Is the road to Grand Junction FAA Radar Site unpaved?

Is the road to Grand Junction FAA Radar Site unpaved?

Usa, north-america

Length

8.69 km

Elevation

2,747 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Ever dreamt of reaching a hidden spot high above Colorado? Then get ready to explore the unpaved road leading to the Grand Junction FAA Radar Site! Situated north of Grand Junction, this rugged 5.4-mile (8.69km) journey in Garfield County climbs to a lofty 9,012 feet (2,747m).

While most cars can handle it, be prepared for a few thrills with four hairpin turns that'll make you grip the wheel. The road steadily climbs, gaining 1,027 feet (313m) with an average gradient of 3.6%, but brace yourself for an initial steep ramp hitting a maximum of 10%!

This spot helps track all sorts of aircraft so it's pretty important. Remember to peek at the weather forecast, though, because things can change quickly up there. Built in November 1962, this road not only offers a unique drive but also a glimpse into the tech that keeps our skies safe!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
8.69 km
Max Elevation
2,747 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

A memorable road trip to Stillwater Passhard

A memorable road trip to Stillwater Pass

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let me tell you about Stillwater Pass in Colorado's Grand County. We're talking seriously high altitude here - 10,649 feet above sea level! This beauty splits the Never Summer Wilderness Area and the Arapaho National Forest. Now, the road to the top is County Highway 4, and it's all dirt, baby! Expect it to be snowed in from late October until late June or early July. This isn't a Sunday drive either; expect some steep climbs and a surface that's seen better days. Think rocky in spots, and near the top you'll *definitely* want some ground clearance and a proper off-roader to deal with the boulders. It's a 23.2 mile (37.33km) stretch from CO-125 to US-34 heading west-south. If it's dry, a high clearance 2WD should handle it, but honestly, why not bring something a little more capable for peace of mind? Get ready for some epic Rocky Mountain views!

Phantom Canyon Road is a scenic drive in Coloradomoderate

Phantom Canyon Road is a scenic drive in Colorado

🇺🇸 Usa

Get ready for an unforgettable Colorado adventure on Phantom Canyon Road! This historic and scenic dirt road winds between Cañon City and Victor, climbing from 5,500 to 9,500 feet through the heart of Phantom Canyon. Located in the central part of Colorado, crossing Fremont and Teller counties, this route follows the old Florence & Cripple Creek Railroad line, dating back to 1894. Clocking in at just under 30 miles, this Gold Belt Scenic Byway features hand-cut stone tunnels and three old-school steel and wooden bridges. This road steadily climbs, offering views and thrills. Mountain bikers and off-roaders love this area. Keep in mind, this is a narrow, unpaved road, so nothing over 25 feet long. Prepare for rough-hewn, one-way tunnels, tight squeezes carved into the mountainside, and a cool curved bridge. The dirt road isn't too challenging but can be a bit nerve-wracking. Expect some "hairy" spots where the road feels like a single lane with huge drop-offs and towering rock walls. The road carves through boulders with stunning canyon views. Topping out at 9,744 feet, winter maintenance is limited. It's a well-maintained dirt road but narrow, with some one-car-wide sections. Regular vehicles (no trailers) are fine if you take it easy and watch for rocks. Allow around 2 hours for the drive. This scenic byway is full of photo opportunities. Weekends can be busy and dusty. The road and narrow bridges encourage slow speeds. The route provides a chance to see a wide range of plants and wildlife.

Driving the unpaved Navy Road in Santa Cruz Islandhard

Driving the unpaved Navy Road in Santa Cruz Island

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Ever dreamed of exploring a wild, remote island paradise? Navy Road, tucked away in California's Channel Islands, is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about 7.14 miles of pure, unadulterated off-road bliss. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. The terrain is rugged, the weather can be unpredictable, and the road is entirely unpaved. This baby gets seriously steep, hitting a 22% gradient in spots! While you can see some vehicles from the island, no public motor vehicles are allowed. You can only hike or kayak around. But the views? Absolutely breathtaking. Navy Road winds through canyons and over ridges, offering stunning vistas that have graced the silver screen in movies like Peter Pan and The Rescue. Keep your eyes peeled for ticks, poison oak, cholla cactus, and scorpions, there are no poisonous snakes on the island. Remember that access to the island is restricted, so plan accordingly. If you're craving a truly unforgettable wilderness experience, Navy Road is where it's at!

Station Peakhard

Station Peak

🇺🇸 Usa

Station Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.967m (9,734ft) above the sea level, located in Mono County, in the east central portion of the U.S. state of California. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of California. The road to the summit is gravel and rocky. It’s impassable in winters. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. 4x4 required. Stay away if you're scared of heights. Expect a trail pretty steep.  Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.