Where is Crescent Lake?
Usa, north-america
17 km
3,287 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: Crescent Lake! It's a stunning alpine lake way up in Garfield County, Colorado, chilling at a cool 10,784 feet. You'll find it tucked south of, well, you know, somewhere in northwest Colorado, nestled on the southeast side of the Flat Tops Wilderness.
Now, getting there is half the fun – and I mean *fun* with an asterisk. Forest Road 613 is the name of the game, and it's unpaved, with some seriously rocky bits thrown in to keep you on your toes. Think a wild mix of trail riding, rock crawling, maybe a little mud wrestling, plus creek crossings! Basically, it’s moderately challenging and you should drive only as far as you feel comfortable. Translation? You're gonna need a high-clearance 4x4 with low-range capabilities. Trust me on this one.
The adventure kicks off from County Road 39 (aka the Derby Mesa Loop), and it's about 11 miles to the lake. Keep in mind, being up in the Colorado Flattops, this road can stay snowed in until late June or even July! So, plan your trip accordingly for some prime summer vibes.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 17 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,287 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardSignal Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Signal Peak in Arizona's Gila County is calling your name! We're talking about a climb to 7,808 feet in the Pinal Mountains, where the views are seriously epic. Now, getting there is half the fun, but be warned: this isn't your Sunday drive. The road through the Tonto National Forest can get pretty wild – think rocky, tippy, and bumpy! You'll definitely need a 4x4, and maybe a bit of off-road experience under your belt. Winter can make the road impassable, and wet conditions can turn the trail into a muddy mess. Not for the faint of heart – or those scared of heights! But the reward? Jaw-dropping scenery and a chance to check out the Signal Peak Lookout Tower. Originally built in 1920 and replaced in 1934, it is staffed in the summer. Get ready for some serious bragging rights after conquering this climb!
moderateWhere is Blueberry-Paulson Summit?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, road trippers, let's talk Blueberry-Paulson Summit (aka Bonanza Pass)! This gem sits high in the Monashee Mountains of beautiful British Columbia, near the US border. We're talking a climb to 1,517m (almost 5,000ft!), so get ready for some views. You'll be cruising along the Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3), also known as the Southern Trans-Provincial Highway — about 81km (50 miles) of well-maintained pavement from the border all the way to Ootischenia. Now, heads up: this is mountain driving, folks. While it's usually open year-round, Mother Nature can throw curveballs. Think sudden snowstorms, blowing snow, and visibility-killing fog in the winter. We're talking potential -30°C temps, so pack accordingly! Keep an eye out for those avalanche chutes carved into the mountainsides too — a reminder of the wild landscape. And remember, winter tires or chains are a must from October to April. But with a little preparation, this drive is pure Canadian magic!
hardFort Chipewyan Winter Road crosses breathtaking landscapes in Alberta
🇨🇦 Canada
Get ready for the ride of your life on Alberta's Winter Road, a 159 km (98-mile) ice road connecting Fort McMurray to Fort Chipewyan in the province's remote northeast corner. This isn't your average Sunday drive! Picture this: you, a high-clearance 4x4, and endless snowy landscapes as you wind your way through dense forests, over frozen rivers and marshes, and past isolated northern communities. This road, typically open from mid-December to the end of March, offers unparalleled scenery, but remember – this adventure comes with unique challenges. The width varies, sometimes spacious enough for two vehicles, other times barely wider than a single lane. And let's talk safety: winter roads demand respect. There are no regular services, so come prepared. Good snow tires, 4x4 capability, extra fuel, a spare tire, a breakdown kit, warm gear, and emergency supplies are non-negotiable. Cell service is spotty, so inform someone of your travel plans. Speeding is a serious hazard, especially in the delta section, as it can damage the ice. This hidden gem can only be reached by air, barge, and boat most of the year, making the winter road a truly special experience!
moderateWhere is Hawkins Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're north of Markleeville, California, smack-dab in the eastern part of the state, winding your way through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. You're on the hunt for Hawkins Peak, reaching a lofty 9,688 feet above sea level—one of the highest roads in California! This peak? It's named after some dude named Hawkins, the first white settler around these parts back in the 1850s. He was a squatter on a cattle ranch to the east. Pretty cool, huh? Heads up: the road to the summit is unpaved and rocky, so you’ll definitely want a 4x4 with some decent clearance for that final push. It's not super long, but it's a climb. We're talking a serious elevation gain, with an average gradient that hits a max of 17.8% in spots—hold on tight! But the real payoff? The views from the top are epic. You can soak in the snowy Sierra Nevada range and the vast high desert of Nevada. Just keep in mind, this road is totally impassable in the winter.