
Driving to Crown King, a mining town in Arizona
Usa, north-america
44.9 km
1,765 m
hard
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 β 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
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
hardWhere is Carter Mountain?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Carter Mountain Road in Wyoming's Park County is calling all adventurers. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a completely unpaved, rugged stretch that tops out at a seriously high elevation. We're talking one of the highest roads in Wyoming! You'll find Carter Mountain nestled within the Shoshone National Forest in northern Wyoming. This baby demands a 4x4 with high clearance β trust me on this one. Starting near Meeteetse, the road snakes its way for roughly , offering mind-blowing scenery every inch of the way. Just a heads-up: come winter, this road becomes completely impassable. Mother Nature slams the door shut with snow and ice, so plan accordingly!
hardLowell Observatory
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, space explorers, buckle up! We're headed to Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're climbing to a cool 7,250 feet (2,210 meters) on W Mars Hill Road. The road's paved, so no worries there, but it's a pretty good climb. Remember Percival Lowell? He kicked things off here back in 1894! Now, pro-tip: that high elevation is no joke. If you're not used to it, take it easy. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and layer up those clothes! Even in summer, evenings can get chilly. And during the day? Slather on that sunscreen, because that Arizona sun is strong! Get ready for incredible views, and maybe even a glimpse into the cosmos!
hardWilson Peak
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, so you're in San Miguel County, Colorado, itching for an adventure? Then Wilson Peak is calling your name! This beast clocks in at a whopping 12,201 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest drives. Forget smooth tarmac β this is a proper old mining road, all gravel, rocks, and seriously bumpy. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance to even think about tackling it. Trust me, a standard sedan will be crying before you even get started. Fair warning: this baby is usually snowed in from September to July, so plan your trip accordingly. Plus, it's steep! And if it's wet, expect mud, mud, and more mud. Not for the faint of heart, especially if you're scared of heights. But oh, the views! Nestled in the Lizard Head Wilderness within the Uncompahgre National Forest, the scenery is absolutely epic. Wilson Peak is a Colorado icon, and some even call it "Coors Peak." You might also recognize it from Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight". Experienced off-roaders will be in heaven. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
extremeWhat is the route of the road to Jaybird Peak?
πΊπΈ Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've just explored a seriously epic route in southeastern Wyoming that you NEED to add to your list: Jaybird Peak! Nestled in Albany County, inside the Laramie Mountains, this pass tops out at a cool 7,732 feet (2,357m) within the Medicine Bow National Forest. Okay, so here's the deal: you'll be cruising along Esterbrook Road, connecting the dots between somewhere near Laramie and the tiny town of Esterbrook. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a 28.2-mile unpaved adventure through rugged terrain! Think pine forests, rocky outcroppings, and pure Wyoming wilderness. Word to the wise: forget pavement; it's all gravel and dirt on this road. A 4x4 vehicle isn't just recommended, it's practically essential. Expect rocky sections, mud pits (especially after rain), and a real test of your off-roading skills. And heads up on the weather! This road is no joke when conditions turn south. Winter brings heavy snow, ice, and potential landslides, so avoid it at all costs during the colder months. The sweet spot for this drive is late spring to early fall, when the road is (hopefully) dry. Always check the forecast before you go β seriously! So, is it worth it? Absolutely! If you crave solitude, wildlife sightings, and a true taste of the Wyoming backcountry, Jaybird Peak is calling your name. Just remember to be prepared, respect the environment, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!