
Where is Ptarmigan Pass?
Usa, north-america
9.65 km
3,590 m
moderate
Year-round
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!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 9.65 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,590 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeBarillas Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Nestled in the heart of San Miguel County, New Mexico, you'll find Barillas Peak, a sky-high gem towering at 9,340 feet. This beauty resides within the Santa Fe National Forest, but getting there is half the fun (and the challenge!). The road is a rugged mix of gravel and rock, so a trusty 4x4 is definitely your best friend. Be warned, this isn't your Sunday drive route! Keep a close eye on the weather – it can turn on a dime. Road closures are common, so check before you go. But trust me, the views are worth it. At the summit, you'll discover a cool lookout tower built way back in 1959. Get your camera ready!
extremeDare to Drive Cuesta de los Arrepentidos to Real de Catorce in Mexico
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: You're in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, about to embark on a real adventure to Real de Catorce, an almost 9,000-foot-high ghost town. Your chariot? It *has* to be a 4x4 because you're about to tackle Cuesta de los Arrepentidos, or Repentant's Slope. For nearly 7 miles, this wild, unpaved track snakes through the northern part of the state across the Sierra de Catorce range. It's a historical route, dating back to 1778, and until the tunnel was built, it was the *only* way in. You'll pass abandoned mines, ghost towns, defunct train stations, and the seemingly endless Wirikuta desert. The views? Incredible. The experience? Absolutely unforgettable – if you can handle it. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. We're talking brutally steep climbs, a seriously narrow path, and nerve-wracking drop-offs into a canyon and dry riverbed. Leave the motorcycles and bikes at home. Highlights? The aptly named Paso del Diablo (Devil's Pass) and the eerie Socavón de la Purísima (Immaculate Conception’s Sinkhole) are the stuff of legends. Most folks come in from the east, taking a 17-mile cobblestone stretch off Highway 62. Then there's the Túnel Ogarrio – a long, dark tunnel that takes you right into town. It’s almost a mile and a half long and one-lane only, so hope no one's coming the other way! Legend has it there used to be a phone at the entrance to check for traffic but no one seems to use it anymore. Get ready for the ride of your life!
hardWhere is Pearl Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Pearl Pass, Colorado, clocks in at a whopping 12,723 feet above sea level! This high-altitude pass straddles the Pitkin and Gunnison county line, offering a wild ride between Crested Butte and Aspen. Pearl Pass Road (#102) is a 16.9-mile unpaved beast of a former mining road. Forget your sedan – you NEED a seriously capable 4x4 to conquer this one. Think boulder fields, steep climbs that'll make your engine scream, water crossings, and nail-bitingly narrow shelf roads. Be warned: one particularly gnarly half-mile stretch boasts a 25%+ grade. Even past that, expect plenty of rocky sections, occasional rock slides, and hold on tight—seatbelts are a must! There's even a marshy section to keep you on your toes. Because it's tucked away in the Rockies, Pearl Pass is often snowed in until late July (or even later some years!). It's typically only open for a few precious weeks in late summer. The south side of the pass is notorious for snowdrifts that can block the trail for the entire year. Snow and ice are real possibilities even in late summer. Give yourself 5-6 hours to soak in the unmatched variety of landscapes. This route crosses the Continental Divide, treating you to views that are simply spectacular. Located in the Gunnison National Forest, between Aspen and Crested Butte, Pearl Pass promises an unforgettable adventure.
moderateWhere is Emigrant Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a trip over Emigrant Pass! This high-altitude gem sits at a whopping 7,886 feet above sea level in Utah's Sevier County. You'll find this pass, nestled within the Fishlake National Forest, east of Salina in central Utah. The road to the summit is paved, thankfully! But heads up: being so high up, this stretch of highway can feel pretty desolate. Some say it's one of the most isolated sections of the entire Interstate system, so be prepared. The road itself has some tight ramps. But is it worth the drive? Absolutely! You'll be cruising across southeastern Utah on a route that echoes the paths of pioneers. Now, about winter: yeah, snow is a regular thing up here. The road is typically open, but don't be surprised if Mother Nature throws a curveball and closes it down due to bad weather.