Where is Kingston Peak?
Usa, north-america
25.42 km
3,671 m
hard
Year-round
Wanna escape Denver for the day? Head an hour west and tackle Kingston Peak! Straddling Clear Creek and Gilpin counties, deep within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, this beast of a road tops out at a whopping 12,043 feet.
Heads up: Kingston Peak Road (FSR 353.1) is all dirt, all the time. We're talking steep, rocky sections, especially above the treeline. Seriously, leave your low-riding sedan at home. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to conquer this one.
The adventure stretches for about 15.8 miles, connecting Rollinsville and St. Mary's. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Think panoramic vistas of the Continental Divide, shimmering Loch Lomond, and the majestic James Peak (towering at 13,294 feet!).
Keep in mind, this isn't a year-round joyride. Being high in the Rockies, expect cold and windy conditions. Snow can linger well into July, and early snowfalls can shut things down as early as mid-September. So plan accordingly and get ready for some epic scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 25.42 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,671 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeA few switchbacks to Douglas Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Douglas Pass! This scenic byway, also known as Colorado Highway 139 or Douglas Pass Road, winds through Garfield County, Colorado. It's a fully paved route stretching 70.4 miles (113.29km) between Rangely and Loma, so you're in for a good stretch of road. Originally built in the 1920s, it wasn't fully paved until 1972, giving it some serious vintage vibes. You'll be cruising at a lofty 8,287ft (2,526m) above sea level in the Bookcliff Mountains. While generally open year-round, keep an eye on the forecast, as winter weather can sometimes shut things down. The views from the summit are incredible, especially the La Sal Mountains piercing the skyline. Heads up, though! This road can get busy, especially with truckers using it as a shortcut from Grand Junction. Expect some hairpin turns and a narrow road hugging the rock face. Plus, being carved into a shale mountainside means you might encounter some lane blockages or shoulder erosion. The southern side throws in some steep climbs, with gradients hitting 7% – making it one of the steepest paved passes in Colorado. For the adventurous, there's also a side trip from the summit. A short, unpaved road climbs steeply to a communication tower at 8,818ft (2,688m) via three tight hairpin turns. I'd recommend 4WD for that little detour!
hardLa Marquesa is One of the Deadliest Highways in Mexico
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the Mexico City-Toluca highway (that's Mexico 15D or 134D if you're mapping it out). This fully paved, six-lane rollercoaster links Mexico City and Toluca, spanning about 45 km (28 miles) of winding mountain roads. Hold on tight because you'll climb to a whopping 3,170m (10,400ft) above sea level! "La Marquesa," as the locals call it, has a reputation. Sharp curves and drivers who think they're in a Formula 1 race can make things a bit dicey. Plus, there are tons of roadside stops with restaurants, shops, and buses, which adds to the chaos. Keep your eyes peeled—fog rolls in regularly, cutting visibility big time. With heavy traffic and those tight turns, it's a challenging drive. Lots of folks commute between the cities, so you're never really alone out there. Enjoy the views, but stay focused!
moderatePhantom 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.
hardWhere is Trout Creek Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trip lovers, let's talk Trout Creek Pass! This beauty sits way up high in Colorado, clocking in at a cool 9,501 feet. You'll find it nestled right on the border of Park and Chaffee counties, smack-dab in the middle of the San Isabel National Forest. Good news for everyone: the road is fully paved! You'll be cruising along on U.S. Highway 24 and US 285. The north side is a gentle climb, but the south side kicks it up a notch with a moderate 5% grade. How long is the adventure? It's about 26.4 miles from Hartsel to Johnson Village. And the best part? You can usually drive it year-round. Just keep an eye on the weather, because it might close during heavy winter storms. Get ready for some seriously stunning Rocky Mountain scenery!