How long is Halfmoon Road in CO?
Usa, north-america
19.63 km
3,596 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Halfmoon Road (FSR 110) in Colorado's Lake County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think unpaved, bumpy, and totally awesome...if you're prepared.
Clocking in at just over 12 miles, this trail winds its way from CO-300 in Leadville all the way up to the historic Champion Mill. But hold up, the adventure doesn't stop there! A smaller gravel track continues south, taking you even higher – topping out at almost 12,900 feet! The main road itself finishes at almost 11,800 feet.
Word to the wise: you'll NEED a high-clearance 4x4 for this one. We're talking river crossings (Halfmoon Creek, specifically) where the water can get seriously deep, especially during spring. You might find yourself hood-deep in water during spring thaws!
Keep in mind that Halfmoon Road is closed until further notice, generally from late October through late June/early July, thanks to all that lovely snow. You *can* still get to the Halfmoon East and West Campgrounds, though.
And did I mention it's steep? This road climbs a whopping 2,300 feet from Leadville, with some sections hitting a maximum gradient of 14%! The average incline is a little over 3.5%. But trust me, those stunning Colorado views are worth every single bump and climb.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19.63 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,596 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateMcClure Pass is one of the steepest paved roads of Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for McClure Pass! This beauty sits way up high in Colorado, clocking in at a cool 8,795 feet above sea level. You'll find it straddling Pitkin and Gunnison counties in western Colorado. We're talking about Highway 133 – also known as the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway. The entire route is paved, stretching about 50 miles from Carbondale down to Somerset. It got a major upgrade back in '47, so you know it’s a classic. Get ready for some serious climbs! The Carbondale side throws a 9% gradient your way, and Somerset isn't far behind with an 8% grade. Hold on to your hats! The pass is usually open year-round, but winter can bring heavy snow and closures. Avalanche risk is a real thing, so pay attention to warnings. Near the top, there’s a park area with an overlook to soak in the views. Trust me, you’ll want to stop and snap some pics of those stunning Rockies!
moderateHow to drive the scenic Mexico 175 (Tuxtepec Road)?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Mexico's Tuxtepec road is a legend, and for good reason: think every landscape imaginable crammed into one epic drive. We're talking mountains, desert vibes, fragrant pine forests, dense jungle, cacti standing tall, serene mountain lakes, twisty curves that'll make you grin, unreal views, hairpin turns that demand respect, rushing rivers, and dramatic canyons. Seriously, the only thing missing is snow! Starting high in Oaxaca City at 1,600m (5,249 ft), you'll immediately climb a series of switchbacks up to a 2,730m (8,957 ft) mountain pass near Ixtepeji. Then, hold on tight as you plunge into the Rio Grande canyon, dropping to 1,530m (5,022 ft) near Gualatao de Juarez. But the fun isn't over yet! You'll then ascend again into the Sierra de Juárez mountains (part of the Sierra Madre del Sur), hitting a peak of 2,970m (9,744 ft) near Humo Chico mountain. From there, it's a loooong and winding descent, full of endless curves, all the way down to near sea level. If you're prone to motion sickness, maybe pack some ginger! The views are phenomenal, though – witness the mountain flora morphing from pine forests to lush tropical jungle as you approach Tuxtepec (30m / 98 ft). Near El Punto, at 2,750m (9,022 ft), the road skyrockets from Oaxaca City (1,600m/5,249 ft) to 2,750m (9,022 ft) in only 18 km! The road transitions from Oaxaca's semi-arid region to a pine forest wonderland. There's a scenic detour to San Miguel del Río, which has 6 paved hairpin curves to access the town. The access point sits at 1,850m (6,070 ft), descending to the river at 1,460m (4,790 ft). Careful -- the road here has a steep grade and tight curves. You’ll find yourself in a popular tourist spot near Guelatao de Juárez, named after Benito Juárez, the former president of Mexico. The road rises from the canyon floor (1,520m/5,019 ft) of Rio Grande de Juárez to Guelatao (1,760m/5,774 ft), continuing to the town of Ixtlán (2,000m/6,561 ft), and eventually reaching 2,990m (9,809 ft) near Llano de Las Flores. Ixtlan de Juárez, Guelatao, and Capulálpan cater to tourists with restaurants, hotels, historic churches, and museums about Benito Juárez. There are also natural bridges, caves, and waterfalls. The road cuts through a resource-rich area of towering pine trees, broad meadows, and canyon vistas. The mountain pass to Humo Chico Pass sits at 2,970m (9,744 ft), the highest point on Mexico 175. You can find a restaurant, observation point, and cabins here. There's also the small dirt road to Humo Chico, starting near the pass of Humo Chico (Mexico 175) at 2,950m (9,678 ft), abruptly ascending into the mountain at a maximum elevation of 3,140m (10,302 ft), the highest accessible point by car in Oaxaca state. This road offers spectacular 360° views in all directions of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains from the top of Humo Chico mountain at 3,230m (10,597 ft). Finally, from Humo Chico Pass (2,970m/9,744 ft), the road gently descends to 90m (295 ft) in Valle Nacional. Keep an eye out for sudden floods and fog; this segment can be challenging due to slippery road surfaces. The changing landscape from pine forest to tropical rainforest is especially interesting. Given the high density of flora, there aren't many panoramic views of the mountains, but it's an engaging drive!
moderateMorelos Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the remote town of Morelos in Chihuahua, buckle up for one wild ride! Seriously, this place was so cut off, they only got electricity a hot minute ago. Forget easy access; this town is tucked deep in the rugged Sierra Madre mountains, making even building a road here a Herculean task. Now, about that road... it's a long, unpaved rollercoaster of gravel and potential peril. Think plunging into canyons, navigating drug plantation territory (yikes!), and battling the elements with mudslides and flash floods. Oh, and keep an eye out for the local wildlife! But hold on, because this insane route comes with a major perk: mind-blowing scenery. We're talking epic, sprawling canyons that rival even the Grand Canyon or Copper Canyon! This road is a true test of your driving mettle, pushing your skills (and your vehicle's guts) to the absolute limit. Starting near Batopilas at a humble 570 meters above sea level, you'll climb, climb, climb through hairpin turns to the town of Buenavista at a whopping 2400 meters. That's an elevation change of over 1800 meters in less than 20 kilometers! After cruising along a mesa near Los Chiqueros for about 20 kilometers, you'll plunge down to Polanco (1400 masl) and then descend even further into the San Miguel canyon to 410 masl in just 30 kilometers! Finally cross the river and ascend again to 1140 masl to end at Morelos sitting at 580 meters above sea level. So, are you brave enough to tackle this beast?
moderateUltimate 4wd destination: Thunder Mountain in San Bernardino County
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Thunder Mountain, a sweet peak sitting at 8,572 feet in Southern California's San Bernardino County. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking about a 1.3-mile, completely unpaved dirt track called Thunder Mountain Road that climbs to the top of some chairlifts. Think wide road... with a generous helping of rocks. Basically, it doubles as a ski run when the snow flies! You'll need a 4x4 for this one, no question. Hidden away in the Angeles National Forest, near the edge of Los Angeles County, be warned: this road is typically snowed in from late October until nearly July – Mother Nature decides when it's passable. But oh, the views! You'll be treated to stunning vistas of Mt. Baldy to the north and the Lytle Creek area to the east. Just remember, this climb is STEEP, with gradients hitting a whopping 22% in places! Starting from Mount Baldy Road, you'll gain 750 feet in just over a mile, averaging an 11% grade. Get ready for a workout – for both you and your rig!