Driving the challenging road to Mount Princeton in Colorado's Rocky Mountains
Usa, north-america
9.97 km
3,699 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer off-road experience for you in the heart of Colorado's Chaffee County: Mount Princeton Road (Forest Service Road 322A). This bad boy climbs to a whopping 12,137 feet, earning its stripes as one of Colorado's highest roads.
You'll find it nestled within the San Isabel National Forest. The road is a 6.2-mile unpaved climb from County Road 321.
The first section is a breeze. But don't get too comfy! The last half-mile is where things get spicy, demanding a 4x4 beast. Most stock SUVs with some clearance should handle it, but leave your low-riders at the Young Life Camp and hike the rest.
Prepare for a serious workout—we're talking an elevation gain of 3,520 feet! The average grade is a leg-burning 10.76%, with ramps hitting a max of 14%.
Keep an eye on the calendar! Winter owns this place, so aim for a summer adventure. Snow typically shuts it down from November to June, and even in summer, the summit might be snow-covered.
But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping scenery, plenty of parking at the top, and a cool old weather station plus the Bristlecone Park Chalet to explore. Get ready for some serious bragging rights.
Where is it?
Driving the challenging road to Mount Princeton in Colorado's Rocky Mountains is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 36.2422, -98.4331
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 9.97 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,699 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 36.2422, -98.4331
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Poughkeepsie Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright thrill-seekers, listen up! Poughkeepsie Pass, nestled high in Colorado's San Juan Mountains near Ouray, is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Clocking in at 11.5 miles, this west-to-east route from Ironton to Animas Forks is a serious 4x4 adventure. Forget pavement – we're talking gravel, rocks, and some seriously steep climbs. County Road 19 is not messing around! Expect erosion, loose rock, and maybe even some mud wrestling with your Jeep. Oh, and did I mention the potential for legit water crossings with currents that could sweep you off your tires? "The Wall," a famous obstacle, now has a bypass (thank goodness!), but trust me, the whole trail demands respect. We're talking ledges up to five feet and near-vertical sections that will test your nerve. Lockers and a winch? Non-negotiable. That one super-sharp hairpin turn is particularly spicy. Typically open from April to October (depending on snow, of course), the views from the 12,919-foot summit are absolutely breathtaking. Just remember, this road features some narrow shelf sections, so keep your eyes peeled! This isn't a technically crazy trail, but its remoteness and exposure demand your full attention. This pass is a Colorado classic that will leave you breathless—both from the views and the drive!
hardWhere is Taylor Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Taylor Pass in Colorado? This spot is seriously high – like, 11,948 feet high! – right on the border of Gunnison and Pitkin counties. Legend has it, it's named after some gold-seeking pioneer named Jim Taylor. Heads up, though: getting to the top is no joke. You're looking at about 4.7 miles of totally unpaved road (Express Creek Road/Forest Service Road 15C), think rocks, boulders, the works. Leave your sedan at home; you'll need a legit 4x4 with high clearance. There’s even a creek crossing that can be tricky – scout it out before you commit, as there can be some surprisingly deep spots. It's steep too; some sections hit a 20% grade! The road's generally closed from October to July, thanks to snow. But hit it at the right time (think late summer), and you’re in for a treat. It takes about two hours to crawl up, but the views from the top are insane, overlooking the Elk and Collegiate Peaks Ranges. Plus, in summer, wildflowers are popping everywhere, and if you catch it in early fall, the aspen trees are mind-blowingly colorful. Just be prepared for a serious off-road adventure!
hardCone Peak, the second highest mountain in the Santa Lucia Range
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk Cone Peak! Nestled in the Santa Lucia Range, a stone's throw from the iconic Big Sur coast in California, this beauty tops out at 4,137 feet. You'll find it inside Los Padres National Forest, accessible via Forest Rte 22S05. Now, hold on tight; this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking unpaved, narrow, and STEEP – 4x4 is a MUST! Mother Nature throws a curveball, typically making it impassable from November to May, and forget about it if it's wet. The climb kicks off from the paved Nacimiento-Fergusson Road and stretches for about 6.8 miles. Heads up: this area saw some serious fire action back in 2008, so the scenery has definitely been shaped by that. Be aware, the road is currently blocked by a barrier.
hardAdventure along the wild road to Little White Mountain in BC
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Little White Mountain in British Columbia is calling your name! This isn't your Sunday drive kind of peak. We're talking a 2,142m (7,027ft) climb into the Canadian wild. Found perched near the Okanagan Valley, overlooking the eastern side of Okanagan Lake, getting to the top is an adventure in itself. Forget pavement – this is a pure off-road experience. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. The last 5km are no joke, think narrow ledges and boulder fields right beside some serious drop-offs. Starting from Kelowna, you've got a 25.1 km (15.59 miles) trek ahead of you, with some sections hitting a crazy steep 18% gradient! Keep in mind, this is a summer/early fall kind of trip – usually open from July to October, weather permitting. But trust me, the views are worth it! Once you reach the top, you're rewarded with 360-degree panoramas of the lake and valley. The mountain itself? It's named after some guy named Thomas White, but honestly, the views are the real stars here. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!