How to get to Crystal Lake in Colorado by car?

How to get to Crystal Lake in Colorado by car?

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

3,570 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Crystal Lake in central Colorado is calling your name, but this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a high-altitude adventure in Summit County, reaching a staggering 11,712 feet above sea level!

You'll find this gem tucked away in the Mosquito Range of the Rockies. Co Road 2, a gravel and rocky path off Colorado State Highway 9, is your route. Seriously, a 4x4 is a must for this trek!

Fair warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect the road to be closed from October to June due to snow. And even in summer, altitude sickness and crazy weather can be real issues. The road tops out at nearly 12,000 feet. If you've got respiratory or heart problems, this one's best admired from afar. But if you're prepared, the views from the top are absolutely unreal.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
3,570 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Top of the World Highway is one of the world's top driveseasy

Top of the World Highway is one of the world's top drives

🇨🇦 Canada

Get ready for an epic adventure on the Top of the World Highway, a seriously scenic route linking Canada and Alaska! This gem, carved out in 1955, is only open during the summer, so plan accordingly. Clocking in at 131km (81 miles), this east-west route runs from the Taylor Highway (near Jack Wade, Alaska) all the way to Dawson City, Yukon, Canada, nestled on the Yukon River's west bank. Dawson City? Think Klondike Gold Rush central! Also known as Yukon Highway 9 or the 60 Mile, this road is mostly gravel. It was paved back in the late 90s, but maintenance has been a bit lax, so expect about half of it to be unpaved these days. It can be narrow, and you'll likely encounter potholes, washboard surfaces, and not much of a shoulder. They only maintain it from late spring to early fall, which coincides with the ferry service in Dawson City. In the U.S., you'll hit the highest point at 1,274m (4,179ft) right on the border at Little Gold Creek Border Crossing. Over in Canada, you'll peak at 1,314m (4,311ft). The border is open seasonally from May to September, 9 am-9 pm Yukon time (8 am-8 pm Alaska time). When it's closed, you're not crossing! This road can be a bit demanding, so some mountain driving experience is definitely recommended. If you’re comfortable with narrow, winding mountain roads, you're going to love it. If not, take it slow and savor the views. Expect tight turns and washboard when it rains. Wet weather can make it slippery, and watch out for soft shoulders and no guardrails. Double-check with your rental company, as some vehicles aren't allowed on this road. Traffic is usually light, but if someone's behind you, be courteous and let them pass. It's called the Top of the World Highway for a reason – it hugs the crests of hills, giving you amazing views down into the valleys. Allow at least 2.5 hours without stops, but really, give yourself more time because the road is winding and narrow in places. It's especially stunning in the fall. You'll wind along the mountain tops for a truly breathtaking experience, wandering around the high points of a series of ridges far above treeline. The views seem to go on forever. Since most of this road is unpaved, your travel time will depend on your vehicle and the weather. Unlike most highways that follow valleys, this one winds along the top of the range, providing exhilarating views and a unique scenic drive. Take your time and soak it all in. For most of the journey, you'll be driving along the peaks and crests of mountains and hills, with valleys stretching out below you.

Bajada a Xichu is a drive with spectacular views of Sierra Madre Orientalmoderate

Bajada a Xichu is a drive with spectacular views of Sierra Madre Oriental

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, buckle up, amigos, because the road to Xichú in Guanajuato, Mexico is an adventure! You've got two choices to reach this city nestled in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. First up: the OG dirt road, a real wild child that clings to the canyons, offering seriously epic views and even a hand-carved rock tunnel. But heads up, it's a bit rough around the edges. If you prefer a smoother ride, take the new paved road. Don't worry, you won't miss out on the scenery, it still delivers those mountain vistas. And the adventure isn't over in Xichú! They're building a road from Xichú to Atarjea. Word on the street is it'll eventually hook up with Mexico 69 near Ayutla, Querétaro. Get ready for killer views of the Santa María river canyon walls – this one's gonna be a stunner!

How long is the Trans-Taiga road?extreme

How long is the Trans-Taiga road?

🇨🇦 Canada

Get ready for the ultimate off-the-grid adventure on the Trans-Taiga Road in northern Quebec! This 666km (413-mile) gravel artery kicks off from the James Bay Road and plunges you deep into the wilderness, all the way to the vast Caniapiscau Reservoir. How far is the nearest town from the Trans-Taiga Road? Imagine this: no towns, no services, just you and the untamed taiga. It's about 745 kilometers (463 mi) to the nearest town, Radisson. This is the most remote place you can drive to in North America, it's as real as it gets! What is the best time of year to drive the Trans-Taiga Road? The road's open year-round, but Mother Nature throws some serious curveballs. Winter? Think -40°C! Summer can be surprisingly hot. Is the Trans-Taiga Road paved? The entire road is unpaved. The first 395 km lets you cruise at 80 km/h, but after that, it's 70 km/h due to a narrower road. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic. Do I need 4WD to drive the Trans-Taiga Road? While most vehicles can handle the first section, the 84km stretch to Caniapiscau Reservoir gets pretty gnarly, so 4WD is your best bet. Good tires are a must, too, thanks to the chunky gravel. What are the hazards of the Trans-Taiga Road? This isn't a family joyride. Breakdowns out here are a major headache. Flat tires? Potentially catastrophic, with no tire shops for hundreds of miles. Why was the Trans-Taiga Road built? It was built as an access road to the hydroelectric generating stations of Hydro-Québec along the La Grande River and Caniapiscau River. What will I see on the Trans-Taiga Road? The drive, without stops, usually takes between 12 and 15 hours. The scenery is mostly flat, with endless spruce and jack pine forests, bogs, rocks, and gentle hills. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and other wildlife!

When was the Panoramic Route in Puerto Rico built?hard

When was the Panoramic Route in Puerto Rico built?

🌍 Puerto Rico

Okay, picture this: you, your car, and 167 miles of pure Puerto Rican bliss on the Ruta Panorámica Luis Muñoz Marín! This legendary route, completed in '74 and named after a famous governor, slices right through the Cordillera Central, the island's mountainous spine, from Mayagüez on the west coast to Maunabo on the east. Now, fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious curves, hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, and a road that can get pretty narrow in places. Honk your horn around those blind corners, trust me! And maybe skip it during the August-November rainy season, unless you're into navigating washouts. You'll be sharing the road with trucks, party buses, and locals who know these roads like the back of their hand, so keep your wits about you. But OH. MY. GOD. The scenery! This road trip is worth every white-knuckle moment. You'll be cruising through the most stunning, untouched landscapes Puerto Rico has to offer. Plan some stops along the way to soak it all in – and don't miss Puente Mata de Plátanos, an iconic bridge that’s perfect for a photo op! Get ready for an adventure you won't soon forget.