
Chrysolite Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,669 m
hard
Year-round
Chrysolite Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.669m (12,037ft) above the sea level, located in Chaffee County, Colorado, United States. It’s
one of the highest roads of Colorado.
This infamous gravel road to the summit is rough with several hairpin turns. A very steep maintained (jeep) trail goes almost directly over the top of the peak. It’s called FR 297. Make sure you get your vehicle and yourself well-prepared before driving this road. This is a great trail that offers a little bit of everything -- rocky challenges, fantastic scenery, Colorado history, and access to some great hiking and fishing. Located in the Sawatch Mountains of central Colorado, the road is very rough. 4wd with a high ground clearance vehicle is necessary. Stay away if you're scared of heights. It is subject to winter snowfalls with such a high summit altitude, and it can be impassable anytime when the access is not cleared of snow. After rain, even a single rainfall, conditions of the road can be challenging. Watch out for sudden loose-gravel breaks. Proper preparation is essential to having a safe, enjoyable trip on this road. Always be prepared for winter weather, even in summer.
Signal Peak: Ultimate 4wd destination in NM
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,669 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Cedar Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're just west of Cody, Wyoming, staring up at Cedar Mountain, a beast of a peak rising to 7,890 feet. This isn't just any mountain; it's smack-dab in the heart of the Shoshone Canyon, looming over the Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Oh, and it's ground zero for one of the Wild West's juiciest mysteries: where *really* lies Buffalo Bill Cody? Forget pavement, because the way up is all about the Spirit Mountain Road. It's a totally unpaved, rough and tumble track of gravel and dirt carving its way up those slopes. Seriously, you're gonna want a high-clearance vehicle for this adventure! Clocking in at 5.28 miles from the hardtop, this road throws you into a climb with a hefty 2,785-foot elevation gain. Get ready to crank that steering wheel through around 25 switchbacks as you grind your way skyward. And, uh, hold on tight! We're talking an average grade of around 9%, making for a seriously thrilling climb. The loose gravel and relentless incline are a pure adrenaline rush. But here’s the kicker: If you survive the drive, you're rewarded with some insane panoramic views of Cody and the Absaroka Mountains. And, of course, the real reason most people make the pilgrimage is to see the white buffalo monument atop the mountain. Legend has it that Cody's pals secretly buried him here, overlooking the town he built. Conspiracy theory or truth? You decide!
hardWhere is Bullion King Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Bullion King Lake, a shimmering turquoise jewel nestled high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, just north of Silverton. Getting there? It's an adventure in itself! Forest Road 822 (aka Porphyry Gulch Road or Bullion King Lake Trail) is a totally unpaved 2.9-mile climb starting from the Million Dollar Highway. We're talking about a serious elevation gain here – almost 1,600 feet! That's an average grade of over 10%, so yeah, it gets steep. The road's super narrow with some crazy tight switchbacks, and definitely requires 4WD and some off-road driving skills. There's even a section that's a high, narrow shelf road that might make your palms sweat if you're not used to this kind of thing. Oh, and those steep drop-offs? They're real! You might even see a sign that says "Rough and dangerous road ahead, travel not recommended", but it's not as bad as it sounds. This route is usually snowed in from October to June. At the top, there's a small parking lot, and it's a short walk to the lake itself. But, the views along the way? Incredible! Plus, you'll pass a few cool abandoned mines. Trust me, this drive is worth the effort. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
hardGarfield Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a serious dose of Rocky Mountain high, you HAVE to check out Garfield Peak in Colorado's Chaffee County. We're talking a lung-busting 12,372 feet above sea level! The road up, Lincoln Creek Road (aka County Road 23), is a real beast. Think gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lotta "hold on tight!" This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. You'll be tackling this 11-mile stretch off CO-82 in the Sawatch Range, and trust me, it's steep. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one, and a healthy respect for heights! Wet conditions can turn the road into a muddy mess, so keep an eye on the weather. Oh, and pro tip: don't even THINK about trying this between October and June – it's totally impassable then. The peak itself is named after President James A. Garfield and is a great spot to visit Maggie Gulch mine. But the real reward is the insane scenery. Seriously, the views from the top are worth every white-knuckle moment. So, if you're an experienced off-roader looking for a challenge, Garfield Peak needs to be on your list!
hardCostilla Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Costilla Pass in New Mexico's Colfax County is calling your name. We're talking a sky-high climb to 9,770 feet in the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. The road? Let's just say "character-building." Expect a rough, bumpy, and tippy ride that demands respect. And forget about it in the winter—this pass stays snowed in, often until well into summer. Experienced off-roaders, this one's for you! The trail is narrow, making passing tricky, and it's seriously steep. High clearance is an absolute must—leave the low riders at home. But the views? Oh man, the views are worth every bump and scrape. Get ready for some seriously epic scenery.