How to get by car to Tomboy ghost town in Colorado?
Usa, north-america
7.24 km
3,482 m
hard
Year-round
Deep in Colorado's San Miguel County, perched at a breathtaking 11,423 feet, lies the ghost town of Tomboy. Once a bustling mining hub in the 1880s, home to a thousand souls, it now stands frozen in time since its mine closed in 1927 (though some tunnel work continued 'til '78!).
Getting there? Let's just say it's an adventure. Starting near Telluride, Tomboy Road (K68 Road), is a 4.5-mile unpaved rollercoaster. Think narrow, rough gravel, and seriously steep drop-offs. Oh, and water crossings. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a true 4x4 experience that demands respect and skill. We're talking 14-15% grades on some corners!
You'll need a rugged off-road vehicle with high clearance and beefy tires. The road's only open for a couple of months each year! As you climb (gaining 2,532 feet!), keep an eye out for remnants of the old town. The average gradient clocks in at 10.66%, so get ready for a climb.
The views are epic, but the weather in the San Juans can change in a heartbeat. Storms roll in fast, and Tomboy is above the treeline, offering little shelter. Halfway up, you'll find the "Social Tunnel," a relic from the early 1900s where, legend has it, miners met ladies from Telluride (since those ladies weren't allowed any closer to the mining towns, so they say!).
Allow about 45 minutes for the one-way trip to Tomboy. It's a steep climb offering great views — just remember to respect the road and the elements!
Where is it?
How to get by car to Tomboy ghost town in Colorado? is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 41.3318, -100.4125
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7.24 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,482 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.3318, -100.4125
Related Roads in north-america
hardHoughton Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, fellow adventurers, buckle up for Houghton Mountain in Colorado's San Juan County! This beast tops out at a whopping 12,404 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest drivable peaks. Picture this: a rugged, rocky, and sometimes tippy gravel road snaking its way up through the San Juan Mountains. This isn't a Sunday drive – we're talking 4WD territory with serious clearance and tires that can handle a beating. Plus, a healthy respect for heights! Keep in mind this road is typically snowed in from October to June. When it's open, you'll be treated to glimpses of historic mining structures. The trail is steep in parts, and the weather up here can change on a dime, so keep an eye on the sky! The payoff? Unbelievable panoramic views of the Mount Sneffels cluster, Uncompahgre Peak, Handies Peak, and the Rio Grande Pyramid. Trust me, it's a visual feast you won't soon forget. This trail isn't for the faint of heart, but if you're an experienced off-roader craving breathtaking scenery, Houghton Mountain is calling your name!
moderateWhere is the Clay Butte Lookout?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through northwestern Wyoming, in the Shoshone National Forest, and you spot the turnoff for Forest Road 142. This is your ticket to the Clay Butte Lookout, built way back in 1942. Now, fair warning, it's a dirt and gravel road all the way. Think bumpy, a little washboard-y, but honestly, most cars can handle it. Just leave the RV and trailer behind – they won't make it. There is parking for trailers available at the Leek Spring Hill, a few miles beyond the lookout. The road itself is only about 6 miles long, but it's a steady climb. It gains quite a bit of elevation, with an average gradient of . And trust me, that effort is worth it! Keep in mind, because you're up so high in the northern Rockies, this road is really only open in summer, typically from late June. Even then, be prepared for anything – snow, freezing temps, afternoon thunderstorms are all possibilities. Watch out for rockslides! But that view? Unforgettable! You'll get a glimpse of lofty peaks, emerald valleys, and sparkling lakes – scenery you just can't see from the main highway. It's a panoramic masterpiece that will stay with you long after you've bumped your way back down.
hardA paved mountain road to Rabbit Ears Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Rabbit Ears Pass, a seriously awesome mountain pass in northern Colorado! You'll find this beauty straddling Jackson and Grand counties, clocking in at a lofty 9,426 feet. We're talking about U.S. Route 40 here, a fully paved road that'll take you on a wild ride. It’s a pretty steep climb, with gradients hitting almost 7% in spots, and a few hairpin turns to keep things interesting. You'll be sharing the road with locals and travelers alike, all soaking up the Rocky Mountain vibes. And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, you can cruise another 3 miles east to Muddy Pass – a slightly lower but equally scenic spot. This epic stretch runs for about 52 miles between Steamboat Springs (hello, Yampa Valley!) and the charming town of Kremmling. Just a heads up, though: while Rabbit Ears Pass is open year-round, Mother Nature sometimes throws a tantrum. Expect short closures due to gnarly weather – especially in winter, when this pass earns its rep as one of Colorado's trickiest!
hardCrossing rivers on the scenic Halfmoon Road in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Halfmoon Road (aka Halfmoon Creek Trail) in Colorado's Lake County is calling your name! Starting near Leadville (off CO-300), this 12.2-mile off-road track winds its way up to the historic Champion Mill, topping out at a cool 11,797 feet. Feeling ambitious? A smaller gravel path beyond the mill climbs even higher to Mount Champion at 12,893 feet. Now, this isn't your Sunday cruise. Expect a bumpy, unpaved adventure with multiple river crossings (Halfmoon Creek). A high-clearance 4x4 is a MUST, especially in spring when the water can get seriously deep – hood-deep, even! Heads up, folks: this road is currently closed. You can still reach the Halfmoon East and West Campgrounds though. Snow makes it impassable from late October to late June/early July, so plan accordingly. The scenery? Absolutely stunning Colorado landscapes! The road gets seriously steep with gradients hitting 14% in places. Over the 12.2 miles, you'll climb over 2,000 feet from Leadville, averaging a 3.56% grade. It's a climb, but the views are worth it!