Why is it called American Flag Mountain?
Usa, north-america
4 km
3,878 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for American Flag Mountain in Colorado's Gunnison County! This peak soars to 12,723 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest drives. Legend says miners planted flags on top back in the day, hence the name.
The 2.48-mile climb up Italian Creek Road (FR759) is a wild one – totally unpaved and seriously steep (think 9.15% average grade!). You'll gain 1,200 vertical feet, so 4WD and some off-road driving skills are a must. Make sure your rig has the horsepower to handle it! The road is usually closed from September to July due to snow.
But trust me, the views are SO worth it. You get epic 360-degree panoramas from the top, and yep, there are American flags waving proudly. Parking is plentiful at the summit, too. Get ready for some serious Rocky Mountain scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,878 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Dishpan Springs Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Dishpan Springs Trail, a crazy off-road adventure right in San Bernardino County, California! You'll find this wild ride east of Lake Arrowhead, nestled in the southern part of the San Bernardino National Forest. Don't let the short distance fool you! Dishpan Springs is just about 2 miles of the Crab Flats OHV Road 3N34 (aka Willow Creek Jeep Trail, Forest Road 3N34, Deep Creek Trail, and Crab Flats). The Dishpan Springs chunk stretches from Deep Creek Bridge to Fisherman's Camp trailhead, just east of Deep Creek. But here's the deal: this trail is *tough*. We're talking huge boulders, deep ruts, serious climbs, and even a dry waterfall to conquer. The Forest Service slaps a black diamond rating on this bad boy, so think twice before bringing a stock SUV. Speaking of that waterfall – it's also known as Devil’s Slide and it’s a super steep, rutted rock face where you might end up with some serious vehicle damage. If you're not a seasoned driver, maybe skip that part! Crossing Deep Creek is easier these days thanks to some concrete work and a bridge, but bad weather can still shut it down. Plus, winter brings snow and ice, making things even trickier. So, call the local Ranger Station before you head out to get the latest scoop on trail conditions.
moderateJones Pass in Colorado may be intimidating to novice drivers
🇺🇸 Usa
Jones Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.804m (12,480ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Colorado. The road to the summit has a relatively good road surface given its high altitude. It's one of the highest roads of Colorado. The pass is located on the boundary between Clear Creek and Grand counties, in the central part of Colorado, to the west of Denver. Tucked away in the beautiful Arapaho National Forest, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Jones Pass Road (Forest Road 202). It’s essentially a dirt road with some steep grades along the way. The road is narrow and steep and may be intimidating to novice drivers. The road travels above the tree line for several miles until it dead-ends after crossing the Continental Divide. It can be traversed by most vehicles in good conditions, but medium to high clearance is necessary in passing some of the route’s tougher sections. Although the route is not overly difficult, the winding turns and steep grades may be intimidating for inexperienced drivers. The switchbacks on the way up are easy and wide in most places. They are near the edge in many places, though, so it may challenge those with a fear of heights. The road is kept well maintained, though. Set high in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, this road is usually impassable from late October through late June or early July. Vehicle access to the summit is typically limited to the late summer season. Starting just west of Berthoud Falls off Hwy 40, the road to the summit is 8.69km (5.4 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 795 meters. The average gradient is 9.14%. It climbs gradually to the top of the pass and descends steeply down the west side to a closed road. Plan about one hour to reach the summit from Highway 40, without any stops. However, the drive is pretty scenic and encompasses miles of stunning views. Along the road, drivers will catch many glimpses of Colorado’s mining history among the wildflowers and alpine views. There is room for parking at the summit of the pass. Pic: Nate Jensen Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map 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 here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateDriving the breathtaking Las Vegas Convention Center Loop
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, fellow travelers, buckle up for a seriously unique ride! Have you heard of the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop? This isn't your typical road trip—it's an underground adventure beneath the buzzing streets of Las Vegas, Nevada. Imagine zipping through 1.5 miles of smooth, paved tunnels connecting the LVCC's hotspots: Central, West, and South Stations. This underground shortcut turns a lengthy 45-minute trek across the convention center into a breezy 2-minute ride. Built by Elon Musk's Boring Company, these tunnels are exclusively for Tesla vehicles, whisking convention-goers from point A to point B while bypassing the surface chaos. Think of it as a super-efficient, futuristic subway system designed to shuttle over 4,400 people per hour. Who needs sidewalks when you can cruise in style underground?
hardThe Wild Road to Toro Peak in CA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving an off-the-beaten-path thrill in Southern California, you NEED to check out Toro Peak. This beauty sits way up high in the San Bernardino National Forest, clocking in at 8,710 feet above sea level. The way up is Santa Rosa Road (7S02), a 12.7-mile dirt track that'll put your ride to the test. Forget your low-rider – high clearance is a MUST, and honestly, you'll be thanking your lucky stars for 4-wheel drive. This road gets seriously bumpy, especially on the final stretch, which is steep, loose, and rocky. The road snakes up the Santa Rosa Mountain Range with grades hitting a punchy 13% in places. Be warned: they sometimes close it down due to fire danger or bad weather. It climbs 4,124 vertical feet from the paved CA-74, so expect some serious elevation gain. Watch out for narrow sections and keep an eye out for other adventurers. The road can be closed due to snow in winter. The views from the top, where you'll find a microwave relay station, are totally worth the effort!