
How to get to Crystal Lake in Colorado by car?
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,570 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Crystal Lake in central Colorado is calling your name, but this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a high-altitude adventure in Summit County, reaching a staggering 11,712 feet above sea level!
You'll find this gem tucked away in the Mosquito Range of the Rockies. Co Road 2, a gravel and rocky path off Colorado State Highway 9, is your route. Seriously, a 4x4 is a must for this trek!
Fair warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect the road to be closed from October to June due to snow. And even in summer, altitude sickness and crazy weather can be real issues. The road tops out at nearly 12,000 feet. If you've got respiratory or heart problems, this one's best admired from afar. But if you're prepared, the views from the top are absolutely unreal.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,570 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardHilman Lake
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Hilman Lake in Colorado's Conejos County is calling your name, but fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a heart-pumping climb to 11,000 feet! The road? Let's just say "rough and rugged" is an understatement. Think rocky, steep, and definitely not for the faint of heart (or those without 4x4). Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, maybe grab a postcard instead. Winter? Forget about it β this road's a no-go when the snow flies. And heights? Yeah, you'll be seeing a lot of them. The trail keeps going up until you reach the top of an unnamed peak at 11,430ft! But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment. Just picture yourself surrounded by pristine alpine scenery, with a sparkling lake as your reward. It's an unforgettable experience, as long as you're prepared for the challenge!
difficultMillion Dollar Highway
πΊπΈ United States
# The Million Dollar Highway: Colorado's Most Legendary Mountain Drive Ready for one of the most epic road trips in the American West? The Million Dollar Highway is a stunning 40-kilometer stretch of U.S. Route 550 that connects the charming mountain towns of Silverton and Ouray in southwestern Colorado. This route is part of the larger San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, and honestly, it's the crown jewel. The drive takes you over three seriously impressive mountain passes β Coal Bank Pass (3,145 m), Molas Pass (3,300 m), and Red Mountain Pass (3,358 m) β all while cutting through the breathtaking San Juan Mountains. The name? Well, nobody's entirely sure. Some say it comes from the gold-flecked gravel used in the original construction. Others swear it's because the views alone are worth a million bucks. Then there's the cynical take: "I wouldn't drive that road again for a million dollars." (Spoiler alert: it's actually way more fun than that last explanation suggests.) Built back in the 1880s during Colorado's silver mining heyday, this route has been continuously improved over the decades. The real heart-pounding section? Between Ouray and Red Mountain Pass, where the asphalt literally hugs the mountainside with hundreds-of-meter cliff drops β and yeah, guardrails are basically non-existent in spots. But here's the thing: the views are absolutely insane. You're surrounded by mountains striped in vivid reds, oranges, and yellows from mineral deposits, with weathered old mining buildings and thick alpine forests completing the picture. Come autumn, the aspen trees explode into golden brilliance, making this one of North America's best fall color road trips. Don't let the dramatic reputation scare you off β the road is well-paved and properly maintained. Winter is another story though; ice and snow on those steep grades and hairpin turns demand respect (chains or winter tires are often required). Ouray, the charming town at the northern end, calls itself the "Switzerland of America" and sits in a spectacular natural mountain amphitheater. Silverton, perched at 2,836 meters at the southern end, is a genuine ghost-town-turned-tourist-destination with authentic Victorian architecture everywhere. The highway stays open year-round, making this an unforgettable drive in any season.
moderateWhere is Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive?
π¨π¦ Canada
Craving a taste of the Canadian Rockies? Then you HAVE to check out the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive! This totally paved 13 km (8 miles) loop is tucked away in the eastern corner of Banff National Park, just a stone's throw from the town of Banff itself. Locals call Minnewanka the "Lake of the Spirits," and trust me, this place is magical! The road loops around Banff's largest lake, a deep blue glacial beauty fed by the Cascade River. It climbs to a lofty 1,537m (5,042ft), giving you seriously stunning views. The Lake Minnewanka Scenic Loop is generally open year-round, but some sections close down from November to April, so plan accordingly. You could blast through it in 20-30 minutes, but honestly, you'll want way more time. This loop takes you past gems like Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake, the shores of Lake Minnewanka, and even the eerie ghost town of Bankhead. Keep those peepers peeled! This route is a wildlife hotspot, especially in spring. Bighorn sheep love chilling by the roadside and scaling the cliffs between Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. You might also spot elk, deer (mule and white-tail!), foxes, wolves, coyotes, and if you're super lucky, even a bear! Pro tip: early mornings or late evenings are prime time for critter spotting. Oh, and in winter? It's one of the best places in Banff National Park to catch the Northern Lights dancing!
moderateWhen was the Screaming Tunnel Niagara Falls built?
π¨π¦ Canada
Just northwest of Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, you'll stumble upon the Screaming Tunnel β a seriously creepy little limestone tunnel that's earned itself a rep as one of the world's most haunted spots. This isn't your average shortcut. Built back in the early 1900s, itβs only 125 feet long and about 16 feet high. The rough, stone walls definitely give off a spooky vibe, especially when the sun goes down and it transforms into this pitch-black void. So, why all the fuss? Legend has it that if you light a wooden match in the dead center of the tunnel, and it blows out, you'll hear the chilling screams of a young girl who met a tragic end there. Creepy, right? The story goes that a girl lived in a farmhouse nearby, and one awful night, the house caught fire. Some say her father set her ablaze, while others whisper about a horrific crime. Either way, the poor girl didn't make it, and her spirit is said to haunt the tunnel. Oh, and fun fact: the Screaming Tunnel made a cameo in David Cronenberg's "The Dead Zone"! That movie connection just adds another layer of intrigue to this already spooky destination. Definitely worth a stop if you're into the paranormal... or just looking for a good scare!