The Most Dangerous Mountain Passes in America

Roads That Climb Into the Weather

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A mountain pass is where a road crosses the high point of a range, and in the United States many of them climb past 10,000 feet, with steep grades, sharp switchbacks and weather that changes in minutes. What makes a pass dangerous isn't always the road itself. Exposure is a big factor, with narrow lanes, minimal or no guardrails and long drops. Altitude weakens engines and brakes and affects drivers. Snow can fall any month of the year at the highest passes, and avalanches, rockslides and washouts regularly close roads. Rankings of the most dangerous passes are mostly opinion, since official crash statistics aren't compiled for each road. Even so, the 12 passes below have reputations earned through narrow lanes, steep grades or severe weather, and some are closed for much of the year. Check conditions with the state transportation department before you drive, and slow down, use low gears and keep your fuel tank full.

Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming

U.S. 212 climbs to nearly 11,000 feet across the Beartooth Mountains between Red Lodge, Montana, and Cooke City, covering about 68 miles. The original road was only 14 feet wide, and drivers once drifted into oncoming traffic before guardrails were installed. Today it's paved and well maintained, but hairpin turns, steep drop-offs and rapidly changing weather still make it a challenge. Snow can fall in any month, and the road is generally open only from late May through mid-October, with closures for snow and wind possible even then. Allow at least two hours to drive it, and more if you stop at the overlooks. Fog and thunderstorms roll in quickly, and the high elevation reduces engine power. Check conditions before you go, keep your fuel topped off and be ready to turn back if the weather turns.

Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

Trail Ridge Road crosses Rocky Mountain National Park, reaching roughly 12,183 feet at its high point, which makes it the highest continuously paved road in the country by many accounts. The road runs for miles above treeline, with steep drop-offs and, in many sections, no guardrails. Altitude plays a role: at 12,000 feet, engines lose power and brakes can overheat on long descents, so use a lower gear. Weather is a major factor, with afternoon thunderstorms and sudden snow even in summer. The road closes in winter, typically from mid-October to Memorial Day, and it may close temporarily when storms hit. Elk and other wildlife often wander onto the road. Take your time, use pullouts to let faster traffic pass and be prepared for temperature swings of 30 degrees or more between the base and the top.

Independence Pass, Colorado

Independence Pass is on Colorado Highway 82 between Aspen and Twin Lakes, topping out at about 12,095 feet on the Continental Divide. It's a paved road, but one stretch in particular is narrow and exposed, with tight turns and drop-offs, and large vehicles can have trouble passing. Rockslides and avalanches occur in spring and early summer as snow melts. The pass is closed in winter, typically from November to Memorial Day weekend, and the Colorado Department of Transportation has restrictions on vehicle length. Altitude, tight corners and sudden weather make it a challenge for unprepared drivers. Vehicles longer than 35 feet are prohibited on the most winding section, so trailers and big RVs should take another route. Drive slowly, use pullouts and keep an eye on oncoming traffic around blind corners.

Red Mountain Pass and the Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

U.S. 550 between Silverton and Ouray crosses Red Mountain Pass at about 11,018 feet and is nicknamed the Million Dollar Highway. The road clings to the San Juan Mountains with sheer drop-offs, tight curves and, in many places, little or no guardrail. Avalanches are a major danger, since the road passes through numerous slide paths, and winter closures for avalanche control are common. The stretch near Ouray is especially nerve-wracking in poor weather, with a cliff face on one side and a canyon on the other. The road is open year-round, but conditions can be treacherous, and snow and ice are possible even in fall and spring. Visitors who aren't comfortable with heights should consider driving north to south, which puts you on the inside lane. Check CDOT road conditions before you go.

Going-to-the-Sun Road and Logan Pass, Montana

Going-to-the-Sun Road crosses Glacier National Park over Logan Pass at 6,646 feet, and the road is regarded as one of the most beautiful, and tricky, drives in America. The narrow road has little room, with a sheer wall on one side and a steep drop on the other. Vehicle size restrictions apply, since parts of the road can't handle long vehicles. Traffic can be heavy in summer, and the park has used timed-entry reservations in recent seasons. Weather is unpredictable: snow can fall in any month at the pass, and the road is generally fully open only from late June to mid-October because of plowing. Rockfall, construction and wildlife jams slow things down. Take your time, use the pullouts to let others pass and avoid driving when visibility is poor.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway, Colorado

The road to the summit of Mount Evans reaches about 14,130 feet, making it one of the highest paved roads in North America. The road is winding and steep, with sharp hairpins, steep drop-offs and, in places, no guardrail. Altitude sickness is a real concern for drivers and passengers, as is reduced engine performance. Weather can change rapidly, with thunderstorms common in the afternoon and snow possible any month. The upper road is open only for a few months in summer, typically opening around Memorial Day and closing in early fall, depending on conditions and road repairs, and in recent years visitors have needed a reservation or timed entry. Check the Forest Service for current rules. Vehicles over a certain length are not allowed. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep often wander across the road, so drive slowly.

Donner Pass, California

Donner Pass on Interstate 80 crosses the Sierra Nevada at around 7,200 feet and has one of the snowiest winter climates in the country. It earned its name from the ill-fated Donner Party, who were trapped by early snow in the winter of 1846 to 1847. Today, the pass is a major freight corridor and closes frequently during storms, with chain controls and traffic holds common. Heavy snowfall, whiteouts, ice and avalanche control all make winter driving risky. Drivers who ignore chain requirements can block the road for everyone. The state's Caltrans provides updates on chain controls and closures, and it's wise to carry chains, extra food, water and blankets. In summer, the pass is a scenic drive with the old Lincoln Highway running alongside, and conditions are usually much easier. Check forecasts before you cross in winter.

Teton Pass, Wyoming

Teton Pass carries Wyoming Highway 22 between Jackson and Victor, Idaho, topping out at about 8,431 feet. Grades reach roughly 10 percent, with tight switchbacks and long descents that can overheat brakes. Trucks and RVs have been involved in runaway accidents, and the road has runaway truck ramps. Heavy snow and ice are common in winter, and the state closes the road for avalanche control. In recent years, landslides have damaged the highway and forced extended closures, disrupting the commute for local workers. The road is open year-round, but conditions can change fast, and tire chains are sometimes required. Large vehicles are discouraged from using it without caution, and trailers should be checked carefully. Slow down on descents, use a low gear instead of riding your brakes, and check WYDOT for current status before you go.

Sonora Pass, California

Sonora Pass on California Highway 108 crosses the Sierra at about 9,600 feet, and it has some of the steepest grades of any state highway in California, with sections reaching up to 26 percent. The road is narrow, with tight curves and little room to pass, and it's not recommended for long trailers or large RVs. It's open only in summer, generally from late May to November, and heavy snows close it for the rest of the year. Vehicles may need low gears for the steep descents, and brakes can overheat. Cell service is spotty, and the area is remote, so fill your tank and bring extra supplies. The scenery, with granite peaks and alpine meadows, is spectacular, but there's no margin for error. Check Caltrans for current conditions and closures before you set out.

Ebbetts Pass, California

Ebbetts Pass on California Highway 4 crosses the Sierra at about 8,730 feet and is one of the narrowest state highways. Large portions turn into single-lane stretches with tight hairpin turns, and drivers often have to back up to let oncoming vehicles pass. Trailers longer than a certain length are prohibited on parts of the road because they can't make the turns. The road is closed in winter, generally from November to late spring. The scenery is beautiful, with forests, lakes and granite peaks, and traffic is much lighter than on the nearby Tioga Pass. Cell service is limited, so plan accordingly and carry supplies. Because there's limited room for error, take it slowly and use pullouts. It's a classic example of a road that looks short on a map but takes much longer than expected.

Loveland Pass, Colorado

Loveland Pass on U.S. 6 climbs to about 11,990 feet, crossing the Continental Divide west of Denver. It's also the required route for vehicles carrying hazardous materials, which are prohibited from the Eisenhower Tunnel, so it sees a lot of heavy truck traffic. The road has steep grades, tight switchbacks and avalanche paths, and winter storms can close it for avalanche control. Ice and snow are common from fall through spring, and the road has no shoulders in some places. Because of its closeness to ski areas, traffic can be heavy on weekends. Visitors should have good tires, check CDOT conditions and be prepared for long delays. Summer driving is easier, but sudden storms and thunderstorms remain a concern. Give trucks plenty of room, and don't stop in the road to take photos.

Wolf Creek Pass, Colorado

Wolf Creek Pass carries U.S. 160 across the Continental Divide at about 10,857 feet in southwestern Colorado. The area gets some of the heaviest snowfall in the state, often more than 400 inches in a season, and the road is steep and winding with sharp curves. Avalanche danger, ice and strong winds make winter driving risky, and the highway sometimes closes for avalanche control or crashes. Large trucks have a long history of brake problems on the descent, and there are runaway truck ramps. The road is open year-round, but drivers should carry chains, extra food and warm clothing in winter. In summer, the road is a scenic route through spruce forest, but thunderstorms and fog can reduce visibility. Check CDOT for road conditions before leaving, and be patient with slow traffic.

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