
How long is Holy Cross City Jeep Road?
Usa, north-america
6.1 km
3,618 m
hard
Year-round
Calling all thrill-seekers! Holy Cross City Jeep Road in Eagle County, Colorado is a legendary, pulse-pounding adventure waiting to happen. Clocking in at just under 4 miles (one-way), this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking serious off-roading, folks!
Get ready for some serious elevation gain as you climb to a staggering 11,870 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest routes in Colorado. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, this unpaved, rocky path starts off Homestake Road #703 and leads you to the historic Holy Cross City site and Cleveland Lake. Be warned, though β a sign at the trailhead says it all: Vehicle damage is *likely*.
The higher sections are usually snowed in from late November to mid-July. Built in 1883, this route is steeped in mining history, and offers unreal views of the Mount of the Holy Cross. At the top, you'll find the remains of Holy Cross City, a once-bustling mining town that boomed until 1883.
This is *not* a trail to take lightly! We're talking 33"+ tires, locking differentials, a winch, and top-notch recovery gear. Two major obstacles, French Creek (a long stream crossing followed by boulder-strewn madness) and the infamous Cleveland Rock (a giant boulder with seriously tricky lines), will test your skills. Don't forget emergency supplies, extra parts, and a solid understanding of your route. This trail changes every year! And for the love of adventure, never travel alone.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,618 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Webster Pass in Colorado?
πΊπΈ Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Let's talk Webster Pass, a truly epic high-altitude route nestled in the heart of Colorado. You'll find it straddling Summit and Park counties, deep within the White River National Forest. This beauty, clocking in at just over 9 miles, takes you right over the Continental Divide at a staggering 12,103 feet. To get there, head toward Keystone from I-70, then hop onto Montezuma Road. Cruise through the town of Montezuma, and you'll find Webster Pass Road on your left. Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive for your sedan. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here. The road's unpaved and super narrow, with a river crossing and some seriously steep switchbacks. Trailers? Leave 'em at home. You'll need high clearance to tackle this one. Open season is generally late May to late November, but snow can linger, so late August or early September is your best bet for a snow-free run. Be warned: If it's snowy, don't even think about it. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip - it's about 45 minutes each way. At the summit, you'll meet up with the Red Cone and Handcart Gulch trails. Unless you're a pro, stick to Webster Pass for the descent β Red Cone is notoriously gnarly! But oh, the views! Think wide-open alpine terrain and stunning scenery along the Snake River. This is a ride you won't soon forget, perfect for soaking in the Colorado wilderness and connecting to other 4WD trails.
moderateWhere is Potato Peak?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, buckle up for Potato Peak, one of California's highest drives! This bad boy tops out at a whopping 10,039 feet above sea level, tucked away in the remote eastern part of the state, close to the Nevada border. The payoff? Killer panoramic views. We're talking Sweetwater Mountains stretching out before you, plus awesome vistas of the Sierra Nevada to the west and those classic desert ranges of Nevada in the distance. The road itself? Well, it's all unpaved adventure! You'll kick up some dust for about 5.4 miles as you climb from the paved CA-270 up to the peak. Expect a pretty consistent climb because you're gaining about 2,500 feet in elevation. A heads up: because it's so isolated and high up, this road is usually closed for the winter. So plan your trip accordingly!
hardWhere is Burr Trail?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, buckle up for the Burr Trail, a 66-mile (106 km) scenic backway straddling Kane and Garfield counties in south-central Utah. You'll cruise through Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Capitol Reef National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Starting from Bullfrog (Highway 276) near Lake Powell, you'll wind your way to the mountain town of Boulder (Utah Scenic Byway 12). Most of the road is pretty quiet. The western part, from Boulder to Capitol Reef, is paved. But inside the park, it turns into a graded dirt road that can get seriously washboarded β so gas up in Bullfrog, Ticaboo, or Boulder! Named after Mormon settler John Atlantic Burr, this trail can be tricky. While cars can usually handle it in dry weather (spring and fall are ideal!), rain can make it impassable, even for 4WDs. Check conditions with rangers before you go. Cell service is spotty, so pack plenty of water and supplies. The highlight? The Burr Trail Switchbacks β a super steep series of hairpin turns that climb 800 feet (244 m) in just half a mile (0.8 km). Talk about a test! The road's open year-round, but flash floods can happen anytime. Leave the RVs and trailers at home! Budget 2.5β3 hours for the drive, but plan for longer β you'll be stopping constantly. Think painted rocks, Henry Mountains views, contorted landscapes like The Gulch and Waterpocket Fold, red Circle Cliffs, and Long Canyon. Seriously, get ready for some epic hiking and side trips!
moderateBolam Pass in Colorado: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Bolam Pass in Colorado! This beauty tops out at a cool 11,440 feet, straddling Dolores and San Juan counties deep in the San Juan National Forest. You'll cruise along Forest Service Road 578 (aka Hermosa Park Road or Bolam Pass Road), but be warned: it's all unpaved. The first 11 miles? A breeze. After that, hold on tight! It gets seriously bumpy, with shallow water crossings and a real "two trails in one" vibe. Think 4WD low, high clearance, and tires that can take a beating. Heads up: winter slams the door shut, usually from late October to late June/early July. Summer's your best bet, but even then, be ready for anything the mountain throws your way. Bolam Pass connects US 550 (south of Silverton) to State Highway 145 (north of Rico), and it's a shortcut from Durango (near Hermosa) to Telluride. But the views? Totally worth it. You'll be surrounded by stunning scenery and relics of Colorado's mining past. This is remote, wild Colorado at its finest, and supposedly one of the best single-track adventures you can find.