time) – miss it and you're stuck! Is it challenging? You bet! Mountain road experience is a must. Think tight turns and slippery conditions when it rains. Watch out for soft shoulders and a serious lack of guardrails. Also, double-check with your rental company, as not all vehicles are allowed on this route. Traffic is usually light, so if someone's behind you, be a good sport and let them pass. Why "Top of the World"? Because you'll be cruising along the crest of the hills, with killer views dropping into the valleys below. Budget about 2.5 hours without stops, but trust me, you'll want to stop. Fall is especially gorgeous. The road winds along the mountaintops, giving you those views that seem to stretch on forever. Unlike most highways that hug the valleys, this one takes the high road, offering exhilarating scenery. Take your time and soak it all in. You'll be driving along mountain peaks and crests for most of the way, with those incredible valley views beneath you.
hardAn Unforgettable Drive to Snowstorm Peak in CO
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Snowstorm Peak in Colorado's La Plata County! This baby tops out at a cool 12,037 feet, so be ready for some serious altitude. You'll find it northwest of Durango, nestled in the San Juan National Forest. Heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive kind of road. It's a short but steep 0.7-mile unpaved old mining route that climbs with a max 14% gradient. You'll need 4WD and decent clearance to tackle it. Think tight turns, sharp rocks, and views that'll make your jaw drop. Fair warning though, Snowstorm Peak lives up to its name! The road is usually snowed in from late spring to late fall, so plan your trip accordingly. Keep an eye out for relics from the past – you'll spot cool old mining equipment and abandoned buildings along the way. Trust me, the scenery is worth the bumpy ride!
hardA very bumpy, grueling road to Warrior Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Just south of Squaw Pass Road (Highway 103) in Colorado's Clear Creek County, you'll find Warrior Mountain, topping out at 11,263 feet. Tucked away in the Arapaho National Forest, the road to the top is a real off-road experience – think completely unpaved and seriously steep, so a 4x4 is a must. Starting from the Warrior Mountain Picnic Ground, it’s a short but intense climb, just 1,237 feet long, gaining 111 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of 9%! At the summit, besides the radio tower, the views are incredible. You'll see the Mount Evans Group to the west, Chief Mountain to the east, and on a clear day, even glimpses of Denver to the northeast. Summer's the best time to hit this one, as it's pretty inaccessible other times of the year. Get ready for some epic scenery!
moderateWhat is the story of the haunted Avon Bridge in Indiana?
🇺🇸 Usa
Just west of Indianapolis, in the heart of Indiana, lies the legendary Avon Bridge! This triple-arch railroad trestle stretches about 300 feet across a quiet country road near Avon. Built way back in 1906, this 70-foot-high bridge makes for a striking sight. But it's not just the views that draw people in. This old bridge has some serious stories attached. Legend has it the bridge is haunted by a young mother and her baby. Locals say if you visit at night, you might hear ghostly moans. On hot summer days, some claim to see the ghost's tears running down the concrete. Even now, it’s a tradition to honk your horn when driving underneath to drown out the sound of the mother's cries. Spooky, right? Definitely a unique spot if you're into the paranormal!