Is Forest Road 820 unpaved?
Usa, north-america
2.89 km
3,182 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle a killer little off-road trail tucked away in the stunning San Juan National Forest of Colorado? Forest Road 820 is calling your name!
This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive – we're talking a totally unpaved, roughly 1.8-mile stretch of pure mountain goodness that climbs to a whopping 10,439 feet! Seriously, the views are insane. Keep in mind this road is typically closed from late November to late May due to snow, so plan accordingly.
This gem connects to the legendary Million Dollar Highway and was originally built to reach the Imogene Zinc Mine, so you know it's got some history!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 2.89 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,182 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Lake Como?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Lake Como in Colorado! Nestled near Alamosa and the majestic Great Sand Dunes, west of Blanca Peak, lies this alpine gem. Getting here? Buckle up because Lake Como Road (aka Blanca Peak Road) is a wild 7.45-mile unpaved ride from CO-150 that will test your mettle. Think seriously gnarly, boulder-strewn terrain. We're talking one of Colorado's roughest roads, and it gets seriously intense above 10,000 feet! High-clearance 4x4 is non-negotiable. Seriously. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's a pilgrimage for those with seriously beefed-up rigs. Expect some crazy steep sections too, hitting gradients of up to 26%! This road climbs to a staggering 11,765 feet, so the views are out of this world! Think Sangre de Cristo Mountains in all their glory. But here's the deal: this isn't an all-year adventure. Typically, the road is snowed in from late October through late June/early July. And even in summer, be prepared for sudden weather changes and thunderstorms. This is a trail you absolutely should not drive alone. Make sure you, and especially your vehicle, are truly ready.
extremeSlide Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Slide Mountain in Nevada is seriously epic! We're talking about a summit sitting at a whopping 9,606 feet! As the name suggests, expect some rocky terrain – it's known for its, well, rock slides. You'll find this adventure in the Carson Range, and the road to the top is all gravel and rocks – think ski-station service road meets chairlift access trail. Be warned, it's STEEP, with grades hitting up to 30% in places. Loose stones underfoot make for a challenging climb, especially higher up. Timing is everything! Your window of opportunity is super narrow – aim for late August. The summit is a hub for communication towers (TV, radio, emergency services, you name it!). And hold on to your hat – the wind is relentless up there. Even in summer, you might get snow! Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold. But the views! Oh man, the views! Lake Tahoe shimmering to the west, the Virginia Range sprawling to the east, Mount Rose and the Carson Range to the north, and the Sierras stretching south... it's a vista that'll blow your mind.
extremeStar Point
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Carbon County, Utah, and you've got a serious craving for a climb, you HAVE to check out Star Point. We're talking about a mountain pass that tops out at a whopping 10,062 feet! The journey starts smooth enough, with plenty of asphalt, but don't get too comfy. The final stretch throws a curveball with a gravel 4x4 track – it's known as Star Point Mine Road. Trust me, this isn't a drive for the faint of heart, or your grandma's minivan. Word to the wise: check the weather before you go. This road is a no-go when Mother Nature throws a tantrum. We're talking avalanches, mega snow, landslides, and sneaky patches of ice that'll send you sliding. Expect some rocky and muddy sections too. But hey, the views! You'll be cruising near the stunning Alberta Park Reservoir and get a fantastic look at Cone Peak, the second-highest peak in the Santa Lucia Range. So, if you're feeling brave and your ride is ready, get ready for an unforgettable alpine experience!
hardThe Ultimate Road Trip To Nolina Peak in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Nolina Peak in sunny California's San Bernardino County! Nestled way up in Joshua Tree National Park, this beauty tops out at around 4,908 feet. Heads up: the road to the summit is pure, unadulterated dirt. You're gonna want a 4WD with some decent clearance to make it. And don't count on your cell working up there! Definitely skip it if it's been raining or snowing, trust me. This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive, either. The climb is short but intense – just under 2 miles – but those hills can hit an 11% grade in spots! You'll gain about 738 feet from bottom to top, with an average incline of almost 8%. The views *are* worth it, though. Just remember you'll be sharing the summit with a few communication towers.