Is the road to Bill Moore Lake in Colorado unpaved?
Usa, north-america
9.79 km
3,465 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Bill Moore Lake in Colorado! This alpine beauty sits way up high at 11,368 feet in Clear Creek County.
The road? It's Forest Service Road 183.1, and it's a total adventure. We're talking unpaved, super rocky, and seriously steep. Think epic views as you climb, but also loose dirt and small rocks that'll test your driving skills. If it's wet, forget about it unless you're prepared. A 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST.
The fun starts from the historic town of Empire, and it's about 6 miles to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you — you'll climb over 2,700 feet! That's an average grade of 8.5%, so buckle up!
Heads up: this road is SEASONAL. It's in the Arapaho National Forest, so expect snow to close it down in winter. Usually, it's good to go from late spring through fall.
Is it worth the bumpy ride? ABSOLUTELY! You're right on the edge of the James Peak Wilderness Area. Much of the route winds through a dense pine forest. At the top, there's a big parking lot and access to trails and even the historical Conqueror Mine. Seriously, pack a picnic, explore, and make a weekend of it. The scenery is unreal.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 9.79 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,465 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Leviathan Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Leviathan Peak in California's Alpine County is calling your name with killer remote views and a summit sitting pretty at 8,963ft. Find this gem southeast of Lake Tahoe, nestled within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near the Nevada border. What awaits you at the top? A communication site that's been there since the 60s, and the old Forest Service Leviathan Fire Lookout. The 360-degree views are unreal – think Sierra Mountain range vistas, neighboring peaks, and the Nevada desert shimmering in the distance. Now, the road... It's Leviathan Peak Road (Forest Road 31057), and it's all dirt. Seriously, 4WD is your best friend here. You can cruise most of the way, then hike the last quarter-mile to the fire tower after you reach a locked gate. The tippy-top is service vehicles only. Clocking in at just 1.4 miles from California State Route 89 (Robert M. Jackson Memorial Highway), south of ..., this climb packs a punch with a 708 ft elevation gain and an average gradient of 9.6%. Heads up: this road is a no-go in winter (usually closed from late November to early April due to its location high in the Sierra Nevada). And, word to the wise, it gets seriously windy up there!
moderateDaniel’s Pass is a classic road trip in Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! I've got a killer route for you: Daniels Pass in Utah! We're talking about a sky-high adventure, peaking at 8,001 feet above sea level in the stunning Uinta National Forest. You'll find this gem east of Provo, in northern Utah's Wasatch County. The whole stretch is paved, so no need for a monster truck! Just hop on U.S. Route 40 and get ready for some serious scenery. The road is typically open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather during winter. Snowstorms can temporarily shut things down, but they usually clear it quickly. This isn't a quick jaunt – you'll be cruising for about 70 miles between Heber City and Duchesne. Trust me; with the incredible views in the Uinta National Forest, you won't want it to end! Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
hardWhere is Juniper Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Big Bend National Park in Texas and craving a truly rugged experience, Juniper Canyon Road in the Chisos Mountains is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously remote, folks. You'll be deep in the heart of the park, with zero cell service. Download those maps beforehand! The 5.4-mile stretch is entirely unpaved, twisting through desert wilderness. Picture this: rocky terrain, loose stones, and maybe even a dry creek crossing or two. Rain turns this road from challenging to downright treacherous, so keep an eye on the weather. Think twice about bringing anything but a 4WD vehicle with solid tires. Low clearance? Forget about it. And trailers? Definitely not recommended. You'll be crawling at a snail's pace (5-10 mph), but the solitude is worth it. The road ends at a parking area near Juniper Canyon Trail and Dodson Trail, sitting pretty at 3,973 feet. It climbs a good 1,079 feet in elevation. Plus, there's a water storage locker for long-distance hikers. All that said, the views of the Chisos Mountains are nothing short of breathtaking! Just be prepared for a bumpy ride.
moderateWhere is Smoky Mountain Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an off-the-grid adventure? Smoky Mountain Scenic Backway in southern Utah (Kane County) is calling your name! Located within the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Think of it as a 77.4-mile (124km) one-way rocky dirt rollercoaster connecting Escalante (on Scenic Byway 12) and Big Water (off Highway 89). We're talking a good five to six hours of seriously rough terrain, so leave the Prius at home! A high-clearance 4x4 is a MUST. Seriously. This route features sections that'll eat standard vehicles for lunch. Plus, avoid it like the plague when wet; those harmless-looking puddles turn into treacherous quicksand. What makes it worthwhile? Jaw-dropping scenery! You'll be treated to sweeping views of Lake Powell, the Navajo Mountains, and the Kaiparowits Plateau. And the kicker? Kelly's Grade, a heart-pumping five-mile series of switchbacks that climbs 1200 feet up the Kaiparowits Plateau cliffs. The view from the top? Unforgettable! Heads up: this road tops out at 7,086 feet (2,160m) above sea level. The best time to tackle it is during spring and fall for moderate temps. Summer can be scorching, and winter… well, let’s just say it's impassable due to snow. This is a remote, undeveloped area. There are NO services along the way. Be totally self-sufficient with plenty of water, food, and at least one spare tire (two is better!). You might not see another soul out there. Signs warn "impassable when wet," so heed that warning! Rain turns washes into vehicle traps. Be prepared for anything, and this will be an epic journey.