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
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