Is the road to Kendall Peak in Colorado unpaved?
Usa, north-america
11 km
3,895 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Kendall Peak Road in Colorado's San Juan County! We're talking about an unpaved, rocky, and exhilarating climb up County Road 33 (aka Kendall Mountain Road). Starting near Silverton, this 7-mile journey is strictly for high-clearance 4WD vehicles only. And, pro-tip: make sure your radiator is in tip-top shape.
Expect some serious drop-offs and a boulder-strewn path that'll test your off-roading skills. Novices, maybe sit this one out. The elevation gains are intense, topping out around 12,800 feet where most vehicles have to park. From there, a trail will take you the rest of the way to the peak. Be warned: shelf roads with zero room to pass are part of the adventure!
This high in the San Juan Mountains, weather is a real factor. Summer thunderstorms can roll in fast, and winter... well, winter pretty much shuts it down. Plan your trip for the summer months for the best chance of access.
But, oh, those views! The San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests stretch out in every direction. From the top, you'll get killer panoramas of Silverton and all the surrounding peaks. It's a chance to witness some of Colorado's most secluded landscapes. Trust me; it's worth the white-knuckle drive.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,895 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Bluebell Knoll?
🇺🇸 Usa
Bluebell Knoll is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.449m (11,317ft) above sea level, located in Wayne County, in the US state of Utah. It’s one of the highest roads in Utah. Where is Bluebell Knoll? The peak is located in the hinterlands of south-central Utah, within the Dixie and Fishlake National Forests. Can I drive my vehicle to Bluebell Knoll in UT? The road to the summit, also known as Boulder Top, is called FR178. Most of the route is good roads for passenger cars: however, the final few miles have a rough spot or two but nothing keeping a determined driver from reaching. A high clearance vehicle should be able to make it in most conditions. The road tops out at 11,177 feet. From the road, it is a short stroll to the summit area. How long is the road to Bluebell Knoll in UT? The road is 34.76km (21.6 miles) long, running north-south from Aquarius Ranger Station to Deer Lakes. Is Bluebell Knoll in UT open? Set high in the Boulder Mountains, the road is usually open from June, 16th to October 31st. Only travel on this road when it is dry. Always be prepared for winter weather, even in summer. When visiting in the summer, be mindful that the area attracts massive thunderstorms. When these storms appear, it is recommended that you seek shelter immediately. In a heavy winter year, the roads to the Aquarius Plateau may not open until July. An epic enthralling 4x4 road to Whiskey Pass in Colorado The unpaved road to Devil’s Hole in Nevada Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardWhere is Black Rock Reservoir?
🇺🇸 Usa
Nestled in Fresno County, California, and bordering Kings Canyon National Park, is the seriously secluded Black Rock Reservoir. This beauty sits at a cool 4,133 feet above sea level, and getting there is half the adventure! So, how do you reach this hidden gem? From Fresno, head east on CA 180, hook onto Piedra Road, then Trimmer Springs Road until you see the split at the bridge to Balch Camp. Black Rock Road is your path, winding past the PG&E facility and onward to the reservoir. Now, a heads-up: Black Rock Road, all 11 miles of it, isn’t for the faint of heart. We're talking a super-narrow, paved road clinging to cliff faces with some serious drop-offs – like, 1,000-foot drop-offs. Think single-lane wooden bridges and practically no guardrails. Leave the RV at home, and if you're scared of heights, maybe skip this one. And watch out for falling debris from the cliffs! Being remote means no cell service. So, be prepared! It's also bear country, and raccoons are notorious food pilferers, so store your snacks properly. Mosquito repellent is a must. You can fuel up near Fresno on Highway 180, or in Prather and Shaver Lake. Want the best experience? Late winter or early spring is magic. Wildflowers explode in color, and you might catch some stunning waterfalls. The paved road ends at the reservoir itself, with a small campground ready for you. The road’s usually open year-round, but snow can shut it down, especially during winter storms. Even if it's passable, maybe skip it in snowy conditions. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
hardAnderson Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Anderson Mountain Road in Idaho's Lemhi County is calling your name, but this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a legit mountain pass topping out at 8,054 feet above sea level. The road itself? Think gravel and rocky – rugged, baby! It's Anderson Mountain Road. Forget about hitting this one up in the winter months. Seriously, don't even try. If you're not super confident on unpaved, steep mountain roads, maybe skip this one. You'll definitely want a 4x4 and a spare tire (or two!), just sayin'. Oh, and if you're afraid of heights, well, let's just say you'll be getting REAL familiar with that fear. But hey, the views? Totally worth it!
moderateThe unpaved mountain road to Marshall Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey there, adventure seekers! Let's talk Marshall Pass, a real gem nestled in Saguache County, Colorado. This baby sits way up high at 10,842 feet! You'll find it hanging out a bit south of Monarch Pass in central-southern Colorado. Back in the day, a smart guy named Lt. William L. Marshall found it in 1873, and boom, it got his name. The route's pretty cool because it mostly follows an old Denver & Rio Grande railroad line that was headed to Salt Lake City a century ago. So, instead of super steep climbs, it's more of a gentle, winding adventure. They finished the Marshall Pass Toll Road way back in 1878. Now, heads up, this isn't your typical paved highway – it's all unpaved and called Marshall Pass Road. But don't sweat it too much. Under good conditions, most cars can handle it. There are a few bumpy spots, especially on the west side, so take it slow if your car is low to the ground. Keep in mind, this road gets buried in snow during winter and isn't plowed, so it's closed to cars when it's cold. The views? Unreal! You'll be staring at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains the whole time. Summer and late fall are especially gorgeous. Plus, there are tons of free campsites near the pass if you're into roughing it! The whole stretch is about 30.4 miles long, going from Sargents (US-50) to Mears Junction (Highway 285).