Holy Cross City Jeep Road in Colorado is only for the most experienced drivers
Usa, north-america
6.1 km
3,618 m
hard
Year-round
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.
Where is it?
Holy Cross City Jeep Road in Colorado is only for the most experienced drivers is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.1288, -99.2542
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,618 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 37.1288, -99.2542
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhat is the route of Forest Road 040?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Forest Road 040 in Utah's Duchesne County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a high-altitude shortcut – a rugged, unpaved gem that connects back to Forest Road 196. Think pine forests, alpine meadows, and pure backcountry vibes! This track sits entirely above 3,100 meters, topping out at an eye-watering elevation. The air gets thin up there, and your engine WILL feel it. Word to the wise: this road is DIRT. If it’s wet, forget about it. Seriously. When it’s dry, a 4x4 is a MUST. We're talking steep sections, uneven terrain, and high clearance to avoid those sneaky obstacles. Weather is a HUGE deal. High winds whip across these ridges year-round, and even in summer, snow isn't out of the question. Winter? Brutal. The short driving season is usually only open during peak summer. Check local conditions before you go—you don't want to be surprised by late-spring snowdrifts!
hardBlackhead Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Blackhead Peak in Colorado's Archuleta County is calling your name! Perched high in the San Juan Mountains, this bad boy tops out at a whopping 10,830 feet. Getting there? Buckle up. Forest Road 24 is a beast – think rough, rocky, and seriously steep. We're talking 4x4 territory only, and definitely not for the faint of heart. Winter? Forget about it – this road is a no-go when the snow flies. If you're not comfortable with unpaved mountain roads or have a fear of heights, maybe sit this one out. But for those who dare, the views are absolutely epic. Just be prepared for a pretty intense climb!
extremeWhere is Loveland Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Loveland Pass! Perched high in the Colorado Rockies, right on the Continental Divide, this beauty sits at a whopping 12,007 feet. Yep, it's up there! You'll find it snaking between Summit and Clear Creek counties, west of Denver. This isn't your average scenic drive; it's an adventure. U.S. Highway 6, aka Loveland Pass Road, is fully paved but don't let that fool you. This 20.5-mile stretch, linking Loveland Ski Area to Silverthorne via I-70, packs a punch with an 11% gradient in spots! Named after William A.H. Loveland, a railroad bigwig, this pass isn't for the faint of heart, especially in winter. Think switchbacks galore with zero guardrails in places and the potential for closures due to crazy weather. Snowplowing is a challenge thanks to that steep 6.7% grade and all those hairpin turns! Avalanches? Yeah, they can happen too. But oh, the views! Parking at the summit can be tricky (everyone wants a piece of this!), but trust me, it's worth it. Just try to keep your eyes on the road—the surrounding mountains are mesmerizing. It can get a little scary with those unprotected viewpoints, but hey, a little thrill never hurt anyone, right? Be cautious though! This is a mountain road with some serious drop-offs. Most I-70 traffic ducks through the Eisenhower Tunnel these days, but big rigs and hazardous materials haulers still brave Loveland Pass, soaring 800 feet above the tunnel.
moderateHow long is Dosewallips Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Dosewallips River Road, chilling in Washington's Olympic National Park, Jefferson County. It used to be an 8.6-mile stretch of easy driving into the park, leading to campgrounds and trailheads galore. Now, here's the twist: Back in '02, Mother Nature threw a serious curveball. A massive washout wiped out a 300-foot chunk of the road, leaving a gaping hole where asphalt used to be. So, while the first few miles are paved (and in okay condition), and the unpaved section *was* passable in dry weather, those days are gone, baby. Can you still *reach* Dosewallips Campground? Sort of! You can park near the washout and then hike, bike, or horseback your way along the remaining road-turned-path. Expect some rocky obstacles at the washout, but beyond that, it transforms into a sweet trail through the forest, hugging the river and leading to those lovely backcountry spots. Is it open year-round? Mostly, for the non-motorized folks, at least. But be warned: snow, fallen trees, or flooding can turn parts of the trail into an obstacle course. So, why hasn't anyone fixed it? Well, being smack-dab in Olympic National Park puts some serious limits on major construction. Rebuilding would cost a fortune *and* mess with the environment. So, for now, it’s staying wild and untamed. What's the draw? Dosewallips Road is a testament to nature's power. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding adventures are the ones that require you to leave the car behind and embrace the journey on foot. Its very inaccessibility is part of its magic.