Where is Shrine Pass?
Usa, north-america
19.15 km
3,410 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so Shrine Pass in Colorado is seriously stunning, a dirt road adventure hitting a lung-busting 11,187 feet! You'll find it smack-dab in the White River National Forest, straddling Eagle and Summit counties. They call it Shrine Pass because you get an amazing view of the Mount of the Holy Cross from up there.
The road itself, Shrine Pass Road (Forest Road 709), is unpaved and narrow. Back in the day, it was the main drag between Denver and Glenwood Springs, before the I-70 came along. It’s generally in good shape, but can get rocky in spots. While you might see some sturdy 2WD vehicles braving it, a SUV or 4WD is a safer bet. There's usually room to pass, and a few spots to pull over for those postcard-worthy pics.
Keep in mind, this beauty is only accessible from June to September, depending on the snow. Trust me, it's worth the trip for the views of wildflowers and pine forests in the summer, or the awesome fall colors. It’s a popular spot, but never feels too crowded. The whole pass stretches for about 11.9 miles, linking I-70 to US-24 near Red Cliff.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19.15 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,410 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardKendall Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Silverton, Colorado, and you've got a serious itch for a high-altitude thrill, County Road 33 (aka Kendall Mountain Road) is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking seven miles of rugged, rocky unpaved road climbing up to a whopping 13,061 feet! Think serious drop-offs and a boulder-strewn path that will test your driving skills (and maybe your nerves). Beginner off-roaders, you might want to sit this one out. You'll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for this adventure. And make sure your radiator is in tip-top shape, because it's a long, slow grind to the top. Expect a gravelly, bumpy surface and tight spots where passing is…unadvisable. Oh, and keep an eye on the weather – this high up, snow can shut things down from October to June, and even summer days can bring thick fog. But if you're up for the challenge? The views are INSANE. Think panoramic vistas of Silverton, the legendary Route 550, and a sea of majestic peaks. At around 12,800 feet, most vehicles will need to park it, but a trail continues to the tippy-top. This road is a true test of your vehicle, your nerve, and your sense of adventure!
extremeGooseberry Point
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk Gooseberry Point, a seriously awesome mountain pass chilling at 10,347 feet in Utah's Iron County. You'll find this gem tucked away in the Dixie National Forest. Now, getting to the top isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking a four-mile gravel track – Forest Road 1635, to be exact – that demands a 4WD vehicle. Trust me, you'll want it. Plus, keep a close eye on the weather because this road is a no-go when things get nasty. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities, and ice patches can pop up when you least expect them. Expect some rocky and muddy sections as you make your ascent from Cedar Canyon Road. But hey, the views? Totally worth it.
moderateWhere is Tucumcari Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna check out Tucumcari Mountain? This peak rises up to south of the town of Tucumcari. It's famous for its radio and cell towers. Plus, you might recognize it as the inspiration for ' in "Cars"! Now, getting to the top is an adventure. The road? Let's just say it's unpaved and rough, so is recommended! It's usually It's not super long. If you're heading up from , the summit is . But trust me, the views are worth it. Just take it slow, watch out for any tricky spots, and soak in that wide-open New Mexico scenery!
hardA steep paved road to Tejon Pass in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through California and looking for an epic drive? Check out Tejon Pass! Nestled in Kern County, this high mountain pass tops out at 4,160 feet. The Spanish even named it after a badger ("Tejón") way back in 1806, thanks to a chance encounter with one. Located in Southern California, it's your main artery between the Central Valley and Los Angeles. You'll be rolling on Interstate 5 the whole way, the main north-south drag. This gateway offers some seriously steep sections. For truckers, there are even a couple of runaway ramps near the top—just in case! Locals often call this stretch "the Grapevine," especially the gnarly 5 1/2-mile section with a 6% grade. From the summit heading north, prepare for a 2,613-foot descent over 11.6 miles! Going southbound, it's about 22 miles of rolling hills before you hit the 5-mile grade, dropping 1,603 feet over 7.5 miles. The whole shebang runs for about 76 miles between Bakersfield and Santa Clarita. Word to the wise: the weather can be a real wildcard. Sunny skies can turn snowy in a flash. Winter can bring closures, and even when it's open, watch out for ice—especially with those steep grades and holiday traffic. But, overall, it's a must-do for anyone who loves hitting the open road and seeing some awesome views.