Where is Red Pass?
Usa, north-america
42.8 km
1,589 m
extreme
Year-round
Red Pass, sitting pretty at 5,213 feet in California, is calling all adventure seekers! You'll find it nestled in the eastern-central part of the state, and it's the highest point on the wild one-way road known as Titus Canyon Road.
This epic 26.6-mile ride starts from Nevada Highway 374 (inside Death Valley) and promises unbelievable scenery with very little traffic.
As you leave the flats behind, get ready for a climb! The road winds its way through vibrant red rock formations that give the pass its name. Things get steep and narrow as you get closer to the top. Be warned: some spots can be a bit rough, especially around those switchbacks! If you're not a fan of heights, this might not be your cup of tea.
A high-clearance vehicle with AWD or 4WD is definitely your best bet. Some parts are steep and rocky, making it a challenge for regular cars. Longer vehicles? Probably best to skip this one.
Keep in mind that the road is usually closed during winter when snow hits the pass or canyon.
Heads up: you're out in the wild here! There aren't any services along this road, so pack plenty of water and be prepared. If your car decides to take a break, stay with it and wait for help. And remember, Death Valley is one of the hottest places on Earth, and the highest air temperature ever recorded on Earth was 134°F (57°C) here! Wear your seatbelt, drive at a safe speed, shift to a lower gear on steep downhill grades, and if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or develop a headache, get out of the sun immediately and drink water or electrolyte drinks.
Cell service is spotty at best, so don't rely on your phone.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 42.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,589 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardRoyal Gorge Bridge: The Vertigo-Inducing Suspension Bridge of Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Just outside Cañon City, Colorado, you'll find the Royal Gorge Bridge, and let me tell you, this isn't your average bridge. Built way back in 1929, it was the king of the "World's Highest Bridges" for almost three-quarters of a century! Now, it’s still a major tourist hotspot, dangling like a daredevil over the mighty Arkansas River. Here’s the cool part: it wasn't built for cars or anything practical. Nope, this bridge was purely designed for thrills and views! They slapped it together in just seven months back in the day and charged a measly 50 cents to cross. Over time, it grew into the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, a total playground with rides and heart-stopping attractions. Now, this bridge has some stories to tell. Back in the day, strong gusts would really make it sway until wind cables were added in 1982. And get this: a massive wildfire ripped through the park in 2013, wiping out almost everything, but the bridge? It barely had a scratch! Talk about tough. Getting there is a breeze. Just hop on US Highway 50 West from Cañon City. Coming from Colorado Springs? CO-115 South to Florence and then US-50 West is your best bet. Or, if you're up for a scenic detour, cruise along US-24 West through Woodland Park and catch CO-9 South. Trust me, the views are worth it.
hardQuebradas Back Country Byway
🇺🇸 Usa
Escape to the Quebradas National Back Country Byway! This hidden gem winds through the upper Chihuahuan Desert mountains east of Socorro, New Mexico. Seriously remote and peaceful—leave your phone at home, because you won't get a signal anyway! This 24-mile dirt road is perfect for a day of exploring. It's narrow and sees two-way traffic, but don't worry, it's totally manageable. I'd suggest a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle just to be safe, but if it's dry, a regular car should be fine. Just watch out after a big rain, as the road crosses a bunch of dry creek beds that can become impassable. Speaking of remote, come prepared! Pack plenty of water and keep your eyes peeled. You're out in the desert, so be mindful of your surroundings. If you break down, you might be waiting a while for help. And watch out for the locals – bull snakes, king snakes, whip snakes, and even the occasional western diamondback rattlesnake call this place home! You'll feel like you're miles from civilization, even though you're not far from the interstate. The best part? This backcountry byway is open year-round and totally free! You'll be treated to stunning views of the rugged, colorful landscapes east of Socorro. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready – the scenery is incredible. Plus, you might even spot some of New Mexico's amazing wildlife. Get ready for a fun drive with plenty of twists and turns!
extremeWhere is Mount Scott?
🇺🇸 Usa
Mount Scott is a mountain peak at an elevation of 751m (2,464ft) above sea level, located in Comanche County, in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Where is Mount Scott? The peak is located on the eastern edge of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, in the southwestern part of Oklahoma. Is the road to Mount Scott paved? The road to the summit is totally paved winding around the mountain. It’s called Mount Scott Road. It’s said to be the highest paved auto road in the state. How long is the road to Mount Scott? Starting from OK-49 road, the road to the summit is 4.50km (2.8 miles) long. It’s not recommended for beginners due to the steep grades, heavy crosswinds and sharp turns. Is the road to Mount Scott open? The road is open from sunrise to sunset, Monday through Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, you can drive/bike from noon to sunset. Dense fog or heavily snowy, icy conditions may cause this route to be closed. Is the road to Mount Scott steep? Starting at OK-49 road, the elevation gain is 312 meters. Over this distance the average gradient is 6.93%, with occasional short sections that exceed 12% in a few places. It is a tough climb on a bicycle. The ride down has the potential to be extremely treacherous. Is the road to Mount Scott scenic? Visitors can stop at any of several scenic pullouts located along the road. Parking is available at the top of the mountain. The drive offers breathtaking views of southwest Oklahoma, the surrounding Oklahoma plains, the Wichita Mountains, Slick Hills and Lake Lawtonka. Driving the challenging Fish Rock Road in California Eureka Summit is the highest point on the Glenn Highway Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeDriving the treacherous Raton Pass in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, listen up! Raton Pass straddles the Colorado-New Mexico border, soaring to a cool 7,841 feet. "Ratón" means "mouse" in Spanish, and this route was a real game-changer back in the day, part of the legendary Santa Fe Trail. The first road snaked through here way back in 1866. You'll cruise between Las Animas County, Colorado and Colfax County, New Mexico. Today, it's all smooth sailing on Interstate 25. The 21.8-mile stretch from Raton, New Mexico to Trinidad, Colorado is in great shape. Just be ready for some climbs! Perched high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this pass is generally open year-round. Winter, though? That's another story. Think wicked winds, slick ice, and blankets of snow. Mother Nature can throw a serious curveball, so keep your wits about you. Expect possible closures when the snow really starts to fly. It's not brutally steep, thankfully. If you're coming from Raton, you'll gain about 1,089 feet over 11.6 miles, a gentle 1.77% average grade. From Trinidad, it’s a bit more of a climb: 1,831 feet over 13.9 miles, with an average grade of 2.49% and a max of 6%. Time to hit the road!