A rocky, rough and washed out road to Stony Pass in Colorado
Usa, north-america
16.73 km
3,846 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in southwestern Colorado, just east of Silverton, ready to tackle Stony Pass. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about one of the highest roads in the state, topping out at a whopping 12,618 feet!
This rough and rugged unpaved road, also known as Hamilton Pass, is about 10.4 miles long, connecting County Road 4 to Forest Road 506. Back in 1872, this was the lifeline for mining operations, bustling with mule trains carrying miners, silver, and gold. The name "Stony Pass" is no joke—it's rocky!
Heads up: this road is typically closed from late October until late June or early July. When it's open, you'll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to navigate the rough, washed-out sections. Expect narrow spots – there's at least one section where you'll be crossing your fingers you don't meet another car!
But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll be winding alongside the Rio Grande, surrounded by wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and history oozing from the old mining sites. And when you reach the summit? Prepare for panoramic vistas of the Continental Divide that'll take your breath away. Get ready for an adventure!
Where is it?
A rocky, rough and washed out road to Stony Pass in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.0878, -97.9298
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 16.73 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,846 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.0878, -97.9298
Related Roads in north-america
hardRobbs Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Robbs Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.039m (6,689ft) above the sea level, located in El Dorado County, California, in USA. The road to the summit, located within El Dorado National Forest, is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. It’s called Robbs Road. The road is usually impassable from October to June (weather permitting). Winter conditions can occur from September through June and may provide visitors with challenging weather in addition to affecting access and amenities. At the summit there’s a lookout tower constructed in 1937. Expect a trail pretty steep. During the summer, most passenger vehicles can access the hut on the dirt road. Deep snow conditions can be exhausting and roads can become impassable to all vehicles including 4WD. A narrow shelf road to Gold Strike Pass in NV Houston Road Safety: Analyzing Accident Causality and Response Protocols 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.
moderateWhere is Monida Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! I've got a sweet drive for you, right on the Idaho-Montana border: Monida Pass! We're talking about a seriously scenic route hitting a max elevation of 6,896 feet. You'll find yourself cruising along Interstate 15 (aka Veteran’s Memorial Highway), so yeah, it's paved all the way. This 30-mile stretch connects Lima, Montana, with Spencer, Idaho (the self-proclaimed "Opal Capital of America"). As you wind through the Bitterroot Range in the Rocky Mountains, keep your eyes peeled – the views are epic. Just remember this is a mountain pass, so keep an eye on the weather and be prepared for changing conditions. Otherwise, get ready for a fun ride!
hardWhere is Reward Mine located?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Inyo County, California, smack-dab in the eastern desert, with the Inyo Mountains looming and Mount Whitney keeping watch. You're heading to the Reward Mine – or the Brown Monster Mine, if you're feeling dramatic. This place is a trip! It's an abandoned mining camp with a history going back to the late 1800s, not far from the Manzanar Historical Monument. This place was a gold and lead ore hotspot, mined until the 70s. Now, the mine itself? It’s HUGE – eight levels connected and stretching over 500 feet! The craziest part? The main tunnel is so big you could drive a truck through it! And you can drive a ways inside – we’re talking a quarter mile! Once inside, the trail is soft dirt. But listen up: driving into this mine is not without risk! It's riddled with signs of collapse, and being near an active earthquake zone means a cave-in could happen at any time. Getting to the mine isn't a walk in the park either. The road is rocky, steep, and littered with boulders. You'll need a 4WD beast with good ground clearance and off-road tires to make it. Also, be sure you are not alone. It can be difficult to find, there are no signs, and you must drive uphill on a gravel road. Once you arrive, park and explore the depths by foot! It’s an awesome adventure, but be smart and stay safe out there!
moderateThe scenic yet remote Kimsey Mountain Highway in Tennessee
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving a real off-the-grid experience, you HAVE to check out Kimsey Mountain Highway in Polk County, Tennessee. Tucked away in the Cherokee National Forest, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 16.6-mile, unpaved, single-track Jeep road (aka Forest Service Road 68) that winds through some seriously stunning wilderness. Think slow and steady wins the race, because this baby offers a unique, intimate view of the forest. Since you are riding along the top of the ridge, the views are amazing! Picture this: a road built almost a century ago, untouched by modern paving, still rocking its original, rugged charm. But fair warning: at a peak elevation of 3,070 feet in the Southern Appalachians, you might find the path blocked by fallen trees (chainsaw, anyone?) and the occasional washout. Starting from either TN-30 or TN-68 (your choice, east or west!), this trek is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is pure, unfiltered Appalachian beauty. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!