Where is McClure Pass?
Usa, north-america
79.82 km
2,681 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for McClure Pass in Colorado! This baby climbs to 8,795 feet, so be ready for some serious views. You'll find it straddling Pitkin and Gunnison counties in western Colorado, and yep, it's paved the whole way as Highway 133—also known as the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway.
Clocking in at almost 50 miles, you can cruise it north-south from Carbondale to Somerset. Just be prepared for some serious hills! The Carbondale side maxes out at a 9% grade, and the Somerset side isn't much easier with 8% grades.
Good news is, McClure Pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather—heavy snow can close it down. Avalanche risk is real here, so stay alert. And don't forget to stop at the park area near the top for some killer photo ops!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 79.82 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,681 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhat are the technical challenges of the Cherokee Orchard Road ascent?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna hit up the Smokies, huh? Well, Cherokee Orchard Road is your on-ramp to adventure! This little stretch of asphalt is the lifeline between Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and let me tell you, it's more than just a road – it's a climb! Expect a serious workout for your vehicle as you leave Gatlinburg behind. We're talking a steady uphill battle, steep grades that'll test your engine's cooling system, and enough vertical gain to make your ears pop. Now, keep your eyes peeled! This road is popular, and you'll be sharing it with plenty of hikers heading to the trails. The lanes can get narrow, especially near the Rainbow Falls trailhead, so be ready to share the road. Watch out for wildlife, too; bears and elk are known to stroll along the shoulders! Make sure to give your car a breather at the Noah "Bud" Ogle Cabin area. This spot is the perfect chance to check your fluids, make sure everything's running cool, and decide whether your rig is suitable for the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail loop. Oh, and one more thing: shade from the dense forest means the road can be damp, especially on those banked turns. Engine braking is your friend to avoid brake fade. Cherokee Orchard Road isn't just a road; it's a taste of the Smoky Mountains. Gear up, stay alert, and enjoy the ride!
moderateWhere is Ptarmigan Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Ptarmigan Pass in Colorado! This epic mountain pass sits way up high at 11,777 feet, right on the border of Summit and Eagle counties. You'll find it smack-dab in the White River National Forest, in the heart of Colorado. Now, the road – Forest Road 747 – is all-dirt, so be prepared for some serious off-roading! 4x4 is definitely recommended, although 2WD might be able to make it from the west side. Get ready for some tight switchbacks, a rocky trail that hugs the creek, and some potentially tricky sections. When it’s wet, watch out! It gets extra slippery. The road stretches for about 6 miles from Resolution Creek Road to Turkey Creek Road (Forest Road 709). If you’re feeling extra adventurous, there's a 4x4 gravel road heading west that takes you even higher, up to a peak at 12,076 feet. Keep in mind, this road is a no-go in the winter. It's nestled high in the Rockies, so snow makes it impassable. But trust me, the views and the thrill of the drive are totally worth it when it's open!
extremeIs Angeles Crest Highway in CA paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Angeles Crest Highway, nestled between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, is a slice of pure driving heaven in Southern California. This completely paved beauty, part of California State Route 2, clocks in at 64 miles (102 km) and snakes through the San Gabriel Mountains. Construction took a while, from 1929 to 1956 (with a break during WWII), but trust me, the wait was worth it. You're looking at about a 2-hour cruise, but honestly, you'll want to factor in extra time for soaking up the views. We're talking alpine scenery just a stone's throw from downtown LA – fresh air, towering trees, majestic mountains, and endless blue skies. The road climbs and curves through the Angeles National Forest, treating you to chaparral and montane forest vibes along the San Gabriel's highest, most scenic ridges. Heads up, this road isn't just about pretty faces; it can be a bit of a wild ride. Think twists, sweeping curves, and switchbacks galore as you climb to nearly 7,000 feet. The pavement is generally great, and it's mostly two lanes with the odd passing lane thrown in. Weekends bring out the bikers, so keep an eye out. And watch for the local wildlife, especially those cheeky chipmunks and squirrels darting across the road. Speaking of heights, the road peaks at a whopping 7,923 feet (2,415m). Be aware, this means winter closures are common from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gap due to rockfall and avalanche risks. Sometimes, landslides can cause longer shutdowns too. But when it's open, it's open to adventure!
hardFreds Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Freds Mountain in Teton County, Wyoming is calling your name, but this ain't your average scenic drive. We're talking about a gnarly climb up to 9,855 feet! You'll find this beast within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and let me tell you, the road is ROUGH. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta "tippy and bumpy." This is actually the service road for the Grand Targhee Resort's chairlift, so conditions are constantly changing, and one wrong move could have serious consequences. Seriously, winter hangs around FOREVER up here, so mid-summer is probably your only safe bet. Scope out the road ahead before you commit, because things can get dicey quick. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 and some serious off-roading skills. Patience is key, and if you're afraid of heights, maybe skip this one. This is an adventure for experienced drivers only – leave your Sunday drivers at home! But if you're up for the challenge, the views are totally worth it.