The 7 Most Terrifying Drives You Can Possibly Take In Colorado

What is the deadliest highway in Colorado?

The deadliest highway in Colorado has been known to be Interstate 25 (I-25), particularly the stretch through the Denver area, due to its high volume of traffic, frequent congestion, and significant number of accidents. However, it's important to note that the specific "deadliest" designation can vary based on different metrics, such as the total number of accidents, fatalities per mile, or conditions of the road.

Another notably dangerous road in Colorado is the I-70, especially through the mountains. This interstate sees a significant amount of traffic, including heavy vehicles and semi-trucks, and the mountainous terrain can make driving conditions treacherous, especially in winter with snow and ice or in summer with heavy tourist traffic.

However, when considering the deadliest roads regarding driving challenges and potential hazards, many point to the mountain passes, such as Million Dollar Highway (U.S. Route 550), which is part of the San Juan Skyway. It is renowned for its scenic beauty, as well as its lack of guardrails, steep cliffs, and narrow lanes, making it a thrilling but potentially dangerous drive.

What are the steepest roads in Colorado?

Colorado, with its rugged terrain and towering mountain ranges, is home to some of the steepest roads in the United States. These roads challenge even the most experienced drivers with sharp inclines, tight switchbacks, and breathtaking altitudes. Here are a few notable examples:

• Black Bear Pass: Located near Telluride, Black Bear Pass is notorious for its steep grade, narrow paths, and sharp switchbacks. It's a one-way road from the summit down to Telluride, with certain sections having a gradient of over 30%. This road is recommended only for experienced drivers in high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Mount Evans Scenic Byway: As the highest paved road in North America, the Mount Evans Scenic Byway ascends to an elevation of 14,130 feet above sea level. The road has sections with steep grades, offering dramatic views as it climbs above the treeline to the summit of Mount Evans.
• Pikes Peak Highway: This famous toll road leads to the summit of Pikes Peak at an elevation of 14,115 feet. The highway has sections that are quite steep, with grades approaching 10.5%. The road is fully paved, making it accessible to most vehicles, but its elevation gain of over 4,700 feet in just a few miles makes it a challenging and steep drive.
• Red Mountain Pass: Part of the Million Dollar Highway (U.S. Route 550) between Ouray and Silverton, Red Mountain Pass features steep grades and lacks guardrails over much of its route. With elevations of over 11,000 feet and grades up to 8%, this road is scenic and daunting.
• Independence Pass: Connecting Aspen and Leadville, Independence Pass is one of the highest paved passes in Colorado. The road traverses the Continental Divide at an elevation of approximately 12,095 feet and includes steep sections, especially on the western approach to Aspen.

These roads highlight Colorado's dramatic topography and offer some of the most challenging and scenic driving experiences in the country. Travelers are advised to drive these roads with caution, especially considering the variable weather conditions that can include snow, ice, and fog, even during the summer months.