How long is Camp Bird Road?
Usa, north-america
8.2 km
3,000 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure on Camp Bird Road, a stunner hidden away southwest of Ouray County, Colorado! This unpaved beauty, also known as County Road 361, stretches for 5.1 miles of pure, compact dirt goodness from Ouray (right off the Million Dollar Highway) up to the historic Camp Bird Mine.
Speaking of Ouray, it's a seriously cool town with roots in the silver and gold rush days. Camp Bird Mine itself is a legend, having churned out over a million ounces of gold since the 1800s!
Now, fair warning: This isn't your average Sunday drive. While the first few miles are pretty chill, things get progressively more "interesting." Think bumpy shelf roads that eventually morph into a moderate 4WD challenge. You'll definitely want some ground clearance, and a 4WD is your best bet. Low-clearance 2WDs? Probably best to skip this one.
The higher you climb, the narrower the road gets, making passing a real pain. Be prepared for potential traffic jams on summer weekends. Plus, keep an eye out for some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 16%! You'll climb to a whopping 9,842 feet above sea level.
But trust me, the views are SO worth it! Just maybe leave your fear of heights at home for this trip.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,000 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Table Rock in Oregon?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you find yourself kicking around Baker County, Oregon, you HAVE to check out Table Rock. We're talking a summit sitting pretty at 7,791 feet, tucked away at the bottom of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest inside the Monument Rock Wilderness. The reward? A sweet fire lookout tower up top! This ain't no replica either; it's the real deal from 1937. But here’s the catch: getting there is an adventure in itself. Forget pavement; you’ll be crawling up NF-1370, a 4.6-mile unpaved road that demands a 4x4. Seriously, if your rig isn't ready to tackle some serious rocks and ruts (we’re talking 10+ inches), you're gonna have a bad time. Oh, and don't even think about it from November to March – Mother Nature slams the door shut with a whole lot of snow. If you start from Elk Flat Campground, you’ll be climbing 1,273 feet over those 4.6 miles, so buckle up for some steady inclines. But trust me, those views? Totally worth the bumpy ride. Get ready for some epic scenery!
moderateHow long is Mormon Emigrant Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the Mormon Emigrant Trail! This beauty winds through El Dorado County, California, stretching 24.5 miles from Sly Park to Highway 88 near Silver Lake. Originally called Iron Mountain Road, it's a fully paved path that offers a glimpse into history as the first wagon route into Northern California. You'll be cruising through the Eldorado National Forest, soaking in the Sierra Nevada views. Be prepared for some steep climbs – we're talking up to a 12% grade in sections! The trail peaks at a cool 7,470 feet above sea level, so expect it to be closed during the winter months (usually opening up again around mid-to-late June). Keep an eye on the weather, too. Summer thunderstorms can roll in, and winter brings heavy snowfall. Plus, nature can throw some curveballs, so stay alert for unexpected road hazards. Oh, and heads up – this area was impacted by the Caldor Fire back in 2021. But trust me, the scenery is worth it!
hardTake An Unforgettable Drive to Deadwood Mountain in ID
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Deep in Idaho's Boise National Forest lies Deadwood Mountain, topping out at 7,565 feet. The prize? An awesome fire lookout tower built way back in 1936. Now, getting there is an adventure in itself. Forget pavement; this is Forest Road 555EC, a 2.5-mile dirt track that'll test your off-roading skills. You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle for this one. Expect narrow, winding paths and some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 11% in places! The road's typically open from late June to mid-October, depending on the weather, so plan accordingly. But trust me, the views from the top are totally worth the white-knuckle drive. Get ready for some stunning scenery!
easyMount Washburn via Chittenden Road: A Scenic Unpaved Journey in the Heart of Yellowstone
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Yellowstone National Park, ready for an adventure up Mount Washburn. You can't drive *all* the way to the top (10,243ft!), but you can get pretty darn close! From the Grand Loop Road, hop onto Chittenden Road, a former wagon route turned gravel track. It's a pretty easy 4.1 miles until you reach the parking lot at 8,743ft. This section is pretty wide, so no need to stress about oncoming traffic. Sure, you'll hit a steep 15% grade in one spot, but it's not too bad. Once you park, you've got a choice: hike or bike the remaining 2.8 miles to the summit. Totally worth it, though! This road, typically open from late May to mid-October, winds through the Washburn Range, and the views are absolutely insane. At the peak, you can see Yellowstone's northern reaches and, if you're lucky, even the Tetons in the distance! Watch out for those afternoon thunderstorms – they can bring wind, rain, and lightning. Keep your eyes peeled for grizzlies and black bears (seriously!). And remember, these are wild animals. Give them plenty of space. Bison and elk can also be dangerous if approached. Oh, and by the way, this peak is named after Henry Washburn, the leader of the 1870 Washburn Expedition. The first recorded climb was in 1870, but who knows, maybe someone beat them to it!