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
hardHow long is the W Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! Just north of Chattanooga, Tennessee, lies the legendary W Road, a 3.2-mile paved ribbon of fun that twists between East Brow Road and Mountain Creek Road. Why "W"? Because this baby’s got switchbacks galore! After a gentle start, things get wild near the top with turns bending back on themselves almost 180 degrees. Seriously, you might catch a glimpse of your own taillights! Built way back in 1892, this road has seen some upgrades over the years, but the design? Still the same challenging curves it always was. Speaking of challenges, this isn’t a Sunday drive. We're talking seriously steep sections (up to 17.6% grade!), so you need your wits about you. Cut those corners too tight, and you'll be scraping your undercarriage, too wide, and you'll be in the opposite lane. Heads up, big rig drivers: this one's not for you. Vehicles over 22 feet and trailers are a no-go. Trust me, you do not want to get stuck up there! So, if you're looking for a thrilling (and slightly intimidating) drive with some amazing views, buckle up and take on the W Road!
hardWhy is it called Mount Lowe?
🇺🇸 Usa
The Mount Lowe Fire Road, nestled in sunny Los Angeles County, California, is a real blast from the past! Named after Professor Thaddeus S.C. Lowe, this gravel fire trail winds its way for about 8.5 miles (13.67km) from Brown Mountain Truck Trail to Mt Wilson Red Box Road. It's a steep climb, mind you, with gradients hitting a hefty 20% in places. Built on the remnants of a scenic tourist railway (that whisked visitors up to Mount Lowe and Echo Mountain back in the day — think 1893!), this road offers more than just a workout. You can explore the ruins at Echo Mountain and the Alpine Tavern, and spot fascinating bits of Americana and relics from yesteryear. Think old tunnels, bridges, and hotel ruins. It's also your jumping-off point to conquer San Gabriel Peak, Mt. Disappointment, and a few other peaks in the area. While the lower section is paved, most of the trail is unpaved, snaking through the Angeles National Forest with amazing views of mountains, canyons, and pine forests. Be warned, it's closed to motorized vehicles (barrier at both ends!), so plan on hiking or biking. The last half-mile or so leading to Eaton Saddle can be a bit tricky, often impassable to vehicles, and goes right through a tunnel. This section clings to the dramatic south face of San Gabriel Peak. Definitely a trip for those who love a bit of history and a good leg burn!
moderateCoyote Flat is a steep rocky road for high clearance 4X4's in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Coyote Flat! This hidden gem, perched high in California's Inyo County, clocks in at a whopping 10,042 feet above sea level. We're talking serious altitude! Nestled within the Inyo National Forest, Coyote Flat isn't just any road; it's one of California's highest! Originally carved out as a mining road back in the '40s, this 16-mile unpaved beauty (aka Coyote Valley Road) kicks off near Bishop and throws you straight into the wild. Heads up: winter shuts this place down hard. Think late October to late June/early July impassable. So plan accordingly, and pack everything you need – there are zero services up here. But the views, oh the views! Think grazing deer, maybe even a glimpse of the majestic Palisade Glacier to the south. Keep your eyes peeled for coyotes, bears, and even elusive mountain lions! Now, let's talk terrain. Expect a steep and rocky ride, with some sandy sections thrown in for good measure. Most of the trail is manageable, but those rocky parts definitely require a high-clearance 4x4. As you climb out of Bishop, the road snakes through canyons and pine-covered ridges. Pro tip: if you're hitting this spot in mid-summer, mosquito repellent is your best friend.
easyWhere is Hershberger Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Hershberger Mountain in southwestern Oregon's Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about a completely unpaved, bumpy, and pothole-filled climb to a historic WWII aircraft warning station, later refurbished and now on the National Historic Lookout Register. Starting from the scenic Highway 230 (Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway), you've got about 11 miles of rough, unpaved road ahead. Get ready for an elevation gain of around 3,000 feet, which translates to a pretty consistent gradient. A 4x4 is highly recommended, and forget about bringing your low-clearance car – especially for that final, super gnarly stretch. But trust me, it’s worth it! You'll be weaving through gorgeous forests, passing meadows bursting with wildflowers, and treated to miles and miles of stunning panoramic views, no matter the time of year. Hershberger Mountain isn't just a drive; it's an experience.