Colorado hosts a collection of some of the most hazardous roads in the region, some of the most scientific roads and views you can explore by train.
While some roads on this roster might come as no shock, such as harrowing high-altitude alpine routes with hair-raising narrowness, you might be taken aback to learn that even your daily work commute could lead you down one of the state’s riskiest thoroughfares.
That said, here are some of the most challenging and dangerous roads in the state:
Black Bear Pass
Situated within San Miguel County in the southwest of Colorado, Black Bear Pass emerges as a dirt road ascending to elevations of 12,844 ft, solidifying its status as one of the state’s loftier mountain passes.
While this pass offers celestial alpine panoramas, it also harbors a significant element of hazard, featuring precariously steep switchbacks and remarkably narrow segments.
Imogene Pass
Exclusive to seasoned 4WD drivers, Imogene Pass navigates through heart-pounding steep landscapes, reaching altitudes as high as 13,114 ft.
Nestled within Ouray County in southwestern Colorado, this pass is renowned for its slick stretches, challenging-to-traverse segments, and unpredictable weather patterns that persist even during the height of summer.
Oh-My-God Road
This mountain road might give you substantial reservations if you decide to take the wheel. Positioned on the dividing line between Gilpin and Clear Creek counties, the majority of this road remains unpaved.
However, a gradual effort is underway to make it passable for regular vehicles, progressing at a pace of one mile per year.
Monarch Pass
Despite its pavement, this road from Salida to Gunnison can be deceptive. It has gained notoriety for being markedly perilous, consistently witnessing more car accidents annually than its neighboring routes. So breathtaking is its scenery that it found a place in Fast & Furious 7.
Monarch Pass presents steep gradients, hazardous winter circumstances, and stretches without shoulders, rendering it suitable only for skilled and attentive drivers. While undoubtedly risky, this thoroughfare offers captivating vistas of the Sawatch Range.
Million Dollar Highway
This treacherous road acts as a dividing line between Ouray and San Juan counties. Its absence of guardrails and steep stretches amplifies the inherent dangers.
The road contends with frequent rockslides and avalanches, further heightening the risk. Red Mountain Pass, notorious for its winter challenges, includes perplexing 8% grade segments.
Dubbed the Million Dollar Highway, this route consistently claims a top spot on the list of the world’s most perilous drives.
Among its treacherous sections, Coal Bank Pass stands out due to its steep terrain and capricious weather patterns. Situated beyond Silverton, closer to Durango along Highway 550, it’s regarded as one of the route’s most hazardous stretches.
Conclusion
These roads epitomize some of the most hazardous in the state. It’s important to keep in mind that attempting to drive the roads mentioned on this list without prior experience and a suitable vehicle is not recommended.