
Where is Paradise Basin?
Usa, north-america
23.01 km
3,447 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Paradise Basin in Colorado's Gunnison County is calling your name. We're talking a high-altitude playground at a whopping 11,309 feet! Nestled in the White River National Forest, this beauty is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Crested Butte.
Now, the road to Paradise Divide, or County Road 734, is where the fun begins. The first few miles from Crested Butte are smooth sailing on pavement, but then it turns into a dirt road. Don't worry, though, it's generally wide and well-maintained. While a 4WD is recommended, a 2WD with good clearance and tough tires should be able to handle it.
The whole shebang is about 14.3 miles from Crested Butte to Schofield Pass. Just a heads-up: being this high up in the Rockies means this road is mostly a summer fling. Don't expect it to be snow-free until late June, or even July some years. But trust me, the views are SO worth the wait!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 23.01 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,447 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardPajarita Mountain
πΊπΈ Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Pajarita Mountain in New Mexico's Lincoln County. This bad boy tops out at almost 8,000 feet! The road to the summit? Well, it's not exactly a Sunday drive. We're talking gravel and rocks all the way on Indian Service Rte 7. Winter? Forget about it β this route is a no-go when the snow flies. If unpaved mountain roads make you sweat, maybe skip this one. Seriously, a 4x4 is a MUST. And if heights aren't your thing? Yeah, you guessed it, steer clear. Expect a pretty steep climb all the way to the top β but the views? Totally worth it.
extremeMcCord Pass
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Colorado's Eagle County, McCord Pass is calling your name. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 10,814 feet above sea level! You'll find it nestled in the White River National Forest, and fair warning: you're gonna need a 4x4 to conquer this gravel track, also known as Cottonwood Peak Road. Seriously, don't even THINK about attempting this if the weather's looking dicey. We're talking potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides β plus, icy patches can pop up out of nowhere. The road can get a bit rocky and muddy in spots, especially that last mile β it's a steep, bumpy climb to the top. But hey, the views? Totally worth it! Just be prepared for a rugged ride and keep your eyes peeled for those mountain hazards.
extremeSlide Mountain
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, so Slide Mountain in Nevada is seriously epic! We're talking about a summit sitting at a whopping 9,606 feet! As the name suggests, expect some rocky terrain β it's known for its, well, rock slides. You'll find this adventure in the Carson Range, and the road to the top is all gravel and rocks β think ski-station service road meets chairlift access trail. Be warned, it's STEEP, with grades hitting up to 30% in places. Loose stones underfoot make for a challenging climb, especially higher up. Timing is everything! Your window of opportunity is super narrow β aim for late August. The summit is a hub for communication towers (TV, radio, emergency services, you name it!). And hold on to your hat β the wind is relentless up there. Even in summer, you might get snow! Winter? Forget about it β brutally cold. But the views! Oh man, the views! Lake Tahoe shimmering to the west, the Virginia Range sprawling to the east, Mount Rose and the Carson Range to the north, and the Sierras stretching south... it's a vista that'll blow your mind.
hardTravel guide to the top of Almagre Mountain South
πΊπΈ Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Just west of Colorado Springs lies Almagre Mountain South, a.k.a. Mt. Baldy, topping out at a whopping 12,372 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget pavement; we're talking Forest Service Road 379, a rugged, unmaintained dirt track β think rocks, ruts, and washouts galore! Word is it's an old wagon trail. You'll need a trusty 4x4 to conquer this beast. Be warned, a gate blocks the very final stretch. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. You'll be gazing out over the Sangre de Cristos and even the Sawatch range. The climb is a serious workout, rising 1,585 feet over 6.5 miles from Forest Service Road 376. That's a pretty consistent uphill grind, so get ready for it!