Is the road to Jelm Mountain in Wyoming unpaved?
Usa, north-america
8.36 km
2,948 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Jelm Mountain Road in Wyoming, a proper off-road ascent to a whopping 9,671 feet! You'll find it in Albany County, close to the Colorado border.
Yep, this one's all unpaved glory. We're talking a 5.2-mile gravel track that's loose, rocky, and sometimes a bit washed out. Expect some muddy spots, and after a good rain, those steeper sections can get pretty technical with loose rocks and gullies. You'll climb 2,047 feet from the paved WY-10, so the average incline is around 7.5%.
Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed in from December to May. And even when it's open, be prepared for some wild weather up top. We're talking potentially sub-zero temps (think -40F!) and winds that can gust over 100 mph!
But is it worth it? Absolutely! The summit is home to the Wyoming Infrared Observatory, so you can get your science geek on. Plus, the views of the Laramie Basin and Laramie River valley are simply incredible. It used to be a fire lookout, so you know the panoramas are epic. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8.36 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,948 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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