An old 4wd road to Mount Edwards
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,844 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, picture this: You're in Colorado's Summit County, surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, smack-dab in the Arapaho National Forest. Ready to tackle Mount Edwards?
This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about an old, unpaved mining road that climbs to a whopping 12,611 feet! Word is, you can't even drive it anymore, so dust off those hiking boots!
Starting from Peru Creek Trail (Forest Service Road 260), it's a quick jaunt of just over half a mile. Don't let the short distance fool you, though, because you'll be gaining some serious elevation, with sections clocking in around a 10% grade.
You'll likely find this adventure accessible from March to November, though snow can hang around at the summit well into July. Once you're up there, prepare to be blown away. The views of Grays, Torreys, and Kelso Peaks, plus Stevens Gulch far below, are simply epic.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,844 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Bears Ears Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Bears Ears Peak in northwestern Colorado, practically waving hello to Wyoming! Nestled in the Medicine Bow–Routt National Forests, this trek isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking a gravelly climb that tops out around 11,000 feet. You'll start on County Road 2W and ascend about 17 miles of unpaved, bumpy terrain. Seriously, high clearance is your best friend here. Keep in mind, this road is usually snowed in until late spring/early summer. But hey, if you're up for an off-the-beaten-path journey with epic views, Bears Ears Peak might just be your next unforgettable drive!
hardA memorable road trip to Badger Mountain in CO
🇺🇸 Usa
Badger Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.427m (11,243ft) above the sea level, located in Park County, in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Colorado. Set high in the South Park Hills of the Rocky Mountains, within Pike National Forest the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Forest Road 228 (Badger Mountain Road). The route is mellow, gaining elevation gradually, and mostly shaded. A solid 4x4 with good clearance can drive to just below the summit register. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season. It is not generally snow-free until late June or even July in some years. The drive is pretty steep, hitting a 10.3% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Starting at , the ascent is 6.92km (4.3 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 455 meters. The average percentage is 6.57%. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardHow to get by car to Tomboy ghost town in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Deep in Colorado's San Miguel County, perched at a breathtaking 11,423 feet, lies the ghost town of Tomboy. Once a bustling mining hub in the 1880s, home to a thousand souls, it now stands frozen in time since its mine closed in 1927 (though some tunnel work continued 'til '78!). Getting there? Let's just say it's an adventure. Starting near Telluride, Tomboy Road (K68 Road), is a 4.5-mile unpaved rollercoaster. Think narrow, rough gravel, and seriously steep drop-offs. Oh, and water crossings. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a true 4x4 experience that demands respect and skill. We're talking 14-15% grades on some corners! You'll need a rugged off-road vehicle with high clearance and beefy tires. The road's only open for a couple of months each year! As you climb (gaining 2,532 feet!), keep an eye out for remnants of the old town. The average gradient clocks in at 10.66%, so get ready for a climb. The views are epic, but the weather in the San Juans can change in a heartbeat. Storms roll in fast, and Tomboy is above the treeline, offering little shelter. Halfway up, you'll find the "Social Tunnel," a relic from the early 1900s where, legend has it, miners met ladies from Telluride (since those ladies weren't allowed any closer to the mining towns, so they say!). Allow about 45 minutes for the one-way trip to Tomboy. It's a steep climb offering great views — just remember to respect the road and the elements!
easyOlympic Peninsula Loop Drive, an unbelievable adventure in Washington
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the ultimate Pacific Northwest adventure: the Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive! This scenic journey winds through western Washington, showcasing the state's incredible forests, wildlife, and natural beauty. The loop starts and ends in Seattle, taking you south around the Olympic Peninsula via US Highways 101 and 12, and Washington Highway 8. Clocking in at 329 miles (531 km), this paved route immerses you in the diverse ecosystems of the region. While you *could* technically drive the whole thing in 8 hours non-stop, you'll want at least three days (or more!) to truly soak it all in. Picture this: picturesque shoreline, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, stunning mountain vistas, and even a lush rainforest. Side adventures abound! Timing-wise, May and early June are prime for waterfall viewing, but be aware that higher elevations may still have snow, and beaches can be foggy. July to September brings drier weather and sunshine, but also more crowds. Fall is gorgeous with colorful foliage, and winter offers dramatic, wild beaches—just be prepared for rain. Trust me, this drive is worth it! The Olympic Peninsula Loop is pure road trip bliss.