Where is McMillan Peak in Colorado?
Usa, north-america
3.2 km
3,658 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because McMillan Peak in Colorado is calling your name! This bad boy sits pretty in San Juan County, just north of Silverton, right in the heart of the Million Dollar Highway zone.
So, what's the deal? Well, you're looking at a short but seriously intense 3.2 km (2-mile) climb up to the summit, where a rad telecommunications antenna chills. Don't let the short distance fool you; this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a whopping 447 meters of elevation gain, averaging a crazy 14% gradient!
Now, listen up: you NEED a high-clearance 4WD beast to even think about tackling this. Forget your cute crossover; this is strictly for the off-road pros. The unpaved road is a mix of loose gravel, dirt, and rocky bits, so low-range gearing is your best friend. Plus, the road is narrow with zero guardrails.
Heads up, this peak is a summer fling only. We're talking late June to mid-September, tops. The rest of the year, it's a snowy wonderland, and not in a good way. Avalanches are a real danger, so always check local conditions before you head out.
The main things to watch out for are the STEEPNESS and the unpredictable weather. Afternoon thunderstorms can turn that dry dirt into a slippery mudslide in seconds. And FYI, you're off the grid up there – no cell service, so pack accordingly and make sure your rig is in tip-top shape, especially those brakes and the cooling system! But hey, you'll be rewarded with insane views of the Red Mountains and the historic mining district. This place is all about the views!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,658 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Rattlesnake Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're craving a real Wyoming adventure? Then point your wheels toward Rattlesnake Pass! This beauty sits high in Carbon County, clocking in at a cool 7,532 feet above sea level. Find it east of Rawlins, winding through southern Wyoming. Heads up: Rattlesnake Pass Road is all dirt, all the time. But don't sweat it – most cars can handle it when the weather's good. We're talking about a 20.2-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated Wyoming, connecting WY-130 (south of Walcott) to WY-72 (north of Elk Mountain). Keep an eye on the forecast, though. Wyoming weather is no joke! Winters can bring serious snow and ice, making the pass a tough climb. Summer? That's your golden ticket for exploring. Why bother? Well, besides bragging rights, this scenic byway runs parallel to the main highway, but feels like a world away. If you're after wide-open spaces and a taste of the real, untamed Wyoming, Rattlesnake Pass is calling your name. Get ready for some epic views and a serious dose of freedom!
hardA pleasant gravel road in summers to Old Monarch Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Old Monarch Pass in Colorado! This hidden gem straddles Gunnison and Chaffee counties, just a hop away from the "new" Monarch Pass. Picture this: a 10.6-mile dirt road (County Road 237) snaking its way up to 11,394 feet! Built way back in 1880, this old toll road opened to cars in 1921. Don't let the "well-graded" part fool you—this climb is no joke. Expect an 8% gradient, a flurry of switchbacks and hairpin turns clinging to the mountainside. And who needs guardrails anyway, right? (Insert nervous laughter). But oh, the views! At the summit, you're rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Rockies, stretching from Pikes Peak all the way to the San Juans. Seriously epic. Nestled in the San Isabel National Forest, at the southern end of the Sawatch Range, this road is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July. Plus, keep an eye on the weather forecast. Heavy rains can wash out the eastern entrance, and the area is known for its severe storms and crazy winds. If you're in the area during the summer or early fall, take this scenic drive — you won't regret it!
moderateElk Lake Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Elk Lake Road is a very scenic drive located in the Adirondack Mountains, in the northeast of Upstate New York in the United States. There are many excellent photo opportunities. The road is lost in space and time. The road is asphalted but pretty narrow. The drive is definitely worth it. A drive not to be missed! It’s 5.2 miles (8.3km) long, located just a few hours north of New York City. This is an exquisite winding mountain drive leading the traveler to the Elk Lake, at 645m (2,116ft) above the sea level. Starting from Blue Ridge Road, at 369m (1,210ft) above the sea level, the road is 5.2 miles (8.3km) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 276 meters. The average gradient is 3.32%. Taking Your Chances on US Route 1 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.
hardCamino del Aguila
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! You HAVE to check out Camino del Aguila in sunny San Diego County. This isn't your average Sunday drive; this is a 1.6-mile asphalt rollercoaster that'll get your heart pumping! Think tight hairpin turns and seriously steep inclines—we're talking an average gradient of 9.4%! You'll climb a whopping 254 meters, topping out at 500 meters above sea level. The views? Totally worth the white knuckles. Just keep your eyes on the road (and maybe a passenger to soak in the scenery!)