
Hurricane Peak in Colorado is a 4WD road above the clouds
Usa, north-america
16.8 km
4,035 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Hurricane Peak in Colorado is calling your name! This epic, unpaved road winds its way up to a dizzying 13,238 feet in the San Juan Mountains.
Located in southwestern Colorado's San Juan County, getting here is half the adventure. Head out from Silverton, jump on Highway 110, then hook a left onto County Rd 10/Hurricane Pass. Keep your eyes peeled!
But a word of warning: this ain't no Sunday drive. You'll need a 4x4 to tackle this 10.43-mile beast. The trail is STEEP, and trust me, some of those drop-offs are seriously unforgiving. If you're new to off-roading, this one might make your palms sweat.
Plan your trip wisely, because Mother Nature dictates when this road is open. Expect it to be snowed in from late October until late June or even July. Even in summer, be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms.
Starting from Silverton, you'll climb a whopping 3,815 feet over those 10.43 miles – that's an average gradient of nearly 7%! But the reward? Jaw-dropping, 360-degree views from the head of the South Fork of Cascade Canyon. You'll spot relics of the past too – abandoned mines dotting the landscape. Trust me, the scenery between Ouray and Silverton alone is worth the trip. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Where is it?
Hurricane Peak in Colorado is a 4WD road above the clouds is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.6036, -97.4302
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 16.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,035 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 37.6036, -97.4302
Related Roads in north-america
hardDixie Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Dixie Mountain, a sweet spot in northeastern California's Lassen County, chilling at 8,284 feet. You'll find the road snaking up to the summit inside Plumas National Forest. It's a well-maintained dirt track on the lake's west side, but fair warning, it's a no-go in winter. Now, if off-pavement driving isn't your jam, maybe skip this one. The road's not exactly smooth sailing. Definitely bring a 4x4 and a spare tire because things can get a little dicey. Heights not your thing? Might want to reconsider. It's pretty steep. But if you make it, you'll find a cool old fire lookout built back in '28 waiting for you at the top!
extremeDare to Drive Cuesta de los Arrepentidos to Real de Catorce in Mexico
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: You're in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, about to embark on a real adventure to Real de Catorce, an almost 9,000-foot-high ghost town. Your chariot? It *has* to be a 4x4 because you're about to tackle Cuesta de los Arrepentidos, or Repentant's Slope. For nearly 7 miles, this wild, unpaved track snakes through the northern part of the state across the Sierra de Catorce range. It's a historical route, dating back to 1778, and until the tunnel was built, it was the *only* way in. You'll pass abandoned mines, ghost towns, defunct train stations, and the seemingly endless Wirikuta desert. The views? Incredible. The experience? Absolutely unforgettable – if you can handle it. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. We're talking brutally steep climbs, a seriously narrow path, and nerve-wracking drop-offs into a canyon and dry riverbed. Leave the motorcycles and bikes at home. Highlights? The aptly named Paso del Diablo (Devil's Pass) and the eerie Socavón de la Purísima (Immaculate Conception’s Sinkhole) are the stuff of legends. Most folks come in from the east, taking a 17-mile cobblestone stretch off Highway 62. Then there's the Túnel Ogarrio – a long, dark tunnel that takes you right into town. It’s almost a mile and a half long and one-lane only, so hope no one's coming the other way! Legend has it there used to be a phone at the entrance to check for traffic but no one seems to use it anymore. Get ready for the ride of your life!
hardWilliams Pass in Colorado is for experienced drivers only
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Williams Pass in central Colorado is a hidden gem sitting way up high at 11,788 feet. Seriously, this place is only accessible for a few weeks each year, so timing is everything! You'll find it nestled near the old ghost town of Hancock, right on the edge of San Isabel and Gunnison National Forests, marking the boundary between Chaffee and Gunnison counties. Picture this: a totally unpaved, rugged jeep trail (NFST #298) winding through a gorgeous alpine meadow. This isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking a narrow, rocky path, following an old 1880s toll road, with mud bogs adding to the challenge. Expect a bumpy, rocky ride that's tight in spots with trees and shrubs. The Williams Pass Jeep Trail is about 5 miles long, connecting the Alpine Tunnel National Forest System Road #839 (NFSR) to the Continental Divide on NFSR #295. It's a steep climb in places, reaching a maximum gradient of 8%. Definitely bring your high-clearance 4x4 for this one! And be warned, after it rains, this trail can get seriously muddy and unsafe. This pass was closed for a long time and only reopened in 1997, and even then, it's usually only open during August, if the weather cooperates. Bottom line? Check conditions before you go to avoid disappointment.
hardForest Road 162
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're in south-central Utah, Garfield County to be exact, and you're itching for a high-altitude adventure. Look no further than Forest Service Road 162, also known as Spectacle Lake Road! Nestled within the Dixie and Fishlake National Forests, this unpaved beauty is a real test for your 4WD. We're talking some rocky sections that'll keep you on your toes. Clocking in at around 13.6 miles, the road is open from roughly June to October, conditions permitting. Keep an eye on the weather, though; it can become impassable after rain. You'll be cruising along at over 10,000 feet the whole time, hitting a peak elevation of 11,118 feet! Trust me, the views are worth it. Starting from Forest Road 1277 and heading towards Forest Road 154, get ready for some serious mountain scenery. This road is not for the faint of heart, but it's an unforgettable experience for those who dare.