A 4wd trail to Maggie Gulch mine
Usa, north-america
7.66 km
3,755 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're up for an adventure? Let me tell you about Maggie Gulch 4WD Road! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking southwest Colorado, deep in the San Juan Mountains, heading up to a whopping 12,319 feet!
You'll find the turnoff near Silverton, in the town of Middleton. From there, you've got about 4.76 miles of totally unpaved road between you and the old Maggie Gulch mine.
This isn't a job for your Prius! You'll need a 4x4 with some clearance and good tires. Expect it to be snowed in from around October to June, so plan accordingly! The old mine itself is quite the sight, surrounded by what's left of Colorado's mining past. The views are incredible, but keep your eyes on the road!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7.66 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,755 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Deadman Pass in California?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna hit up Deadman Pass in California? Seriously awesome spot straddling Mono and Madera counties. You're basically right inside the Sierra Nevada Mountains and staring straight into the Ansel Adams Wilderness - views for days! Just a heads up, this isn't your Sunday cruise kinda road. It's unpaved – think dusty and rocky – but most cars *should* be able to handle it. We’re talking about a decent stretch of road, a good climb in elevation, so buckle up. Why "Deadman" though? A little grim: the story goes a body was found nearby back in the day. Spooky! Also, pro tip: this baby's usually closed in winter. Being in the Sierra Nevada's, snow sticks around for a while. Plan your trip for the warmer months, and you're in for a treat.
extremeMonument Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just tackled Monument Peak in Utah's Sevier County, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride to 10,449 feet! We're talking serious off-road vibes here on the Koosharem Ranger Station Road. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps. This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. Winter? Forget about it. This trail is closed for the season. You'll need a 4x4 and some serious driving skills to navigate this steep, narrow, and sometimes muddy road. Seriously, heights aren't your friend here. But the views? Unbelievable! You're perched on the eastern side of the Sevier Plateau, so expect incredible panoramas as your reward. Just be prepared for a slightly "uncomfortable" journey – this road is definitely showing its age in places.
moderateWhere is Cumbres Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Cumbres Pass in southern Colorado is a must-do for any road trip enthusiast. Nestled high in the Rio Grande National Forest, near the New Mexico border, this beauty tops out at a cool 10,029 feet. "Cumbres" means "crests" in Spanish, and trust me, the views are worth it! This paved ribbon of road – that's Colorado State Highway 17 – stretches for about 47 glorious miles, starting near Antonito, Colorado, and winding down toward Chama, New Mexico. It's been around since the late 1800s, with improvements made in the early 1920s, so you're driving on a piece of history! Now, heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive for the faint of heart. You'll be tackling some serious inclines, with grades hitting nearly 13% in spots! The north approach averages around 5.8%, while the south side chills out a bit at 4%. While this pass is generally open year-round, Mother Nature can throw curveballs, especially in winter. Snow is common, and short-term closures can happen due to wicked weather. But don't let that deter you. The San Juan Mountains offer views you won't forget!
moderateThe Best RV Routes Through The Smoky Mountains (Must See!)
🇺🇸 Usa
The Great Smoky Mountains, straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border, offer over 500,000 acres of some seriously rewarding RV adventures! But be warned: this isn't a Sunday drive. You'll need to be ready for steep climbs, unpredictable mountain weather, and that iconic blue mist – all thanks to some funky natural chemistry. Think of the Smokies as a logistical puzzle for RVers. From the buzzing gateway of Gatlinburg to those quiet backcountry roads, choosing your route is all about knowing your RV's limits. So, let's break down the must-do sectors for any high-altitude RV expedition. First up: Newfound Gap Road. This is the only fully paved road that cuts right through the heart of the National Park. It's a 31-mile climb, taking you 3,000 feet up from Gatlinburg. Get ready for a constant uphill trek through forests, and you'll even cross the Appalachian Trail at the top! It's the main way to get between Tennessee and North Carolina. Next, "America's Favorite Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway. This massive 469-mile road tops out at 6,053 feet at Richland Balsam. RVers, you'll be rewarded with awesome views, but watch out for tunnels with low clearance and those long, steady climbs. This one's all about taking it slow and soaking in the Pisgah National Forest. Looking for a less crowded, but equally stunning option? The Cherohala Skyway is it! It climbs to nearly 6,000 feet over 36 miles, connecting North Carolina and Tennessee through the Tellico River Gorge. Expect steep rock walls and those winding curves that will put your RV's stability and cooling system to the test. If you're aiming for the highest point in the park, you'll need to tackle the 7-mile Clingmans Dome Road. It's paved, but super twisty, and ends at a high-altitude parking area at 6,643 feet. Heads up: this road is usually closed from December to March because of ice and snow. Finally, there's the Cades Cove Loop, an 11-mile, one-way loop. It's slow going, but the road is narrow, and you'll need to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially black bears, elk, and coyotes! It's *the* spot to see historic 19th-century log homes and churches in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains. Whether you're here for the thrill of the climb or the Southern charm of Dollywood, an RV trip through the Smokies is the *ultimate* way to experience the Appalachian range. Respect those hills, keep an eye on the weather, and enjoy those dreamy, blue-tinted views.