
Crossing rivers on the scenic Halfmoon Road in Colorado
Usa, north-america
19.63 km
3,596 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Halfmoon Road (aka Halfmoon Creek Trail) in Colorado's Lake County is calling your name! Starting near Leadville (off CO-300), this 12.2-mile off-road track winds its way up to the historic Champion Mill, topping out at a cool 11,797 feet. Feeling ambitious? A smaller gravel path beyond the mill climbs even higher to Mount Champion at 12,893 feet.
Now, this isn't your Sunday cruise. Expect a bumpy, unpaved adventure with multiple river crossings (Halfmoon Creek). A high-clearance 4x4 is a MUST, especially in spring when the water can get seriously deep – hood-deep, even! Heads up, folks: this road is currently closed. You can still reach the Halfmoon East and West Campgrounds though. Snow makes it impassable from late October to late June/early July, so plan accordingly.
The scenery? Absolutely stunning Colorado landscapes! The road gets seriously steep with gradients hitting 14% in places. Over the 12.2 miles, you'll climb over 2,000 feet from Leadville, averaging a 3.56% grade. It's a climb, but the views are worth it!
Where is it?
Crossing rivers on the scenic Halfmoon Road in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.1258, -98.9137
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19.63 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,596 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.1258, -98.9137
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhere are Lanfair Road and Ivanpah Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! I've got a killer route for you in southeastern California, right near the Nevada border, twisting through the Mojave Desert on Lanfair and Ivanpah Roads. Think epic high desert vibes! We're talking about a 45.9-mile (73.86 km) stretch starting from the cool, historic spot of Goffs and heading north. You'll climb to some serious elevation, soaking in views that go on forever. Now, here's the thing: while parts of this road are paved, the majority is graded dirt. Usually, a regular car can handle it, especially in dry conditions. But, watch out! After storms, it can get a little gnarly with washouts and sandy patches. A higher clearance vehicle is recommended, and honestly, 4x4 is your best friend out here. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! And get this: this road even made a cameo in the opening of the cult classic film! If you're looking for a scenic desert adventure, this one's a must-do. Just be prepared for a bit of off-road fun!
extremeWhere is Louis Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, listen up, adventurers! Wanna escape to a pristine alpine lake in Wyoming? Then you NEED to experience Louis Lake. This gem sits high in the Shoshone National Forest, at a cool 8,585 feet! To get there, hop on Forest Road 300, also known as Louis Lake Road or the Loop Road by the locals. It’s a 36.7-mile ride from Lander, snaking north before connecting to Dickinson Avenue, north of Atlantic City. Get ready for hairpin turns galore! Most of the road is paved, but be warned, trailers longer than 24 feet are a no-go. Heads up, the road climbs to a lung-busting 9,603 feet, so expect closures during the winter months. Usually, it reopens around Memorial Day, so plan accordingly. Trust me, the views are worth the wait!
extremeIs the road to Heckman Pass in BC paved?
🇨🇦 Canada
Get ready for Heckman Pass, a wild ride in west-central British Columbia, Canada! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 75.6 km (46.97 miles) stretch of mostly unpaved road, AKA Highway 20, also known as the Chilcotin Bella Coola Highway. You'll find it west of Anahim Lake, marking the spot where the Chilcotin Plateau dives into the Bella Coola Valley. Locals call it 'The Hill', and for good reason. Built back in 1953, this road is a testament to grit and determination. Imagine two bulldozers, a promise of payment, and a whole lot of elbow grease carving a path through the Rainbow Range. It took them just over a year to complete this lifeline, now often referred to as "Freedom Road" by those who remember the isolation before. The pass peaks at 1,524m (5,000ft) and the views? Stunning. But hold on tight! The most talked-about part is a 10 km section of steep switchbacks. We're talking up to 18% grades and 11 hairpin curves that'll test your brakes. This narrow dirt road clings to a cliff face, where only a tiny wall separates you from a major drop. No guardrails here, folks! Locals take it seriously, knowing a slip could mean a long tumble. Standard cars can handle it, but pay attention, especially downhill, or those wheels might just slip out from under you. Allow about an hour to drive it. Oh, and remember, winter tires or chains are a must from October 1 to April 30.
moderateIs the road to Powder River Pass in WY paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Powder River Pass in Wyoming, a sky-high spot chilling at 9,666 feet! You'll find this gem in Johnson County, nestled in the north-central part of the state. The route? It's all smooth sailing on US Highway 16, totally paved and generally pretty quiet. Don't expect a wild, white-knuckle ride. While you’ll gain some serious altitude, the road's not crazy steep – think a max of 8% gradient on some ramps. It's twisty, though, so keep an eye on those speed limits! You can usually hit this pass year-round, but remember, it's high in the Bighorn Mountains, so winter weather can throw a curveball and cause temporary closures. The stretch itself? You're looking at about 46.4 miles (74.67 km) of gorgeousness, running from Meadowlark Lake to Buffalo, right through the heart of the Bighorn National Forest. And the scenery? Oh, it’s epic! Picture this: towering rocky cliffs, lush pine forests, and sparkling rivers winding alongside you. Plus, the summit has a massive parking area where you can soak it all in. Road trip gold!