A wild 4x4 road to Teddys Peak in CO
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,678 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious dose of Colorado high country, you NEED to check out Teddys Peak. This unpaved beast of a road tops out at a whopping 12,066 feet, straddling Costilla and Huerfano counties in southern Colorado.
Tucked away in the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, inside the San Isabel National Forest, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking rough and rugged terrain that demands a 4WD vehicle with some decent clearance. Be ready for some steep climbs, too – there are sections hitting an 11% grade!
Keep in mind that Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Expect the road to be closed from around November due to heavy snow. Even in the summer months, don't be surprised if you run into a bit of the white stuff. But trust me, the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, plains, and forests from the summit are totally worth it. Get ready to have your breath taken away!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,678 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateLake Minnewanka Scenic Drive: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
🇨🇦 Canada
Hey fellow adventurers! If you're cruising around Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, you absolutely HAVE to take the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive. Seriously, it's a total gem! Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the town of Banff, Alberta, you'll find this paved loop road ready to whisk you away to the breathtaking Lake Minnewanka – or "Lake of the Spirits," as the Stoney Indians called it. This 13km (8-mile) loop, also known as Lake Minnewanka Scenic Loop, starts and ends right off the Trans-Canada Highway. And while you could technically zip around it in 20-30 minutes, trust me, you'll want to budget way more time. The highest point is at 1,537m (5,042ft), showcasing epic mountain views. The road is open year-round, though parts are closed November to April. This drive is all about soaking up the scenery. You'll pass Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake, and of course, the stunning Lake Minnewanka. Plus, you'll even get a glimpse of the eerie ghost town of Bankhead. Keep your eyes peeled, wildlife is abundant here, especially in the spring. Bighorn sheep love hanging out near the road, and you might spot elk, deer, foxes, wolves, coyotes, and maybe even a bear if you're super lucky! In the winter, it's a fantastic spot to catch the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
moderateWhy is it called Covington Flat Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Joshua Tree National Park, in sunny California, on Covington Flat Road. This isn't your typical paved paradise; it's a 9.6-mile unpaved adventure into the desert backcountry, split into Lower and Upper sections. Named after some pioneer rancher, Will Covington, this road serves up incredible landscapes, and lets you get up close and personal with the park’s biggest Joshua trees, junipers, and pinyon pines. Grab a map before you go, trust me. The road can get rutted, especially after a storm, so a high-clearance vehicle is your best bet, and 4WD is even better. Starting from La Contenta Road near Yucca Valley, the road winds up to a parking area near the Covington Crest Trailhead, topping out at 5,173 feet. From there, it’s a quick hike to Eureka Peak. Heads up: cell service can be spotty, and the climb gets pretty steep near the end. A smaller road branches off to a peak reaching 4,908ft. But, oh, the views! You'll be treated to panoramas of Palm Springs, the surrounding mountains, and the Morongo Basin. Just be aware that rain or snow can make this drive a real challenge. But if you're prepared, it's totally worth it!
hardWhy is Carson ghost town famous for?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're feeling brave and your ride is ready for a challenge, I've got a trip for you. We're heading up to Carson, a ghost town perched way up in the Colorado Rockies, in Hinsdale County. We're talking serious altitude here - 11,584 feet! Carson was once a bustling mining town back in the day, but those tough Colorado winters eventually got the best of it. Now, it's an eerie, beautiful relic of a bygone era, just begging to be explored. The road in? It's not for the faint of heart. We're talking 3.5 miles of rough gravel, embedded rocks, and seriously steep sections. Passing can be tricky, and you probably won't see many other vehicles. But the views? Totally worth it. Expect stunning scenery and the chance to peek into abandoned mines along the way. You'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4 to make it. ATVs, motorcycles, hikers, and bikers are welcome too! Just be warned: this road is narrow, with switchbacks that'll test your skills and some pretty steep drop-offs. Beginner drivers, proceed with caution. Oh, and a heads up: this road is usually snowed in from October to June. Even in summer, keep an eye on the weather – a sudden snowstorm could close things down fast. Heavy mist can also roll in, making visibility a nightmare. So plan accordingly, be prepared, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
extremeWhere is Ubehebe Crater?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for a trip to another planet? Head to the northern reaches of Death Valley National Park and hop on Ubehebe Crater Road! This paved path, a cool 5.6 miles long, leads you straight to the jaw-dropping Ubehebe Crater, a massive volcanic wonder. This isn't just any hole in the ground, folks. We're talking a mile and a half wide and 600 feet deep! The road itself is well-maintained and easy to follow, but the real magic happens as the sun rises, painting the gravel landscape in unreal colors. Word to the wise: the desert can be a fickle friend. Wind is a common character here, especially in spring. Keep an eye out for sudden dust storms – they can kick up when you least expect it. And those crater rims? They're gorgeous, but tread carefully. The ground can be loose and unstable. Oh, and don't count on your cell service out here. Death Valley is seriously extreme. Remember to drink tons of water, especially if you're exploring on foot. If your car decides to take a break, stay put and wait for help. It’s always a good idea to have extra water on hand, just in case. Stay safe, soak up the views, and get ready for an adventure you won't soon forget!