
Darley Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,997 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Darley Mountain in Colorado's Ouray County is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking serious elevation β almost 13,113 feet high! Nestled in the stunning San Juan mountains, the old mining road to get you there is a zig-zagging beast of rocks and gravel, and currently closed to motorized vehicles.. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance if that ever changes, and even then, your window of opportunity is super narrow β think late August if you're lucky. Keep an eye out for remnants of the area's mining past as you climb. Be prepared for some serious wind β it's pretty much a constant up there, so hold onto your hats (and your doors!). Even in summer, snow's not out of the question. The reward? Unbelievable panoramic views of the entire San Juan Range. Seriously, the payoff is worth the effort.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,997 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Goldstone Pass?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, so you're craving a wild ride? Check out Goldstone Pass! It's perched way up on the Idaho-Montana border, a whopping 9,101 feet high. Seriously breathtaking. You'll find this beauty straddling Lemhi County, Idaho, and Beaverhead County, Montana, smack-dab in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Heads up: the road to the top is unpaved, so a high-clearance vehicle is your best bet. On the Montana side it's Goldstone Road, and in Idaho it's Pratt Creek Road. Did I mention it's one of the highest roads in Idaho? The climb is pretty intense. From Bloody Dick Road, it's a 3.5-mile push, gaining 1,456 feet in elevation. Expect an average grade of almost 8%, with some ramps hitting over 10%! Keep an eye out for cool, abandoned mining relics along the way. Just a heads up: this route's usually open from late May to early November, depending on the snow. Perfect for a summer/fall adventure!
moderateWhere is McClellan Mountain?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, so you wanna bag a peak in Colorado? Check out McClellan Mountain! This baby tops out at a cool 13,110 feet, making it one of the highest drivable spots in the state. You'll find it west of Georgetown, in the northern part of the state. The route up follows the old Argentine Central Railroad bed β a seriously impressive feat of engineering from way back in 1905. Get ready for six switchbacks where the train used to zigzag its way up the mountain. Now, listen up: this isn't a Sunday cruise. The road is 100% unpaved and rocky. You're gonna need a proper SUV with low-range to tackle this one. Expect tight switchbacks and some seriously challenging terrain. The first section, right off Guanella Pass Road, is probably the toughest part, so be ready for it. The whole thing is about 8.7 miles from the pavement of Guanella Pass Road, and you'll climb over 3,000 feet β that's an average gradient of around 7%! Best to hit this one in the summer, when the snow's gone. And the views? Totally worth it. Plus, you get to check out historic spots like the old railroad remains along the way. Epic!
moderateWhen was Tripoli Road built?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire, wind in your hair (okay, maybe through the open window!). You're on Tripoli Road, also known as Forest Road 30, and itβs a total hidden gem. This 11.2-mile (18.02 km) dirt road connects Woodstock to Waterville Valley. Built in 1934 and named after the old Tripoli mill, itβs a winding, unpaved adventure. Be prepared for some steep climbs β we're talking up to a 9.6% gradient in spots! The road peaks at 2,372 feet (723 m) above sea level at Thornton Gap. Fall is the BEST time to go, the foliage is insane. Heads up though, it gets crowded during weekends and holidays. You'll need a pass to enter the area. Oh, and one more thing: Tripoli Road is only open from mid-May to October, so plan your trip accordingly. It's not plowed in winter! Get ready for some unforgettable scenery!
easyTravel Guide to Lolo Pass in Oregon
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Lolo Pass in Oregon, a sweet mountain escape sitting pretty at 3,444 feet. You'll find it nestled in the Mt. Hood National Forest, straddling Hood River and Clackamas counties. Lolo Pass Road (aka Forest Road 18) is your path to glory, about 40 miles southwest of Hood River. The southwest climb is paved, but hold onto your hats because the actual pass is gravel that leads down the northeast side. Word to the wise: winter slams the door shut with heavy snow, so plan accordingly. This route isn't a walk in the park, and trailers are a definite no-no. Historically, Native Americans used this as a trading route, but the current road dates back to 1955. Get ready for stunning views and a true off-the-beaten-path experience!