Driving the rough 4×4 road to Argentine Pass in Colorado
Usa, north-america
12.71 km
4,034 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're headed to Argentine Pass, clocking in at a whopping 13,234 feet above sea level in the heart of Colorado! You'll find this bad boy straddling Clear Creek and Summit counties, nestled in the White River National Forest.
Originally a wagon road from way back in 1867, this route (aka County Road 352) stretches for about 7.9 miles from Guanella Pass Road. Forget pavement – it's all about that rugged, unadulterated 4x4 experience here.
Speaking of 4x4, you'll NEED a high-clearance vehicle. Think narrow paths, seriously steep climbs, hairpin turns galore, and rocks, rocks, rocks! We're talking moderate difficulty with a few stream crossings thrown in to keep things interesting. Oversized vehicles should definitely sit this one out.
Keep in mind this is a summer-only adventure. Snow can linger well into the season, so plan accordingly. You can only drive to the pass from the Georgetown side, the other side (Horseshoe Basin) is strictly for hikers and bikers.
The payoff? OMG, the VIEWS! And plenty of parking at the top. Don’t miss the Santiago Mine and Ghost Town (but be respectful, it's private property!). Gaze north for killer views of Grays & Torreys Peaks. On the way back, enjoy the fast and furious ride and amazing views of Peru Creek.
Just a heads up, the climb is real. You're gaining over 3,600 feet from Guanella Pass Road. That's an average gradient of almost 9%! But trust me, the panoramic vistas from the Continental Divide are worth every bump and grind.
Where is it?
Driving the rough 4×4 road to Argentine Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.9913, -95.3328
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 12.71 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,034 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 39.9913, -95.3328
Related Roads in north-america
extremeA wild road to Pipestone Pass in MT
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, listen up! I just tackled Pipestone Pass in Montana, and let me tell you, it's a stunner. We're talking a seriously high mountain pass sitting pretty at 6,469 feet. The whole thing's paved, winding its way through the eastern foothills of the Rockies. But don't think it's a Sunday drive! This baby's got curves and some seriously steep sections to keep you on your toes. Plus, Mother Nature can throw some curveballs, especially in winter – think black ice, blizzards, and winds that'll try to blow you off the road. Located in southern Montana's Pioneer Mountains, inside the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, it's about 29 miles of pure driving bliss (and a little bit of white-knuckle action). It connects Butte to Whitehall. Budget around 40-50 minutes to soak it all in – and maybe grab a photo or two! Oh, and keep an eye out for the Mount Patterson radio site. Happy trails!
hardWhere is Mengel Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Mengel Pass, a wild ride through Death Valley National Park in California! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. You'll find this rough-and-tumble track in Inyo County, linking Panamint Valley to the west with the stunning Butte Valley on the east. This 5-mile dirt track, also known as Coyote Canyon Road, gets its name from Carl Mengel, an old-time prospector. In fact, his stacked rock memorial marks the summit. Keep an eye out for it! So, what makes it so special? Well, Mengel Pass is a notorious Jeep trail, famed for being the spot where Charles Manson was captured. You'll need a proper 4WD vehicle. Think gnarly terrain – steep, rutted, and rocky. It's a long and slow route so bring extra fuel, plenty of water, and definitely don't go it alone. The ever-changing road conditions make it a true challenge. Even experienced drivers will find it demanding, and some SUVs might struggle. But trust me, the solitude and spectacular scenery are worth the effort. Just be prepared for anything – mechanical issues, medical emergencies, you name it. Oh, and those scattered body panels you'll see? Consider them a cautionary tale! Keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic in tight spots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
hardWhere is Medano Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Medano Pass in Colorado is calling your name, but be warned, this ain't your typical Sunday drive. We're talking about a high-altitude trek reaching a whopping 10,013 feet! Nestled between Saguache and Huerfano counties, near the Great Sand Dunes National Park, this 20-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated off-road goodness (aka County Road 559) will take you from the dunes to Highway 69 in style, or at least, in a very bumpy fashion. Now, let's be real: this road is *rough*. Deep sand? Check. Nine creek crossings? You betcha. Rocky, steep sections that'll test your driving skills? Absolutely. We're talking single-lane shelf roads, moderate grades, and enough loose road surface to keep you on your toes. Seriously, you'll be navigating flat rock obstacles and potentially facing some dicey descents. Oh, and those creek crossings? They can be deceptively deep, especially during spring runoff. We're talking potentially two feet or more of water, depending on the time of year. So, what do you need to tackle this beast? A 4WD vehicle is a *must*. Forget your cute little AWD crossovers; they'll get stuck faster than you can say "I need a tow." Airing down your tires is also a smart move, especially if you're not a sand-driving pro. Keep in mind this pass is typically closed from November to late May due to snow, and even in summer, Mother Nature can throw a wrench in your plans with unexpected closures due to snow or high creek levels. Always check conditions before heading out! If you do brave the journey, expect the drive to take around 2.5 to 3 hours without stops. The warmer months are ideal, but fall offers some seriously stunning scenery. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
hardWhere is Taylor Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Taylor Pass in Colorado? This spot is seriously high – like, 11,948 feet high! – right on the border of Gunnison and Pitkin counties. Legend has it, it's named after some gold-seeking pioneer named Jim Taylor. Heads up, though: getting to the top is no joke. You're looking at about 4.7 miles of totally unpaved road (Express Creek Road/Forest Service Road 15C), think rocks, boulders, the works. Leave your sedan at home; you'll need a legit 4x4 with high clearance. There’s even a creek crossing that can be tricky – scout it out before you commit, as there can be some surprisingly deep spots. It's steep too; some sections hit a 20% grade! The road's generally closed from October to July, thanks to snow. But hit it at the right time (think late summer), and you’re in for a treat. It takes about two hours to crawl up, but the views from the top are insane, overlooking the Elk and Collegiate Peaks Ranges. Plus, in summer, wildflowers are popping everywhere, and if you catch it in early fall, the aspen trees are mind-blowingly colorful. Just be prepared for a serious off-road adventure!