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 Salmon River Road in Idaho?
🇺🇸 Usa
America's Best Road Trips , in the U.S. state of , this scenic route follows central Idaho’s Where is Salmon River Road in Idaho? The road, also known as northwestern part of Idaho Salmon-Challis National Forest into Idaho’s rugged backcountry. Is Salmon River Road in Idaho paved? with no passing lanes and some high risk of rock and debris slides How long is Salmon River Road in Idaho? Corn Creek campground Driving the Furnace Creek Road in Death Valley NP Adventure Along the Hanaupah Canyon Road in Death Valley NP 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.
moderateWhere is Rich Mountain Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Rich Mountain Road, nestled away in Blount County, Tennessee, smack-dab in the eastern part of the state near the North Carolina line. It's hiding within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and feels like a total secret. This gem was carved out way back in the 1920s, and still feels wonderfully secluded. The road stretches for about 6.9 miles, taking you on a one-way adventure from south to north until you pop out onto Old Cades Cove Road. Budget around an hour to really soak it all in. Now, fair warning: this isn't your typical smooth ride. It's a twisty, unpaved path that winds its way through a peaceful forest. You'll find some tight uphill turns with loose gravel, and keep an eye out because sections can get washed out. It's narrow, steep in spots, and climbs several miles up through Rich Mountain Gap. Most cars can handle it, but after heavy rain, some parts might be impassable. Anything bigger than a truck might struggle with the turns. And leave the buses, RVs, vans over 25 feet, and trailers at home – they're not allowed. But trust me, the drive is worth it. You'll be treated to incredible photo ops and it’s one of the most remote spots in the Smokies you can reach by car! Watch for white-tailed deer as you climb to the top at 2,650 feet. Just a heads-up: Rich Mountain Road is typically closed from November to May due to winter weather. Plus, heavy rains can cause closures at other times of the year, too. So, plan accordingly!
hardWhere is American Summit?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: American Summit in Alaska. We're talking serious altitude here, way up there in the eastern part of the state, smack-dab in the Southeast Fairbanks Census Area. Now, this isn't just any road. It's part of the legendary Top of the World Highway. Think rugged, think iconic. They built this baby between 1946 and 1953, and it's an adventure from beginning to end. Be warned, though, it's not all smooth sailing! Expect a mix of paved and unpaved sections and some seriously steep climbs. And FYI, you can only tackle this one in the summer. It's usually closed from October to April. How far do you go? It's a good run going south to north from Jack Wade.
easyA Desert Trip: The Scenic Pinto Basin Road in the Joshua Tree NP
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Joshua Tree National Park? You absolutely HAVE to take Pinto Basin Road! This fully paved, two-lane beauty stretches for nearly 30 miles (47km) and is essentially the main artery slicing through the heart of the park. This recently revamped road (Park Route 11) whisks you from the Mojave Desert to the Sonoran Desert, showcasing the incredible diversity of the landscape. Keep your eyes peeled, because this area is STUNNING! But remember, safety first! Watch your speed, especially with those gradients hitting up to 5.3% in places. Sadly, many animals (including desert tortoises) are roadkill victims, so drive responsibly. Reaching a dizzying height of almost 4,000 feet (1,197m), the views are breathtaking. But the desert has its dangers. Be aware of rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widows if you're hiking. Summer brings scorching heat and intense sun, and flash floods can strike without warning – so pay attention to weather reports and never drive through standing water! Stay safe and enjoy this unforgettable desert adventure.