Some scariest mountain roads in Colorado are Rabbit Ears pass, Imogene Pass, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and more. These roads can be especially treacherous during winter when covered in ice and snow, but they are excellent for people looking for adventure.
The views of a mountain road are often breathtaking, and the sense of adventure is hard to resist. If you’re looking for a thrill, try driving on one of Colorado’s scariest mountain roads. These routes are not for the faint of heart, from hair-raising switchbacks to precariously narrow lanes with steep drop-offs.
This post explores the seven scariest Colorado mountains for a heart-pounding drive.
1. Rabbit Ears Pass
Rabbit Ears Pass is one of the scariest Mountain Roads in Colorado. It’s windy, it’s icy, and it’s full of hairpin turns. But despite all of that, Rabbit Ears Pass is one of the most breathtaking drives in the state. The views from the top are stunning, and there’s nothing like watching the sunset over the mountains.
Rabbit Ears Pass is positioned on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 9,426 feet (2,869 m) above sea level in Routt County, approximately 50 miles (80 km) west of Fort Collins. It lies on the boundary between Roosevelt National Forest to the south and Routt National Forest to the north.
The pass provides the easiest route of travel between the Front Range and Steamboat Springs and other points west of the Continental Divide. It is traversed by U.S. Highway 40, which connects Denver and Salt Lake City via I-70 and Utah’s Wasatch Front. The pass summit is home to two Ski resorts, Steamboat Springs Resort and Winter Park Resort.
Rabbit Ears Pass gets its name from the twin peaks that resemble a pair of bunny ears when seen from certain angles. These peaks are two distinct summits: Mount Walter (11,675 ft / 3,558 m) and Ear Mountain (11,313 ft / 3,446 m). The pass is located in the Rabbit Ears Range, a sub-range of the Park Range in the Rocky Mountains.
Rabbit Ears Pass is worth visiting if you’re looking for an adventure. Be sure to take it slow and be careful on those turns!
2. Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Some people might think that driving on a mountain road is always scary. But in Colorado, there is one road that is considered to be the scariest of them all. That road is the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is one of Colorado’s most popular tourist destinations. This byway winds its way through some of the state’s most beautiful scenery, offering visitors breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Visitors can also stop and explore the many hiking trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas.
The byway is open annually from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, but only during daylight hours. From September through May, the road is closed to cars but open to pedestrians and bicyclists.
The Mount Evans Scenic Byway is located in the Rocky Mountains and takes drivers up to an elevation of 14,160 feet. The road is scary because of its numerous twists and turns, and there are no guardrails to protect against careless driving. In addition, the weather can be very unpredictable in this part of the country.
So, if you’re planning on driving the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, you need to be prepared for anything.
If you’re looking for a challenge, this is your road. Just be sure to take your time and drive safely.
3. Imogene Pass
Imogene Pass is a high mountain pass that traverses the San Juan Mountains in the southwestern U.S. state of Colorado. The pass is located in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area and is a popular backpacking destination in the state. The pass lies at an elevation of 13,114 feet and provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The Imogene Pass Trailhead is just off Highway 550 near Ouray, Colorado. The trailhead is well-marked and easy to find.
From Ouray, the trail climbs steeply for about 3 miles (4.8 km) before leveling out somewhat as it approaches the tree line. Then the trail enters into a large open basin beneath the imposing east face of Mount Sneffels. The trail then switchbacks up a steep scary slope to reach the pass itself.
Once at the top of Imogene Pass, hikers are treated to sweeping views of the San Juans to the north and west and the Uncompahgre Valley to the east. The descent from Imogene Pass is much easier than the climb up, and most hikers will make it back to their cars in 3-4 hours.
Imogene Pass is a popular destination for day hikes, overnight backpack trips, and even longer thru-hikes of the Colorado Trail or Continental Divide Trail.
4. Argentine Pass
Argentine Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado. The pass is located in the Sawatch Range, on the continental divide between the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds. Argentine Pass is one of the highest passes in Colorado, with an elevation of 13,207 feet.
The pass was first used by Native Americans, who crossed it on foot or horseback. In the early 1800s, trappers and explorers began using the pass to reach the San Luis Valley. In 1869, a military road was built over the pass to connect Denver with Fort Garland in the San Luis Valley. Today, Argentine Pass is popular with hikers and climbers who use it to access the backcountry of the Sawatch Range.
Argentine Pass is one of the best-hiking destinations in Colorado. The pass provides access to several trails, including the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail.
The area also has several lakes and streams, making it a popular destination for fishing and camping. June to September is the best time to visit Argentine Pass – when the weather is warm and dry. However, visitors should be aware that thunderstorms are common in the Rockies, so it’s always good to check the forecast before heading out into the backcountry.
5. Gold Belt Scenic Byway
Gold Belt Scenic Byway Colorado is a popular tourist destination for those who love the outdoors. With an elevation of 9500 feet, the byway offers a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. There are also many historical and cultural sites to visit along the way.
The byway begins in the town of Cripple Creek, Colorado, and winds its way through the scenic mountains and valleys of the area. It then heads north to the city of Victor, where it joins the Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway. The tour takes visitors through some of the most stunning countryside in Colorado, including a stop at the historic mining town of Idaho Springs.
From there, the byway continues north to Central City, another former mining town that is now home to many casinos and hotels.
Some parts of Gold Belt Scenic Byway are steep and narrow, making it a bit scary, especially to inexperienced drivers. Whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled trip or a relaxing vacation, the Gold Belt Scenic Byway Colorado is the perfect place to go.
6. Loveland Pass
Loveland Pass, Colorado, is one of the highest mountain roads in North America. The pass is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA. The pass summit lies at an elevation of 11,990 feet. The pass provides the only road access to the Arapaho National Forest and Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver.
In 1940, the U.S. Forest Service began constructing the Loveland Ski Area on the pass. The ski area opened in 1941 and is one of the oldest continuously operating ski areas in the United States.
The pass is now traversed by Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 6. It is also a well-known route for cyclists and hikers. In 2011, an extreme weather event caused a massive rockslide that completely blocked the highway at the pass summit. The highway was reopened after a six-day closure.
7. Coal Bank Pass
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, Coal Bank Pass is one of the scariest and most scenic mountain roads in the state. The pass gets its name from the nearby Coal Bank Mine, which operated from 1873 to 1916. The pass has an elevation of 10,640 ft and is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and picnicking.
The route over Coal Bank Pass was first used by Ute Indians and early settlers traveling between Montrose and Durango. In 1873, the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad built a line through the pass, making it easier for miners and prospectors to access the area’s rich silver and gold mines.
Today, Coal Bank Pass is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, while campers can set up basecamp at one of the numerous campsites in the area. Picnickers can find a spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch, and wildlife watchers can keep an eye out for elk, deer, and other animals that call this area home.
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Conclusion
If you’re looking for a real thrill, try driving on one of Colorado’s scariest mountain roads. These routes will test your nerves and your driving skills.
Colorado’s top scary mountain roads include Rabbit Ears pass, Imogene Pass, Mount Evans Scenic Byway, and more. These roads can be treacherous and excellent for people looking for adventure.
If you’re planning on driving in Colorado, take extra caution on these dangerous mountain roads. You can even rent a cheap car to enjoy the beautiful scenery!
