The Rocky Mountains in Colorado are actually formed by many different ranges. Some of the more well-known ranges are the Sawatch, the Elks, the Sangre de Cristo, the San Juans and of course the Front Range. Colorado also has more mountains higher than 14,000 feet than any other state.
Driving through the mountains in Colorado is one of the greatest experiences I can think of. The views are spectacular not only because of the geology of the area but you never know when you're going to see a herd of deer or elk or a few elusive mountain goats. And while there are many, many roads that can be travelled by passenger car there are many more that require a 4WD vehicle. These are the roads where the scenery is at its best.
However there are a few things to remember when driving the unpaved back roads in Colorado, particularly if you are going up and over the numerous passes through the mountains.
Here are a few rules to remember:
Driving through the mountains in Colorado is one of the greatest experiences I can think of. The views are spectacular not only because of the geology of the area but you never know when you're going to see a herd of deer or elk or a few elusive mountain goats. And while there are many, many roads that can be travelled by passenger car there are many more that require a 4WD vehicle. These are the roads where the scenery is at its best.
However there are a few things to remember when driving the unpaved back roads in Colorado, particularly if you are going up and over the numerous passes through the mountains.
Here are a few rules to remember:
- Always carry a high-boy jack
- Always carry a good shovel
- Always carry a good steel rod (preferably tapered on one end) about 5 - 6 feet long
- Always carry a good strong rope or chain
- If possible, outfit your vehicle with an electric wench
- For more rules of the road, check out this site.
Atop Tincup Pass. Incredible drive to the top. 4WD only.
Hancock Pass. Another 4WD only trip.
Cumberland Pass 4WD recommended but not required.
Cottonwood Pass. Over the pass lies Taylor Park and TinCup.
Independence Pass. A great way to get to Aspen.
McClure Pass. Between Carbondale and Crested Butte.
Kebler Pass. On the road from Aspen to Crested Butte.
Ohio Creek Pass. Take the road from here around to Gunnison.
Slumgullion Summit. Found a nice patch of chanterelles up here.
Spring Creek Pass. On the way to Creed.
On a mushroom gathering trip above Crested Butte, CO.
Cinnamon Pass. Along the Alpine Loop. 4wd is a must.
Paradise Divide, Above Crested Butte, just down from Schofield pass.
Kenosha Pass. Between Salida and Denver.