Golden Bear Peak
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,725 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Golden Bear Peak in Colorado’s Clear Creek County is calling your name! This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a rocky, bumpy, gravel road snaking its way up to a whopping 12,221 feet!
Located deep in the Rockies, this high-altitude adventure is strictly for experienced off-roaders. Seriously, if you're not comfy on steep, unpaved mountain trails, this one's best left to the pros. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance, and a healthy dose of courage – heights are definitely a thing here!
The views? Absolutely epic. But be warned: this road is usually snowed in from September to July. And if it's wet? Expect a muddy, slippery challenge. Think of it as South Eisenhower Tunnel's wilder cousin. Golden Bear Peak is unforgettable!
Where is it?
Golden Bear Peak is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.6694, -105.9139
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,725 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.6694, -105.9139
Related Roads in north-america
moderateEl Chico Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're just north of Pachuca, the capital of Hidalgo, and you're headed toward Mineral del Chico and its National Park. Trust me, this area is a total gem, drawing crowds with its history and knockout natural beauty. The road itself? It's paved, which is nice. But fair warning: the weather here can flip on you faster than a pancake. Fog, snow, rain—you name it, it can happen, and that combined with the traffic can make things a bit hairy. But hey, the views! We're talking pine forests, crazy rock formations, and charming old mining towns straight out of the 19th century. These aren't just relics, either; you can actually explore them. So, yeah, keep your eyes on the road, but definitely steal glances at the incredible scenery.
easyTravel guide to Fremont Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Fremont Pass in Colorado! This beauty straddles Lake and Summit counties, hitting a whopping 11,335 feet above sea level. We're talking serious Rocky Mountain high! You'll find it right in the heart of Colorado, not too far from Leadville. Fun fact: it's home to the Climax molybdenum mine, which used to be a HUGE deal for the world's molybdenum supply. The pass itself is named after the legendary explorer John C. Frémont. State Highway 91, also known as the "Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway," will take you right to the top on a fully paved road. And get this – it's surprisingly straight for a mountain pass! Just a few switchbacks near the summit. The whole shebang stretches for about 21.7 miles between Copper Mountain and Leadville, running north to south. Don't get fooled – there are a couple of false summits on the way up! Generally, Fremont Pass is open year-round, but be warned – winter weather can throw a wrench in your plans and cause temporary closures. While most of the road is pretty tame, keep an eye out for some short, steep sections with gradients hitting 15%.
hardWhere is Brian Head Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around Iron County, Utah, and you're craving some serious altitude, you HAVE to check out the road up to Brian Head Peak. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads in the whole state, clocking in way above sea level. You'll find this gem north of Cedar Breaks National Monument, nestled in Dixie National Forest, in the southwestern corner of Utah. Be warned, though, the air is thin up here, so take it easy and don't stand up too fast! What awaits you at the summit? An old-school Forest Service lookout – it feels like stepping back in time! On a clear day, the views stretch on forever. Now, the road itself is an adventure. It's unpaved, a little rough and bumpy, but totally doable in a regular car. Just make sure your brakes are in tip-top shape, because there are some seriously steep drop-offs with no guardrails! This road was built the old fashioned way, using some heavy machinery but with the aid of horses. Just be mindful as you navigate the winding paths that skirt the edge of the mountain. How long is this epic climb? The unpaved section stretches for only a few miles from the main paved road, but it packs a punch. You'll gain serious elevation, making for a pretty steep gradient in some spots. Heads up, this road is typically open from late spring/early summer through fall, depending on the snow. So, if you're planning a winter trip, you might have to wait for the thaw.
extremeTop of the World is one of the gnarliest roads of Moab
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Moab, Utah, and you're craving a view that'll knock your socks off, you HAVE to check out Top of the World. Perched at 7,050 feet, this natural viewpoint gives you a killer panorama from a 3,000-foot cliff overlook. Seriously, it might just be the best view in the whole state. Getting there is half the adventure! The Top of the World trail, about 9.5 miles long, is a totally unpaved 4x4 route that kicks off from UT-128. Now, let's be real: this drive is no Sunday cruise. We're talking broken, layered rock, shelves of all sizes, loose rock, ledges, bedrock, sand, and even a little slickrock. The last few miles are seriously intense, so you'll want a rig that can handle it. Think 35" tires, a 3" lift, and lockers. This trail is bumpy with obstacles, so drivers can break an axle if not careful. Stock SUVs should probably sit this one out. Pack your tools and gear because help is a long way away if you get into trouble. Oh, and hold on to your hat! The wind up here can be wild, rushing up from the valley below. The climb involves slickrock, rock shelves, and steps. Oversized tires, high clearance, and a rear locker are highly recommended. Surprisingly, cell service is pretty good, even in this remote spot. The road gets steep, with gradients hitting 15% in places. And if it's raining or snowy, unless you're a pro with a winch, save this adventure for another day. Give yourself 2.5 to 3.5 hours to drive the trail without stopping. Trust me, you'll want to stop for photos! The trail ends at the lookout point, overlooking one of the most picturesque views of the Utah landscape. Just be super careful near the cliff edge – there are no handrails, and it's not suitable for kids. But the 360° views from Waring Mesa are worth it! You'll be treated to epic views of Fisher Valley, Onion Creek, and the La Sal Mountains. It’s an amazing canyon view and it’s not to be missed! This drive is challenging, but the reward is a panorama you won't soon forget. Get ready to say "WOW!"