Is the road to Kendall Peak in Colorado unpaved?
Usa, north-america
11 km
3,895 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Kendall Peak Road in Colorado's San Juan County! We're talking about an unpaved, rocky, and exhilarating climb up County Road 33 (aka Kendall Mountain Road). Starting near Silverton, this 7-mile journey is strictly for high-clearance 4WD vehicles only. And, pro-tip: make sure your radiator is in tip-top shape.
Expect some serious drop-offs and a boulder-strewn path that'll test your off-roading skills. Novices, maybe sit this one out. The elevation gains are intense, topping out around 12,800 feet where most vehicles have to park. From there, a trail will take you the rest of the way to the peak. Be warned: shelf roads with zero room to pass are part of the adventure!
This high in the San Juan Mountains, weather is a real factor. Summer thunderstorms can roll in fast, and winter... well, winter pretty much shuts it down. Plan your trip for the summer months for the best chance of access.
But, oh, those views! The San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests stretch out in every direction. From the top, you'll get killer panoramas of Silverton and all the surrounding peaks. It's a chance to witness some of Colorado's most secluded landscapes. Trust me; it's worth the white-knuckle drive.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,895 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Obstruction Point Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're in Clallam County, Washington, and you're feeling brave? Obstruction Point Road might just be your ticket to a little adrenaline rush! Locals whisper it's Washington's "scariest road," so buckle up, buttercup! This 7.6-mile dirt track claws its way west-to-east from a starting point to the Obstruction Point Trailhead, nestled deep within the Olympic Mountains. Now, let's be real – "road" might be a generous term. It's a well-maintained, unpaved path, totally doable in your average car, but it's skinny! We're talking a backcountry 1.5-lane situation with some seriously steep drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Keep your eyes peeled for wider spots to squeeze by oncoming traffic. Leave the RVs, trailers, and motorhomes at home. Trust me. This isn't a joyride for Sunday drivers. It's narrow with blind corners galore. Rain helps keep the dust down, but too much turns it into a slick, treacherous beast. Reaching a lofty 6,135 feet, Obstruction Point Road is Olympic National Park's highest drivable point. Typically, it's open from mid-July to October, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Snow can shut it down anytime. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Just allocate about an hour without stops. The scenery is mind-blowing. After cruising through trees, the road bursts open, hugging a ridge with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains that'll leave you breathless. Fair warning: weekends, especially sunny ones, are packed! Get there early or hit it on a weekday. The parking lot at the end fills up fast. But that view? Totally worth the white-knuckle drive. You'll be gazing out over the rugged interior of Olympic National Park. Pure magic!
easyWhere is Magnetic Hill?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, so you're heading to Magnetic Hill near Moncton, New Brunswick? Get ready for a mind-bender! This place is famous for making cars seem to roll *uphill*. Seriously! It's all about an optical illusion caused by the surrounding landscape, which is a bit sloped and hidden by trees. Your brain just gets tricked. The road itself is totally paved and smooth, so no worries there. The "magic" happens on about a kilometer (or 0.6 miles) of road off Mountain Road. Is it worth the trip? Totally! It's a classic tourist spot. Plus, there are viewing areas and even a zoo and amusement parks nearby to make a whole day of it. Get ready to experience a road that messes with your head in the best possible way! It's a must-see for anyone into quirky roadside attractions.
hardHidalgo state route 37 Metztitán Canyon
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Just south of Los Venados (elevation 1310 meters), where you hit that T junction with Mexico 105, a truly mind-blowing road plunges right into the heart of the canyon and winds its way up into the Sierra Madre mountains of Hidalgo, all the way to the road to Tepehuacán de Guerrero. Trust me, this stretch is all about the views. We're talking jaw-dropping panoramas of the Metztitlán lake, the surrounding valley, and dramatic canyon cliffs that will leave you breathless. The road's paved, so that's a plus, but keep your eyes peeled for potential hazards. Floods and landslides can happen, especially after heavy rains, so stay alert! But with caution, this road is worth the drive.
hardCline Butte
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Cline Butte! This gem is tucked away in Deschutes County, Central Oregon, offering a sweet summit at 4,101 feet. The road up? Let's just say your vehicle will get a workout. Think gravel, rocks, and a seriously bumpy ride – you'll definitely feel the terrain! Prime time to visit is October through May, but be warned: Mother Nature can throw curveballs. Thunderstorms can turn the road into a 4x4-only zone or even make it impassable. The climb kicks off from Cline Falls Road and stretches for about 2.5 miles. It's a steady climb, gaining 938 feet in elevation with some seriously steep sections along the way. But trust me, the views from the top are SO worth it!