How to get by car to Tomboy ghost town in Colorado?

Deep in Colorado's San Miguel County, perched at a breathtaking 11,423 feet, lies the ghost town of Tomboy. Once a bustling mining hub in the 1880s, home to a thousand souls, it now stands frozen in time since its mine closed in 1927 (though some tunnel work continued 'til '78!).

Getting there? Let's just say it's an adventure. Starting near Telluride, Tomboy Road (K68 Road), is a 4.5-mile unpaved rollercoaster. Think narrow, rough gravel, and seriously steep drop-offs. Oh, and water crossings. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a true 4x4 experience that demands respect and skill. We're talking 14-15% grades on some corners!

You'll need a rugged off-road vehicle with high clearance and beefy tires. The road's only open for a couple of months each year! As you climb (gaining 2,532 feet!), keep an eye out for remnants of the old town. The average gradient clocks in at 10.66%, so get ready for a climb.

The views are epic, but the weather in the San Juans can change in a heartbeat. Storms roll in fast, and Tomboy is above the treeline, offering little shelter. Halfway up, you'll find the "Social Tunnel," a relic from the early 1900s where, legend has it, miners met ladies from Telluride (since those ladies weren't allowed any closer to the mining towns, so they say!).

Allow about 45 minutes for the one-way trip to Tomboy. It's a steep climb offering great views — just remember to respect the road and the elements!