
Where is La Manga Pass?
Usa, north-america
75.8 km
3,124 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! La Manga Pass in Colorado is calling your name! Situated high up in Conejos County, you'll find yourself cruising at a cool 10,249 feet above sea level.
Where to find it? Head to southern Colorado, practically hugging the New Mexico border. You can't miss it!
The good news? This beauty is paved, smooth as butter since way back in '54. Just follow State Highway 17 (SH 17).
Get ready for a decent drive, because the pass stretches for about 47 miles, running from Antonito, Colorado, all the way down towards Chama, New Mexico. Fair warning: it's a bit of a climb! We're talking an average grade of 5.5%, but be prepared for some seriously steep sections hitting almost 13%.
Perched in the San Juan Mountains, La Manga Pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit dramatic in the winter. Expect possible closures during heavy snow. Still, the views are worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 75.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,124 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateBlack Canyon Road
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through Arizona and find yourself near the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, you HAVE to check out Black Canyon Road. This isn't your average paved highway β we're talking about a 15.5-mile gravel track that really takes you off the beaten path. Now, a regular car *might* make it, but I highly recommend something with a bit of clearance for peace of mind. Think slow and steady wins the race here; you'll want to take your time to soak up the scenery anyway! Be ready for a bit of washboarding and the occasional rut, but nothing too crazy if you're careful. Even though it feels like you're in the middle of nowhere, you're surprisingly close to civilization. Get ready for some incredible views β this drive is a real feast for the eyes!
hardWhere is Boy Scout Lane?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, so there's this super creepy road in central Wisconsin called Boy Scout Lane, near Plover. It's a total backwoods experience. The whole legend revolves around a Boy Scout troop who met a seriously tragic end, and now, supposedly, their spirits roam the area. It's a short little stretch, only about half a mile, completely unpaved, and winds through the dense woods. Don't expect any scenic overlooks or anything β the atmosphere is the main attraction (if you're into that sort of thing!). The land around the road is private property now, so you can't go wandering off. But even just driving down it, you might feel a chill... or maybe that's just the Wisconsin air! Whether you believe the ghost stories or not, Boy Scout Lane is definitely a memorable, if unsettling, little detour.
easyHow long is the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway?
πΊπΈ Usa
Cruising the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway in western North Carolina is an absolute must-do! This fully paved route stretches for 64 glorious miles, winding its way from Highlands (nestled in the southern Appalachian Mountains) all the way to Almond. You'll be tracing along U.S. 64, old U.S. 64, SR 1310 (Wayah Road), and U.S. 19, soaking in the views. Heads up though β some sections are a bit narrow and seriously twisty, so keep your eyes on the road! And definitely fill up the tank before you go. Speaking of thrills, the drive past Cullasaja Falls is unforgettable, but it has a *major* drop-off with limited space to pull over. Those falls are gorgeous, but respect the power of nature: wet rocks are super slippery. This byway is open year-round, but keep in mind that winter weather can bring temporary closures and maybe even require chains or 4WD. But enough about the details, let's talk about the *views*! Prepare to be blown away. You'll be winding through the Nantahala National Forest, passing hardwood forests, dramatic river gorges, and charming countryside. Waterfalls galore! Plus, tons of spots for recreation. Honestly, this drive is like a highlight reel of the most incredible scenery the Nantahala National Forest has to offer. Don't forget your camera; this is one road trip you'll want to remember!
hardMedano Pass in Colorado: 9 creek crossings to the summit
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Medano Pass in Colorado! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a wild 20.1-mile (32.34km) off-road adventure that climbs to a whopping 10,013 feet (3,052m). You'll find this gem nestled between Saguache and Huerfano counties, hugging the southern heart of Colorado near the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Forget pavement β this is all about conquering Medano Pass Primitive Road (County Road 559), a rough and rugged path from the dunes to Highway 69. Now, listen up: this route demands respect. Deep sand, rocky climbs, steep descents, and no fewer than NINE creek crossings of Medano Creek stand between you and bragging rights. Spring runoff can turn those crossings into serious water hazards, sometimes up to two feet deep, so a proper 4WD vehicle is absolutely essential. Don't even think about attempting this in a low-clearance AWD vehicle β you'll be stuck faster than you can say "help!" Soft sand also means airing down your tires might be a smart move, especially if you're rocking narrow tires or a heavier rig. This road is usually closed from November until mid-to-late May due to snow, and even summer weather can be unpredictable. Expect single-lane sections and moderate grades that'll keep you on your toes. Factor in 2.5 to 3 hours to traverse the road without stops. Fall is particularly beautiful time to drive.