Epic Rocky Mountain Road You Must Ride

The Collegiate Range is vast and impressive

Located in central Colorado on US 24 (65 miles south of I70) sits Buena Vista. Buena Vista offers awesome views and access to many 14'ers (mountains 14,000 feet or higher) in the Sawatch Range.  It also provides the eastern approach to one of the highest and less traveled paved mountain passes in the Rocky Mountains.

Heading west out of Buena Vista on Colorado Highway 306 Mount Princeton towers to the south at an impressive 14,196 feet and to the north Mount Yale rises to 14,199 feet. The magnificent behemoths are members of the Collegiate Peaks range and beautiful valleys loaded with aspens abound.   The road leads to the Cottonwood Pass.  Historically Cottonwood Pass was the major crossing point for travelers and merchants.  For many years it was only paved on the eastern side, but in September 2019 the newly fully paved road on both sides of the pass opened.

The views are awesome

If one approaches the pass from Almont, on the west side of Cottonwood Pass, take Colorado Highway 742 and turn right on Colorado 209 after traveling approximately half way around Taylor Park Reservoir, which is a picturesque mountain lake with Grizzly Peak (13,433) and Jenkins Mountain (13,440) to the north of the reservoir. The paved connection between Buena Vista and Almont is 56.8 miles of curves, vistas, and access to some of Colorado’s best hiking trails and campsites.

Taylor Park Reservoir is surrounded by snow-capped mountains

Cottonwood Pass 12,126 feet

The average grade of the road is 4.1% but has a 6.1% grade at its steepest section. The road ascends 3970 feet from Buena Vista to the 12,126 feet at the top of the pass making it the second highest pass in the USA behind Trail Ridge Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park which rises to 12,183 feet. At the summit the continental divide is crossed and breathtaking views of both sides of the divide can be enjoyed.

 

What a curve!  Looking east from the summit in July

 

Looking east from the pass as the sun is setting - mid June

The road is closed due to snow and/or ice during the colder months but typically open late May till late October or early November. Colorado road closures can be found HERE.

The ride is smile-inducing and the views are world class. Wildlife viewing is always a possibility especially in the earlier morning hours or as the sun sets, caution is advised. The road is popular with bicyclists so be alert.

Buena Vista has a lot of lodging and eating options. 18 miles north of Almont on highway 135 Crested Butte, another beautiful mountain town, has a lot of options or 10 miles south on highway 135 is Gunnison which also has plenty of options.

 

My brother-in-law, Jeff and I at the pass

Western view from the pass in July

 

Cottonwood Pass will not disappoint, but be prepared. 

Some Trave Tips from the Road

Best time to go: Late June through early October. The road usually closes in winter, and snow can linger well into May. Fall is absolutely stunning with the aspens turning.

What to bring: A light jacket (even in summer, it can get chilly up top), water, and snacks. If you’re into hiking, there are trailheads along the way — toss in some boots.

Keep an eye out: Wildlife is common, especially in the early morning and at sunset. Elk, deer, and sometimes bears wander nearby. And remember, cyclists love this road — give them space.

Food + fuel stops: Grab coffee or a burrito in Buena Vista before heading up. On the west side, Crested Butte has tons of great restaurants (plus that mountain-town charm), while Gunnison is bigger and has plenty of practical options.

Photo ops: Don’t miss the pullouts near the summit. The views of both sides of the Divide are the kind of thing you’ll want on your camera roll forever

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A Wyoming Road That is a Must Ride For Motorcycle Riders

The Rocky Mountains stretch from New Mexico to western Canada for 3,000 miles (4,800 kilometers) and is full of great roads that twist through, over and around the mountains.  Inspiring vistas, expansive valleys, meandering rivers and abundant wildlife can be see along the way.

 

Taylor Park Reservoir in the Sawatch Range in central Colorado

 

I have been blessed to ride many, but by no means all, of the Rocky Mountain roads, some paved and a few not paved.  All have unique traits, charm and of course views.

One in Wyoming that I have greatly enjoyed on two different occasions, once as I lead a group to Yellowstone National Park for six days and again when a friend and I were heading to Glacier NP then on to Alaska.  The  scenic road travels north of Cody, WY to US 212 aka Beartooth Pass (which is also a delightful and breathtaking ride).  So in reality combining the two roads makes for an awesome ride full of views and curves.

Surrounded by the Shoshone National Forest the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway aka WY 296 starts 17 miles north of Cody off WY 120.  Turning west the byway curves left and begins to rise and fall for the next few miles before beginning to ascend up to Dead Indian Summit Overlook at 8,071 feet (2,460 meters).  The overlook is 13 miles from WY 120 and is worthy of a stop to soak in the amazing view of some of the most pristine Wyoming landscape. 

Breathtaking vista from the overlook

  

From the overlook one can see the Absaroka Mountains to the west, to the north the Beartooth Mountain Range and the Clarks Fork River down below.   

Absaroka Mountains

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway winds off Dead Indian Summit Pass

 

Overlook to the left and Dead Indian hill to the far right

 

Heading north from the overlook for 32.5 miles the scenic byway continues to provide smile inducing curves, switchbacks, elevation change and massive views until it intersects with US 212.  Turning left will take you to Cooke City, Montana and a gateway to Yellowstone National Park.  Turning right will lead up Beartooth Pass, pass Top of The World Store and on to Red Lodge, Montana.

If you get up to NE Wyoming or South Central Montana don't miss the opportunity to ride Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and Beartooth Highway (closed in the winter).  You will be glad you did.

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Unforgettable Waterfall Experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountains

 

The Smoky Mountains Waterfalls are beautiful

I've had the incredible opportunity to uncover a variety of stunning waterfalls while journeying through

 the breathtaking scenery of Western North Carolina. Many of these hidden gems are conveniently 

 located near the highway, making them easily accessible. If you’re a waterfall lover looking for an 

unforgettable day trip, let me share one of my favorite scenic routes that begins and ends 

in Waynesville, NC!

 

Kick off your adventure on US 276, famously known as Pisgah Highway. You’ll find yourself enchanted

by the twisting roads as you head east. After enjoying the drive, take a turn onto US 64 west, where

you’ll pass through the charming town of Brevard on your way to Highlands. Keep going west on US

64, and you’ll glide through Franklin, eventually connecting with US 23 north to join US 74 East. This

route winds just north of Dillsboro before bringing you back to Waynesville.

Waynesville Waterfall Loop has plenty of fun curves also!

 

As you navigate along US 276, don't miss the chance to stop at some of the region's most mesmerizing

waterfalls. Must-see spots include the iconic Looking Glass Falls, the easily accessible Moore Cove 

Falls (just a 1.5-mile round-trip hike), Upper Log Hollow Falls (a 2.6-mile trek), Barnett Branch Falls (a 

brief 0.7-mile hike), and the exhilarating Sliding Rock Falls. Each waterfall promises a visual delight, 

and the drive itself is filled with scenic twists and turns that make for an exhilarating trip.

The route has twists and turns as well as beautiful scenery

For a unique adventure, make sure to visit Sliding Rock Falls, located just 28 miles southeast of 

Waynesville and 19 miles north of Brevard along US 276. This favored spot is managed by the 

National Forest Service and requires a $5 entry fee per person. Lifeguards are available from 9 AM to 6 

PM during the peak season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, ensuring a safe experience for 

everyone.

The natural slide is fun, refreshing and produces many smiles

What truly makes Sliding Rock Falls stand out is its thrilling opportunity to cool off on a hot southern 

summer day. With a natural 60-foot water slide leading into a refreshing 7-foot deep pool, it’s a fun way 

to beat the heat. The current is just right, guiding you down into the inviting coolness below. While the 

water can be brisk, it’s incredibly refreshing, especially in warm weather. The surrounding landscape 

adds to the ambiance, filled with laughter from fellow adventurers eager to take the plunge.

Sliding Rock Falls is surrounded by old growth trees

 

A visit to Sliding Rock Falls is absolutely worth the trek and small fee—just be prepared for an 

exhilarating splash when you slide in!

A walking path leads behind Dry Falls

As you continue your journey towards Highlands, NC, be sure to take in the sights of Sequoyah Falls 

and Bridal Veil Falls along US 64, just a short distance of less than three miles. More waterfalls await, 

including Dry Falls, Quarry Falls, and Cullasaja Falls. One of the most unique experiences is being able 

to park and walk behind Bridal Veil Falls, a thrill not offered at many other spots!

Bridal Veils Fall pullout allows for a unique perspective

 

Each town on this delightful 135-mile loop has its own charm, featuring inviting shops and cozy “mom 

and pop” restaurants renowned for their delicious meals. This route is a treasure trove of winding 

roads, extraordinary landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and outstanding hiking trails, all just waiting to 

be discovered!

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* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

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Epic views from National Scenic Byway - Beartooth Highway

View from Beartooth Highway

 

 

I love mountain air and the amazing vistas.  I enjoy looking out in all directions and seeing miles of valleys, mountains, lakes, and wilderness. Some mountain passes are breathtaking.   I take a lot of photos even though the photos never capture the awesome beauty.

On my trip to Yellowstone and again on my trip to Alaska I made plans to ride US 212 a.ka. the Beartooth Highway that connects Montana and Wyoming by way of Beartooth Pass.  The Beartooth Highway is designated an "All-American Road" which means the US Department of Transportation deems the road worthy of being a tourist destination unto itself, due to the scenic uniqueness.  Of the 150 National Scenic Byways there are only 37 roads with the distinguished All-American Road designation and this one is well deserving. 

Top of the pass in late June - no snow or ice on the roads luckily

 

The  Beartooth Highway runs 67 miles from Red Lodge, MT to Silver Gate, MT (northeast gateway to Yellowstone NP) crossing the MT/WY state line twice.  The 38 miles stretch between WY 296/ Chief Joseph Highway (another great road) and a point about 12 miles west of Red Lodge, MT is the most scenic, invigorating, and challenging portion of the road.  The road has breathtaking vistas, hairpin curves, elevation changes, sweeping curves and wildlife.

The Beartooth Highway twisting up the mountain

 

The road reaches an elevation of 10,947 ft. at Beartooth Pass.  Cliff hugging switchbacks, tight curves, steep grades, and mountain plateaus make for an amazing stretch of pavement.  The high elevation makes drastic weather changes a constant possibility so riders should be prepared.  When we rode up on July 15 the temperature dropped about 25 degrees from the Beartooth Highway/Chief Joseph Highway intersection to the pass and state line.  We had to stop and bundle up before we got too high.  Glad we did since it was cold and windy at the pass.

Heading towards the pass

 

At the pass and at the MT/WY state line we enjoyed the vast scenery.  It was amazing.  The mountain lakes were deep blue, the peaks were still snow capped, the meadows were alive and green, and the vibrant tundra stretched out around us.  Both sides of the pass are fantastic and challenging. 

 Twin Lakes 

 

 Beartooth Mountains

 

Forest and stream on west side of the pass

 

There is one store along the route known as the "Top of the World Resort."  You can get fuel, snacks, drinks, t-shirts, and souvenirs.  There is also a nice area with picnic tables to sit and enjoy the surroundings.  The staff was very friendly and informative.  We enjoyed a nice break on top of the world.  If one was so inclined the resort has lodging available.

Top of the World store - a great place stop

 

 

The road offers great views and fun curves

 

We hit the pass around noon so the chance to see much wildlife was not good.  We were too late (or too early depending on how you want to look at it).   We did see some bison not too far from the road as we were heading to Cooke City, WY.

Bison roaming near the road - watch out!

 

The Beartooth Highway is a great All-American Road and is well worth the ride.  The beauty and the fun is intense.  If you get to that area of this great country make sure to include US 212.  You will not be disappointed.

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

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