Chrysolite Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,669 m
hard
Year-round
Chrysolite Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.669m (12,037ft) above the sea level, located in Chaffee County, Colorado, United States. It’s
one of the highest roads of Colorado.
This infamous gravel road to the summit is rough with several hairpin turns. A very steep maintained (jeep) trail goes almost directly over the top of the peak. It’s called FR 297. Make sure you get your vehicle and yourself well-prepared before driving this road. This is a great trail that offers a little bit of everything -- rocky challenges, fantastic scenery, Colorado history, and access to some great hiking and fishing. Located in the Sawatch Mountains of central Colorado, the road is very rough. 4wd with a high ground clearance vehicle is necessary. Stay away if you're scared of heights. It is subject to winter snowfalls with such a high summit altitude, and it can be impassable anytime when the access is not cleared of snow. After rain, even a single rainfall, conditions of the road can be challenging. Watch out for sudden loose-gravel breaks. Proper preparation is essential to having a safe, enjoyable trip on this road. Always be prepared for winter weather, even in summer.
Signal Peak: Ultimate 4wd destination in NM
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,669 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardIs the road to Kendall Peak in Colorado unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Kendall Peak Road in Colorado's San Juan County! We're talking about an unpaved, rocky, and exhilarating climb up County Road 33 (aka Kendall Mountain Road). Starting near Silverton, this 7-mile journey is strictly for high-clearance 4WD vehicles only. And, pro-tip: make sure your radiator is in tip-top shape. Expect some serious drop-offs and a boulder-strewn path that'll test your off-roading skills. Novices, maybe sit this one out. The elevation gains are intense, topping out around 12,800 feet where most vehicles have to park. From there, a trail will take you the rest of the way to the peak. Be warned: shelf roads with zero room to pass are part of the adventure! This high in the San Juan Mountains, weather is a real factor. Summer thunderstorms can roll in fast, and winter... well, winter pretty much shuts it down. Plan your trip for the summer months for the best chance of access. But, oh, those views! The San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests stretch out in every direction. From the top, you'll get killer panoramas of Silverton and all the surrounding peaks. It's a chance to witness some of Colorado's most secluded landscapes. Trust me; it's worth the white-knuckle drive.
extremeHow long is the Going-to-the-Sun Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Going-to-the-Sun Road is THE highlight of Glacier National Park, Montana. Seriously, this 50-mile stretch nestled way up in the Rockies is an engineering masterpiece and arguably one of the most scenic drives on the planet. Starting in West Glacier and winding all the way to St. Mary, this "crown jewel of scenic drives" is entirely paved, but don't let that fool you – it's narrow! Think two lanes, hairpin turns, and seriously stunning views paired with twisty sections and cliff edges. Heads up: oversized vehicles aren't allowed in certain sections. Anything wider than 8 feet is a no-go between Avalanche Campground and Rising Sun picnic area. Also, taller vehicles (over 10 feet) might scrape the rocks heading west from Logan Pass. Construction started way back in 1921, and it finally opened in 1933. This is the only road that crosses the entire park, so it's a must-do! Budget at least 2 hours without stops, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. You'll cruise through incredible landscapes, from glacial lakes and forests in the valleys to alpine tundra up at the pass. The views change dramatically depending on which way you're driving. The road's usually open from mid-June to mid-October, but snow can shut things down early. They get up to 80 feet of snow at Logan Pass! Speaking of Logan Pass, that's the highest point at 6,646 feet. One major heads up: During peak summer (usually late May to early September), you NEED a timed entry reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road. You'll have to snag a permit in advance through the National Park Service. No permit, no entry during restricted times. Always check the park's official website for the latest details.
hardWhere is Saddle Mountain Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Saddle Mountain Road in Arizona is calling your name! This isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. You'll wind your way around the bizarrely beautiful Saddle Mountain, a volcanic wonder in south-central Arizona, west of . Think dramatic scenery and a real sense of getting away from it all. Rockhounds, listen up: fire agate and chalcedony are rumored to be hiding on the north side! The loop itself clocks in at about 11.3 miles (18.18 km), but don't let the short distance fool you. This baby is challenging! Expect washouts, rocks galore, and the kind of remoteness that demands respect. We're talking careful wheel placement and a definite need for a high-clearance 4WD vehicle *and* an experienced driver. But is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is off the charts, making it an epic day trip (or even a weekend adventure!). Just keep an eye on the weather.
extremeGospel Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Moores Station Road in Idaho County, Idaho, ready for a serious adventure. This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking about a gravel 4wd track that climbs up, up, UP to Gospel Peak, a whopping 7,926 feet above sea level. Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather. This route isn't for the faint of heart when things get gnarly. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities, and icy patches can sneak up on you. Expect some rocky and muddy sections too. But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. Once you reach the top, the panoramic views are insane! You can supposedly see four states – the Wallowa Mountains in Oregon, the Bitterroots of Montana, and the Blue Mountains and prairies of southeast Washington. Talk about bragging rights!