An old mine road to Ball Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,648 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, fellow adventurers, because we're heading to Ball Mountain in Colorado! This beast of a pass sits way up high at almost 12,000 feet in Lake County. Seriously, it's one of the highest drives you'll find in the state.
Forget the pavement, though. We're talking a rugged, unpaved dirt road (County Road 1B, if you're mapping it). Found east of Leadville and cradled by the Sawatch and Mosquito Ranges, this former mine road is steep, rocky, and a total blast in the right vehicle.
Think gorgeous hills, lush trees, and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. This is strictly a summer adventure, and a 4x4 with some serious ground clearance is an absolute must. Get ready for a bumpy but breathtaking ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,648 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateBrown Mountain: a steep unpaved road to the top
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Texas road trip fans, listen up! Brown Mountain: ever heard of it? It's a seriously high point in Jeff Davis County, clocking in at almost 7,000 feet! Think panoramic views. Getting there? That's part of the adventure. This ain't no Sunday drive on smooth asphalt. The road to the top is all dirt, so a 4x4 is a must. Trust me, you'll want the extra grip. The climb starts from TX-166, and it's about 2.6 miles to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you – you're gaining over 1,100 feet in elevation, so it's a steady climb averaging around an 8% grade. Not crazy steep, but enough to make you appreciate that low gear! Once you're at the summit, you'll find a communication antenna, and views that stretch forever. Just you, the big Texas sky, and a serious sense of accomplishment.
hardWhere is Juniper Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Big Bend National Park in Texas and craving a truly rugged experience, Juniper Canyon Road in the Chisos Mountains is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously remote, folks. You'll be deep in the heart of the park, with zero cell service. Download those maps beforehand! The 5.4-mile stretch is entirely unpaved, twisting through desert wilderness. Picture this: rocky terrain, loose stones, and maybe even a dry creek crossing or two. Rain turns this road from challenging to downright treacherous, so keep an eye on the weather. Think twice about bringing anything but a 4WD vehicle with solid tires. Low clearance? Forget about it. And trailers? Definitely not recommended. You'll be crawling at a snail's pace (5-10 mph), but the solitude is worth it. The road ends at a parking area near Juniper Canyon Trail and Dodson Trail, sitting pretty at 3,973 feet. It climbs a good 1,079 feet in elevation. Plus, there's a water storage locker for long-distance hikers. All that said, the views of the Chisos Mountains are nothing short of breathtaking! Just be prepared for a bumpy ride.
hardDriving the unpaved Navy Road in Santa Cruz Island
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Ever dreamed of exploring a wild, remote island paradise? Navy Road, tucked away in California's Channel Islands, is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking about 7.14 miles of pure, unadulterated off-road bliss. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. The terrain is rugged, the weather can be unpredictable, and the road is entirely unpaved. This baby gets seriously steep, hitting a 22% gradient in spots! While you can see some vehicles from the island, no public motor vehicles are allowed. You can only hike or kayak around. But the views? Absolutely breathtaking. Navy Road winds through canyons and over ridges, offering stunning vistas that have graced the silver screen in movies like Peter Pan and The Rescue. Keep your eyes peeled for ticks, poison oak, cholla cactus, and scorpions, there are no poisonous snakes on the island. Remember that access to the island is restricted, so plan accordingly. If you're craving a truly unforgettable wilderness experience, Navy Road is where it's at!
hardHow long is Berthoud Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Colorado? You HAVE to experience Berthoud Pass! This paved beauty, also known as U.S. Highway 40, stretches for 46.7 miles (75.15 km) between the charming town of Empire and Granby. Perched on the Continental Divide in the Front Range, it's named after Edward Berthoud, a railroad surveyor back in the day. The views? Unreal! Think classic Rocky Mountain scenery around every bend. Heads up – at 11,307 feet (3,446m), this pass is no joke! While it's generally open year-round, winter can throw a wrench in things. Expect potential closures or restrictions due to heavy snow and avalanches. It's definitely a route that demands respect. The road itself has some steep sections (around 6.3% grade) and plenty of switchbacks, so take it slow. While it can be challenging in spots, guardrails help keep you on track. Budget around 50-70 minutes to drive it without stopping, but trust me, you'll want to pull over at the overlooks and soak in the epic views. Oh, and for the adventurous, a gravel road branches off to the east, leading to the summit of a 12,506-foot (3,812m) peak.