Driving to Crown King, a mining town in Arizona

Driving to Crown King, a mining town in Arizona

Usa, north-america

Length

44.9 km

Elevation

1,765 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Crown King, Arizona is calling your name! This historic mining town, perched way up at 5,790 feet in the Bradshaw Mountains, is a trip back in time. Think: rustic saloons, wild west vibes, and a serious off-road journey to get there.

Crown King Road (aka Forest 259 Road) is your path, kicking off from Interstate 17. Clocking in at almost 28 miles, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a long, winding dirt road with four switchbacks to keep you on your toes.

Heads up: you'll NEED a high-clearance 4x4 for this. Most of the route is pretty mellow, but those last four miles are no joke! Years of erosion have turned it into a rocky, rutted challenge. Stock vehicles with good articulation *might* make it, but be prepared to get creative with rock stacking or a tow strap.

The cool part? You'll be tracing an old railroad bed, passing abandoned mines, collapsing cabins, and even a few ghost towns! It's like driving through a living history book. Keep an eye out for signs of recent wildfires and mudslides too – Mother Nature definitely leaves her mark around here. Even snow usually doesn't shut this road down. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!

Where is it?

Driving to Crown King, a mining town in Arizona is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.8298, -97.4077

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
44.9 km
Max Elevation
1,765 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
42.8298, -97.4077

Related Roads in north-america

Aurora Peakhard

Aurora Peak

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk Aurora Peak in Nevada's Mineral County! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking about a seriously rugged trail topping out at 8,740 feet. Be prepared for a bumpy ride; the road's rough, tippy, and can get pretty narrow with limited passing spots. High clearance is an absolute must – seriously, don't even think about it without the right vehicle! The climb is steep, and while you're up there, you'll spot a cell tower. Heads up: if it's wet, expect a muddy challenge. Winter? Forget about it – this road's usually impassable. But for experienced off-roaders, it's an awesome climb with views to match!

Is Dave Wood Road in Colorado paved?easy

Is Dave Wood Road in Colorado paved?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Dave Wood Road in western Colorado, winding through the foothills of the Uncompahgre Plateau. This isn't your typical highway – it's a 19.4-mile stretch of mostly unpaved adventure starting near Montrose and heading south towards Norwood. For the first seven miles you'll be cruising on pavement, but then the real fun begins! While most vehicles *can* make the trek, I'd strongly recommend having a four-wheel drive to handle the loose gravel and ever-changing road surface. Traffic is usually pretty light, which is awesome, but keep your eyes peeled! As you climb, you'll be treated to some seriously stunning views within the Uncompahgre National Forest. And get this: you'll hit a peak elevation of 9,284 feet! Keep in mind that this road is only plowed up to the Dave Wood Winter Recreation Area, so plan accordingly depending on the season. This road runs parallel to Highway 550, offering you a scenic alternative. Enjoy the ride!

When was McCarthy Road built?moderate

When was McCarthy Road built?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, buckle up buttercups, because the McCarthy Road is about to become your new obsession. Tucked away in the Valdez-Cordova Census Area, deep in the Alaskan wilderness, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Originally a mining railway from way back in 1909, it got a gravel makeover in 1971 after the mining boom went bust. We're talking 59 miles of unpaved adventure cutting right through the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, tracing the old Copper River and Northwestern Railroad line. Don't expect a smooth ride, though conditions have improved over the years. Mother Nature still throws curveballs. Think potholes, the occasional rogue railroad tie or spike, and slick mud after a good rain. Keep an eye out for narrow bridges too. Most cars can handle it in summer with a spare tire (or two!) and a decent jack. The road's usually open from mid-May to mid-September. Keep your speed around 35mph and be mindful of other drivers, especially on the tighter sections. Budget about 2 to 2 Β½ hours for the drive. This road's more than just a way to get from A to B, it’s a portal to stunning scenery, epic hiking, prime fishing, and the historic charm of McCarthy and Kennecott. Just remember: this area is REMOTE. Limited cell service, no gas in Chitina, and untouched wilderness as far as the eye can see. And get this: the Kuskulana River Bridge. At 238 feet above the gorge floor, this historic steel truss bridge is a nail-biter. Built in 1910 as a railway bridge, it's 775 ft long. Adrenaline junkies, this one's for you! So, if you're craving a real Alaskan adventure, the McCarthy Road is calling your name!

Holy Cross City Jeep Road in Colorado is only for the most experienced drivershard

Holy Cross City Jeep Road in Colorado is only for the most experienced drivers

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're looking for a REAL challenge, Holy Cross City Jeep Road in Eagle County, Colorado is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking hardcore, expert-level terrain only. Seriously, leave your stock vehicle at home. This 3.8-mile (one-way) beast climbs relentlessly to a whopping 11,870 feet above sea level near Holy Cross City and Cleveland Lake, making it one of the highest roads in the state. Nestled in the central Colorado Rockies, the unpaved and rocky path to the top is unforgiving. Expect some serious pinstriping – a sign warns of potential vehicle damage right at the trailhead. You'll start off Homestake Road #703 and battle your way to the historic Holy Cross City site. Weekends here are always crowded with other thrill-seekers, so be prepared to share the trail. Keep in mind, this is the high country! The upper reaches of the road are usually snowed-in from late November to mid-July. And pro tip: NEVER tackle this trail solo. Beyond the adrenaline rush, you'll be cruising through living history. The road, built in 1883, winds past remnants of Colorado's mining boom and offers insane views of the Mount of the Holy Cross. The destination is the old Holy Cross City mining town, a ghost town with building ruins and rusting equipment. Once a bustling hub with 300 residents, stamp mills, boarding houses, and more, it’s now a relic of a bygone era. But before you get all starry-eyed, understand that this road demands respect. You NEED the right training and equipment. Know your 4-wheel-drive system inside and out, and ALWAYS travel with a buddy in another vehicle. Winching WILL be necessary, and you might even have to do some trail building! The two notorious obstacles are French Creek and Cleveland Rock. French Creek involves a long stream crossing, followed by navigating huge boulders with wet tires. And Cleveland Rock? A massive boulder with two incredibly challenging lines. Translation: Bring emergency supplies and extra parts, and KNOW YOUR ROUTE! A winch, 33"+ tires, locking differentials, and full recovery gear are non-negotiable.