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
easyWhat is the Dempster Highway?
🇨🇦 Canada
Cruising through the wild Canadian Arctic, the Dempster Highway is your ticket to crossing the Arctic Circle in any season. What's the Dempster Highway? It's a road trip you won't soon forget – stunning, a little wild, and maybe a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. If escaping the crowds is your thing, this is your road. Where does it run? Starting east of Dawson City in the Yukon and winding up in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, on the Mackenzie River delta, it covers 736 km (457 mi). And the adventure doesn't stop there! As of late 2017, you can tack on another 147 km (91 miles) on NWT Highway 10 to Tuktoyaktuk – the "first all-weather road to Canada's Arctic Coast," taking you from Inuvik, through the tundra, and right to the Arctic Ocean. Note that seasonal ferry service and ice bridges are necessary to cross the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers. What's the road like? This isn't your average highway. Known as Yukon Highway 5 and Northwest Territories Highway 8, it's a well-kept gravel and crushed stone road. Conditions can be unpredictable as you carve your way through the Ogilvie and Richardson Mountains, cross the Continental Divide three times, and venture into the Arctic Circle, tracing old dog-sled routes. Expect dust in the summer, and make sure you're in a vehicle with good clearance and a spare tire. When did they build it? Construction started way back in 1959, wrapping up in 1978, and it officially opened in 1979. It follows a path used by Indigenous people for millennia and is named after Inspector William John Duncan Dempster. Is it safe? A great trip requires some planning. Pack those spare tires, do some basic vehicle checks, and bring jackets, water, and an emergency kit. Check road conditions in Dawson City or at the Klondike River Lodge before you head out. Services are sparse: you'll find gas, diesel, and repairs at Eagle Plains, Ft. McPherson, and Inuvik. Give those big trucks plenty of space, especially when it's dusty. Drive smart, stick to the 90 km/hour speed limit when you can, and be prepared for limited facilities. A full-size spare tire, extra water, and gas are a must. Traffic is light, so come prepared. In winter, add a shovel, sleeping bag, stove, matches, emergency snacks, and cold-weather gear. A satellite phone is a good idea since cell service can be spotty. When is it open? This mountain road peaks at North Fork Pass Summit, 1.328m (4,356ft) above sea level. The road is generally open from June 10 to October 14 in the summer, and December 15 to April 30 in the winter. How long does it take? You'll need at least two days for this adventure. Plan on 12 to 16 hours each way, depending on road conditions and how often you stop to soak it all in. When is the best time to go? This is an out-of-this-world experience. For summer vibes, aim for late June to early August, when you can enjoy 24-hour sunlight. For an autumn adventure, early August to early September is your window. Get ready to explore one of northern Canada's best-kept secrets: incredible scenery, vast open spaces, and untouched beauty. This remote route takes you through the Yukon, the rugged Ogilvie and Richardson Mountains, stunted spruce and alder "forests" in the Eagle Plains region, high tundra, and the Mackenzie River delta.
hardWhere is Coastal Drive Loop?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising the Coastal Drive Loop in Redwood National Park is an absolute must for dramatic Northern California scenery! Once a two-way road, this mostly unpaved loop now runs one-way northbound and packs some serious coastal punch. Clocking in at only a few miles, don't let the length fool you. This narrow, winding road throws steep grades and hairpin turns your way, but the views of the Pacific and the Klamath River estuary are SO worth it. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea lions, and pelicans from the overlooks – you might get lucky! Heads up: the southern portion of the loop, from Alder Camp towards Carruthers Cove, is closed to cars. The northern section beyond High Bluff Overlook is a no-go for RVs or trailers. This road can be a real nail-biter with its twists, turns, and exposed edges. Hit up High Bluff Overlook for a picnic with jaw-dropping views. And history buffs, don't miss the old World War II radar station disguised as a farmhouse and barn! If you're feeling adventurous, hop on the Coastal Trail from the Flint Ridge section for some hiking and backcountry camping. To complete the loop, you’ll head left on Alder Camp Road, which then merges with West Klamath Beach Road. Eventually, you'll rejoin West Klamath Beach Road and be back where you started! Passenger vehicles will be fine on the open section, just remember to leave the RV at home! This is truly one of the most scenic drives in the Redwood National and State Parks system. Get ready to be amazed!
extremeHow long is the Million Dollar Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in western Colorado, about to tackle the legendary Million Dollar Highway! This isn't just any road trip; it's a 25-mile (40 km) rollercoaster from Silverton to Ouray that'll take your breath away – literally! Give yourself around 42 minutes to fully soak it in, but be warned, RVs also love this route, so patience is key. Now, this beauty is generally open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva, especially in winter. We're talking possible closures and chain requirements thanks to those snowy conditions. You'll be scaling three epic mountain passes – Coal Bank (10,640 ft / 3,240 m), Molas (10,970 ft / 3,340 m), and Red Mountain (11,018 ft / 3,358 m). Summer days? Expect temps ranging from a balmy 70-90°F at the ends to a cooler 50-70°F up high. Rain can turn things dicey, creating surprise waterfalls, and did I mention this stretch has some serious avalanche risk? So, yeah, it's not all sunshine and roses. This road demands respect. That initial drive? Get ready for sweaty palms! You'll be hugging the "outside" lane with views that are both stunning and slightly terrifying. Some of those mountain turns require a snail's pace of 10 mph. The real heart-pumper is that 12-mile stretch south of Ouray through the Uncompahgre Gorge leading to Red Mountain Pass. Think steep cliffs, narrow lanes, and a distinct lack of guardrails! Those hairpin turns are no joke. And drivers sometimes get a bit "frozen" mid-route. Going south, you're the one on the exposed side. The origin of that name? Mystery! Some say it cost a million bucks a mile to build, others claim the dirt's laced with gold ore. No matter the truth, it was hand-carved in the 1880s as a toll road, and today, it's one of the most spectacular drives in the US, if you don’t drive too fast for conditions. Is it worth it? Absolutely! You’ll be cruising through the San Juan Mountains, spotting wildflowers, elk, mountain goats (maybe even a bear!), and soaking in views that'll stay with you forever. It's a true bucket-list adventure!
hardWhy is Carson ghost town famous for?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're feeling brave and your ride is ready for a challenge, I've got a trip for you. We're heading up to Carson, a ghost town perched way up in the Colorado Rockies, in Hinsdale County. We're talking serious altitude here - 11,584 feet! Carson was once a bustling mining town back in the day, but those tough Colorado winters eventually got the best of it. Now, it's an eerie, beautiful relic of a bygone era, just begging to be explored. The road in? It's not for the faint of heart. We're talking 3.5 miles of rough gravel, embedded rocks, and seriously steep sections. Passing can be tricky, and you probably won't see many other vehicles. But the views? Totally worth it. Expect stunning scenery and the chance to peek into abandoned mines along the way. You'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4 to make it. ATVs, motorcycles, hikers, and bikers are welcome too! Just be warned: this road is narrow, with switchbacks that'll test your skills and some pretty steep drop-offs. Beginner drivers, proceed with caution. Oh, and a heads up: this road is usually snowed in from October to June. Even in summer, keep an eye on the weather – a sudden snowstorm could close things down fast. Heavy mist can also roll in, making visibility a nightmare. So plan accordingly, be prepared, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!