Highland Mary Mine
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,432 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to the legendary Highland Mary Mine in Colorado's San Juan County. Perched way up high at 11,259 feet, this abandoned gold mine is reached via one seriously gnarly gravel road.
Think hairpin turns and a super steep, jeep-only trail that practically scales the mountain. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking rocky terrain, incredible views, a healthy dose of Colorado history, and access to awesome hiking and fishing. You'll need a 4x4 for sure, and a good head for heights!
Keep in mind, this high-altitude beauty is prone to snow, and can be impassable when drifts block the way. Even a little rain can turn the road into a slippery challenge. Watch out for those sudden patches of loose gravel, too! Come prepared for anything – even winter weather in the summer. Trust me, proper planning is the key to unlocking an unforgettable, safe trip!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,432 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow to travel across Lake Diefenbaker?
🇨🇦 Canada
Wanna cross Lake Diefenbaker in Saskatchewan? You've got options! Most of the year, you can hop on the free Riverhurst Ferry, a cable-operated beast that runs 24/7. But, for a few weeks each winter, things get icy – literally! That's when the Riverhurst Ice Crossing opens. This 2.1 km (1.3 mi) stretch of frozen highway, part of Highway 42, lets you drive *right across* the lake! It's usually open from early February to the end of March, but ice conditions are key. Seriously, check the Highway Hotline before you go, because driving on it when it's closed is a big no-no. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! Most Canadian ice roads are way up north, but Riverhurst is a sweet exception in southern Saskatchewan. Lake Diefenbaker is massive and surrounded by tons of towns and sights. A road trip around it is an adventure you won't forget! The sheer scale of the lake is something you have to see to believe.
moderateHow to Get by Car to Marmot Basin in Alberta?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you're heading to Alberta, Canada, you HAVE to check out the drive up to Marmot Basin ski resort. We're talking a climb to 1,989m (6,525 ft) above sea level in the heart of Jasper National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, no less! The adventure kicks off from the AB-93A, and the climb is a super manageable 13.5 km (8.38 miles). You'll gain a solid 828 meters of elevation along the way, mostly on a smooth asphalt road with gradients around 5-7%. They call this beauty Marmot Road, and it's mostly paved, but be warned: the final 1.5 km turns to dirt. Don’t worry, though – it's totally doable in most cars. The real star of the show? The views! Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Just a heads-up: mountain weather is no joke, so make sure your ride is ready for anything. Trust me, this drive is worth it!
moderateWhere is Keystone Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Arizona's Keystone Peak: An Off-Road Adventure! Way down in southern Arizona, southwest of Tucson, you'll find Keystone Peak topping out at 6,188 feet (1,886m). This area's got serious history, shaped by mining and ranching days. The peak itself is like a tech hub in the sky, packed with communication towers and buildings, but the 360-degree views are absolutely worth it! As you climb, keep an eye out for the old and active mines scattered across the hillsides. McGee Road, the main route up, is a well-maintained dirt fire road. It's perfect for hikers and off-roaders, winding through the Sierrita Mountains. It's generally an easy drive, though there are a few steep parts to keep things interesting. This road started as an old mining route, so you're basically driving through history. Expect a gate near McGee Ranch at the bottom. The climb averages a 4.8% grade over 10.2 miles (16.41km) from Mission Road, gaining 2,585 feet (788 meters). After it rains, the road can get tricky, even flooded in spots. While most of it is doable, a 4x4 is recommended for some sections. Heads up – drivers warn that your brakes can get HOT on the way down! Be careful!
extremeGooseberry Point
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk Gooseberry Point, a seriously awesome mountain pass chilling at 10,347 feet in Utah's Iron County. You'll find this gem tucked away in the Dixie National Forest. Now, getting to the top isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking a four-mile gravel track – Forest Road 1635, to be exact – that demands a 4WD vehicle. Trust me, you'll want it. Plus, keep a close eye on the weather because this road is a no-go when things get nasty. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are real possibilities, and ice patches can pop up when you least expect them. Expect some rocky and muddy sections as you make your ascent from Cedar Canyon Road. But hey, the views? Totally worth it.