Chalk Mountain: a rough forest road to the summit
Usa, north-america
4.82 km
3,667 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're in Colorado's Lake County and itching for a high-altitude thrill, Chalk Mountain is calling your name! We're talking serious elevation here, a whopping 12,030 feet above sea level.
The road up, Forest Road 134, is a real backcountry experience. It's a roughly 3-mile-long unpaved path that climbs steeply from CO-91, gaining 1,414 feet in elevation. So, yeah, it's pretty steep with an average gradient of almost 9%! Think rocky, narrow, and definitely needing a high-clearance vehicle to handle it.
But trust me, the effort is totally worth it. The views from the top are simply breathtaking. Seriously, get ready to soak in some epic Colorado scenery! Just take it slow, watch out for those rocks, and get ready for an unforgettable ride.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4.82 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,667 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardAztec Peak is a road to the highest point of Sierra Anchas
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the heart of Arizona's Tonto National Forest, you'll find Aztec Peak, a whopping 7,746 feet high. This bad boy is the highest point in the Sierra Anchas! Getting to the top is an adventure in itself. You'll be tackling Forest Service Road 487 (aka Workman Creek Road), which kicks off from the Arizona 288-Globe Young Highway. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking unpaved roads that are typically closed from mid-December to the end of March (snow depending!). You'll definitely need a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive beast to make it. Once you pass the waterfall, the road gets seriously steep, narrow, and a little nerve-wracking if you're not a fan of heights. The final stretch is a single-track forest road that's rocky in parts. If you're lucky and the gate's open, you can drive all the way to the top. Now, for a little heads-up: this area has naturally occurring uranium and radium-266. In other words, low-level radiation. So, a HUGE no-no to going into any of the mines! But, the views! At the summit, you'll find a fire lookout tower built in 1956. And the 360-degree panoramic views? They're mind-blowing, stretching over 100 miles in every direction. It’s tucked away in the Salome Wilderness. Trust me, it's worth the white-knuckle drive!
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering Leavitt Lake in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Leavitt Lake, a ridiculously gorgeous alpine lake perched way up high in California's Mono County at a whopping 9,570 feet! Seriously, this is one of the highest roads you'll find in the Golden State. You'll find this gem nestled in the eastern part of California, practically waving hello to Nevada. The road in, Leavitt Lake Road (aka Forest Service Road 077), winds through the stunning Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. But listen up: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously rugged dirt road that demands an SUV with high clearance and 4-wheel drive. There are even a couple of shallow stream crossings that pop up depending on the season – leave the sedan at home! Starting from the paved CA-108, it's a short but intense 2.8-mile climb. And "climb" is the word, with some sections hitting a crazy steep 15% grade! You'll gain a hefty 1,109 feet in elevation. Perched high in the Sierra Nevada, expect this road to be snowed in for a good chunk of the year. It usually stays closed well into summer. Word is, the lake itself can be iced over until July! And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a smaller gravel road south of the lake that climbs even higher, topping out at 10,649 feet! Get ready for some epic views!
moderateWhere is Little Giant Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Check out Little Giant Peak in Colorado! This baby tops out at a whopping 12,227 feet above sea level. You'll find this peak nestled in the southwestern part of the state. And get this – near the top, there's this crazy scenic alpine lake just chillin' there. Now, the road to the summit? Forget pavement. We're talking a rugged, old mining road – gravel, bumps, rocks embedded everywhere. Think serious high-clearance vehicle territory only! You'll see mining remnants scattered all over, which is pretty cool. It's only about 4.1 miles to the top, but buckle up for a wild ride. You'll climb a serious amount, averaging a pretty steep gradient. And just a heads up – winter? Nope. This road is totally snowed in and impassable during the colder months. Basically, epic views and a challenging drive all rolled into one!
moderateCan you drive around the rim of Crater Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for a breathtaking road trip? Cruise along Rim Drive in Oregon's Crater Lake National Park, a 33-mile loop that hugs the caldera of the stunning Crater Lake. This isn't just any drive; it's one of the highest roads in Oregon, climbing from 6,500 feet to a dizzying 7,877 feet at Cloudcap! Built between 1926 and 1941, this road is a testament to engineering ingenuity. Heads up: Rim Drive is usually only open from July to October because winter brings serious snowfall – we're talking over 20 feet in most places, with drifts up to 60 feet! Keep an eye on conditions; things can change fast. This drive isn't for the faint of heart. It can be a bit narrow and winding, with no shoulders in places, and you might find some rocks on the road. Those afraid of heights might find it challenging as the road sometimes lacks railing and the hillsides are steep. However, the views are SO worth it! Plan for about 1.5 hours without stops, but trust me, you'll want to stop. With around 50 turnouts, you’ll have ample chances to soak in the lake views, panoramic vistas, and gorgeous forests and meadows. Each viewpoint offers something unique. Rim Drive is also a highlight along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a 500-mile route connecting Crater Lake with Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. Get ready for a drive you won't forget!