Is the road to Bill Moore Lake in Colorado unpaved?
Usa, north-america
9.79 km
3,465 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Bill Moore Lake in Colorado! This alpine beauty sits way up high at 11,368 feet in Clear Creek County.
The road? It's Forest Service Road 183.1, and it's a total adventure. We're talking unpaved, super rocky, and seriously steep. Think epic views as you climb, but also loose dirt and small rocks that'll test your driving skills. If it's wet, forget about it unless you're prepared. A 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST.
The fun starts from the historic town of Empire, and it's about 6 miles to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you — you'll climb over 2,700 feet! That's an average grade of 8.5%, so buckle up!
Heads up: this road is SEASONAL. It's in the Arapaho National Forest, so expect snow to close it down in winter. Usually, it's good to go from late spring through fall.
Is it worth the bumpy ride? ABSOLUTELY! You're right on the edge of the James Peak Wilderness Area. Much of the route winds through a dense pine forest. At the top, there's a big parking lot and access to trails and even the historical Conqueror Mine. Seriously, pack a picnic, explore, and make a weekend of it. The scenery is unreal.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 9.79 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,465 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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