
Where is McClellan Mountain?
Usa, north-america
14 km
3,996 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you wanna bag a peak in Colorado? Check out McClellan Mountain! This baby tops out at a cool 13,110 feet, making it one of the highest drivable spots in the state. You'll find it west of Georgetown, in the northern part of the state.
The route up follows the old Argentine Central Railroad bed β a seriously impressive feat of engineering from way back in 1905. Get ready for six switchbacks where the train used to zigzag its way up the mountain.
Now, listen up: this isn't a Sunday cruise. The road is 100% unpaved and rocky. You're gonna need a proper SUV with low-range to tackle this one. Expect tight switchbacks and some seriously challenging terrain. The first section, right off Guanella Pass Road, is probably the toughest part, so be ready for it.
The whole thing is about 8.7 miles from the pavement of Guanella Pass Road, and you'll climb over 3,000 feet β that's an average gradient of around 7%! Best to hit this one in the summer, when the snow's gone. And the views? Totally worth it. Plus, you get to check out historic spots like the old railroad remains along the way. Epic!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 14 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,996 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardMcCarthy Road is a drive you'll never forget in Alaska
πΊπΈ Usa
Deep in Alaska's Valdez-Cordova area lies McCarthy Road, an unforgettable 59-mile (95 km) adventure! This unpaved route, carved from an old mining railway (originally built in 1909!), winds its way west-east from Chitina (at the end of Edgerton Highway) to the remote town of McCarthy, within the breathtaking Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Forget smooth sailing β this road throws some curveballs! Expect potholes, mud after heavy rains, and the occasional sharp rock lurking to give you a flat tire. While the state keeps it maintained, narrow bridges (some just one lane) can be tricky, especially for larger vehicles. Keep an eye out for remnants of the old railroad β like rogue railroad ties and spikes! Most cars can handle it during normal summer conditions, but come prepared with a spare tire (or two!) and a good jack. The speed limit's a chill 35mph, and large RVs might want to reconsider. It's wide enough for two lanes most of the way, but stay alert for oncoming traffic on narrower sections. Budget about 2 to 2.5 hours for this winding drive. It's a gateway to mind-blowing scenery, vast wilderness, and adventure galore! You'll be treated to incredible geology, plus opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. And of course, the charming historic communities of McCarthy and Kennecott await. Remember, this area is remote. Cell service is spotty, and there's no fuel in Chitina. This road is for the adventurous! One of the highlights is definitely crossing the Kuskulana River Bridge. This historic 775-foot-long steel deck truss bridge, built in 1910, towers 238 feet above a gorge. It's the ultimate thrill ride! So, if you're craving an authentic Alaskan experience, McCarthy Road is calling your name! Just remember to embrace the wild, be prepared, and enjoy the ride!
moderateWhere is Cochetopa Pass?
πΊπΈ Usa
Cochetopa Pass: a killer Colorado climb that tops out at 10,091 feet! You'll find this gem in southern Colorado, right on the Continental Divide, smack-dab between the Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests. "Cochetopa" is a Ute word meaning "Pass of the Buffalo," and this route has been around since way back in 1858! Ready to drive it? Just hop on Saguache County Road NN14, also known as Cochetopa Pass Road. The good news is, you don't need a monster truck. This well-maintained, graded dirt road is totally doable in your average car as it snakes through those gorgeous national forest lands. Most drivers won't find it too tricky. The climb is about 26.3 miles long, starting and ending on State Highway 114. Think gentle grades and fairly wide lanes. Just a heads up: there's another pass nearby, a little further north on Highway 114, called North Cochetopa Pass. Keep in mind this is the Rockies, so the road's usually snowed in from October to June. Plan accordingly!
easyWhere is Phon D Sutton Trail?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Mesa, Arizona, you HAVE to check out the Phon D Sutton Trail! Nestled in the Tonto National Forest (Arizona's biggest!), this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget pavement β this is an old-school, unmaintained trail that will seriously test your off-roading skills. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's REQUIRED! You'll climb up to 2,194 feet, so get ready for some epic views. Clocking in at just over 11 miles, starting from the Road to N Bush Highway, it's not a super long trek, but the rugged terrain will definitely keep you on your toes. Prepare for a wild ride and some seriously stunning scenery!
moderateWhere is Mullan Pass?
πΊπΈ Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Mullan Pass! Nestled right on the border between Powell and Lewis and Clark counties in Montana, this beauty sits at a cool 5,902 feet above sea level. You'll find Mullan Pass straddling the Continental Divide, hanging out west of Helena in western Montana, practically hugging the Helena National Forest. Fun fact: It's named after Captain John Mullan, the mastermind behind the historic Mullan Road. So, how's the drive? Picture this: a 17.4-mile stretch called Austin-Mullan Pass Road, dating back to the 1860s, connecting US-12 to Birdseye. Heads up β most of the road is unpaved (except for the Birdseye Road section), which means it can be a bit of a bumpy ride! You'll usually have plenty of space for two-way traffic, but watch out for those washboards and the occasional rut. Seriously, the road conditions can change in a heartbeat. One day smooth sailing, the next you might be bouncing all over the place! Any vehicle can usually handle it with care, but always check the current conditions, know your car, and drive smart. Also, keep in mind that being high up in the Montana Rockies means serious snowfall. Winter can make this route a real challenge, so plan accordingly!