Road trip guide: Conquering Peerless Mountain in CO
Usa, north-america
21.2 km
4,022 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride up Peerless Mountain! This beast sits right on the Park and Lake county line in Colorado, topping out at a staggering 13,195 feet. It's one of Colorado's highest roads, and trust me, you'll feel it!
The road, known as County Road 18 (or 4 Mile Creek Road), is a completely unpaved, bumpy adventure. Think historic mining sites galore – seriously cool remnants of Colorado's past. Just be warned, there's often a massive snowdrift blocking the main road until late summer!
Get ready for some serious steepness – we're talking gradients up to 16%! The climb starts near Fairplay and stretches for about 13 miles, gaining over 3,300 feet in elevation. It averages around a 5% grade, but those ramps are killer! The trail is narrow with limited passing spots, so heads up!
Keep an eye on the sky, thunderstorms can roll in fast. While you're near the summit, check out the remains of those old mining operations!
This is doable in many stock SUVs with 4x4 and decent clearance, but be prepared for rocky terrain that will test your vehicle. This trail is a total package deal: challenging rocks, jaw-dropping scenery, a dose of Colorado history, and awesome hiking and fishing opportunities. Get ready for an epic adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 21.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,022 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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