Is the road to Mount Sheridan in Colorado unpaved?
Usa, north-america
19.9 km
4,021 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk about County Road 18, also known as 4 Mile Creek Road, leading up to Mount Sheridan in central Colorado. This isn't your Sunday drive! It's a 12.36-mile (19.9 km) climb into the sky, topping out at a breathtaking 13,192 feet (4,021 m) above sea level.
The road is unpaved and it's got some serious grades – up to 13% in sections! You'll definitely feel it. Plus, being so high up, be prepared for strong winds and super fast weather changes. But the views? Oh, the views are SO worth it.
Along the way, you'll spot cool remnants of Colorado's mining past. And near the top, you can explore the remains of the old Smith Mountain Mine. Once you reach the summit, get ready for jaw-dropping, panoramic vistas of South Park to the east and the Sawatch Range to the west. This area is dripping in gold, silver, and zinc mining history. A must see!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,021 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Route 32 in Tennessee?
🇺🇸 Usa
Route 32 South in Tennessee is a real wild ride, tucked away in Cocke County. You'll definitely need your wits about you on this one! Where exactly is it? You'll find it hugging the eastern edge of Tennessee, snaking its way through the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Talk about scenic! How long is it? This paved adventure stretches for about 11.1 miles, starting from US-321 near Cosby all the way to State Road 1397 on the North Carolina side. Heads up: past that, it turns to gravel before eventually meeting I-40. So, what's the deal with this "Redneck Dragon" nickname? Well, it's earned. Think countless tight turns that jump out at you – you'll need some serious skills. What's it really like? Drivers say it's "not for the faint of heart." The corners come quick, especially if you're on a cruiser. Traffic's usually light, but getting stuck behind a slowpoke can be a "snoozefest." Even seasoned riders should be ready for anything. Some say it's tougher than the Tail of the Dragon because of those crazy tight turns and steep hills. But hey, the views are a major plus! Is it tough? You bet. Some sections hit a 10% grade, and it tops out at 2,556 feet. Light traffic and endless turns make it a real test. RVs? Nope, not recommended. And take extra care if it's raining or has just rained. How long does it take? You could blast through in 40-50 minutes, but why rush? Take your time, soak in the scenery, and maybe stop at a lookout or two. This road deserves to be savored!
easyWhere is Lolo Pass in OR?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Lolo Pass in Oregon! We're heading to the northern part of the state, right on the edge of Hood River and Clackamas counties, smack-dab in the gorgeous Mt. Hood National Forest. You'll find this beauty sitting pretty at 3,444 feet above sea level. The road in, Lolo Pass Road (Forest Road 18), is paved coming from the southwest, but hold on tight, because the pass itself is gravel! It stays that way as you descend down the northeast side. Word to the wise: winter brings heavy snow, so this road is closed seasonally. Even when it's open, it can be a bit rough, so take it slow and easy. Probably best to leave the trailer at home for this one. Fun fact: this route started way back as a Native American trading path and was officially built into a road in 1955. Get ready for some stunning Oregon scenery on this historical trek!
hardThe road to Pine Creek Reservoir in OR isn’t an easy one
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Pine Creek Reservoir, a hidden gem way up in Oregon's Baker County! We're talking serious altitude here – 6,571 feet above sea level! Nestled in the Wallowa–Whitman National Forest, this place is about 10 miles northeast of Sumpter and feels like a world away. Now, getting there is part of the adventure. You'll be cruising along Pine Creek Road, an old, rocky path that's entirely unpaved. The last three miles? Buckle up and engage that four-wheel drive – you're gonna need it! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously steep inclines, with gradients hitting a crazy 23% in some spots! The road stretches for about 4.66 miles from west of Wingville, climbing a whopping 2,588 feet along the way. That gives you an average gradient of over 10%! Due to the steepness, the road is not recommended for motor vehicle use. But hey, the views! You're surrounded by the Elkhorn Mountains, with Rock Creek Butte and Elkhorn Peak towering nearby. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's even a minor unpaved trail leading northwest from the reservoir that climbs even higher, topping out at 7,949 feet. Seriously, this is one of the highest drives in Oregon!
extremeWhere is Blue Jay Hill?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in northern New Mexico, specifically Taos County, itching for an off-road adventure. Forget the mellow scenic drives; you're heading up Blue Jay Hill in the Carson National Forest! This isn't just any hill. Nestled in the Wheeler Peak Wilderness, near the Taos Ski Valley, it's a real climb, even though it's not the highest point in the state. We're talking a roughly 3 km ascent gaining 217 meters straight up into those alpine forests. The road? Well, "road" might be a generous term. Think gravel, rocks, bumps—the whole shebang. It doubles as a ski lift access trail, so expect some seriously tippy terrain that demands a high-clearance 4x4. And watch out for those steep sections and surprise turns – especially after a good rain, when things get muddy. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. Those drop-offs are no joke, and there are zero guardrails, so keep your eyes on the prize. Forget about hitting this trail in winter, unless you're on skis; it's buried in snow. But in summer? You're in for some epic views of those surrounding 13,000-foot peaks. Heads up: come prepared! This is remote, so bring everything you need. Cell service? Nope. Weather can change on a dime up here, so check the Taos forecast before you go, because you don't want to be caught in a freezing hailstorm without warning. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!