Is the road to Rhyolite Mountain unpaved?

Is the road to Rhyolite Mountain unpaved?

Usa, north-america

Length

2 km

Elevation

3,230 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Rhyolite Mountain in Colorado is calling your name! Perched high in Teller County at a cool 10,597 feet above sea level, getting here is half the fun.

Forget smooth sailing; the road to the top is a rugged, unpaved rollercoaster, so you'll want a vehicle that's up for a challenge. You might even spot it marked as Rhyolite Mountain Mesa on your maps.

Heads up though, this isn't a year-round joyride. Typically, Old Man Winter shuts things down from late October until late June or early July, depending on how much snow decides to stick around.

Starting from good ol' Highway 67, you’ve got a quick 1.24-mile sprint to the summit. Don’t let the short distance fool you; you'll gain about 400 feet in elevation, giving you an average incline of around 6%. Get ready for some seriously stunning views as you climb!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
2 km
Max Elevation
3,230 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Driving the legendary Independence Pass in Coloradomoderate

Driving the legendary Independence Pass in Colorado

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along State Highway 82, aka the "Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway," smack-dab in the heart of Colorado. You're tackling Independence Pass, perched way up high at 12,112 feet! This legendary pass straddles Pitkin and Lake counties, nestled within the White River National Forest between the vibrant Aspen and historic Leadville. This isn't just any road trip; it's a 32-mile adventure connecting the Roaring Fork River valley with the headwaters of the Arkansas River. The entire route is paved, but don't let that fool you – this drive is an experience! Prepare for some serious white-knuckle moments. The road is narrow, twisting, and climbs steeply with a 6.5% gradient. Think hairpin turns and sections so tight that only one car can squeeze through at a time. Oh, and did I mention the dramatic drop-offs? Not for the faint of heart! Leave your oversized RV at home, anything over 35 feet is a no-go. But the views! Breathtaking doesn't even begin to cover it. This is the highest paved through road on Colorado's state highway network and the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide in North America. Plus, rockfall is a thing, so keep an eye out for rogue boulders. Heads up: Independence Pass is a seasonal gem. It's typically closed from late fall (first snowfall) until late May or early June (depending on snow clearing). Allow 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to conquer this route, especially if you're stopping to soak in the scenery. It's a popular shortcut between Vail and Aspen, offering a scenic alternative to the interstate. The most direct route between the two is about 102 miles, but plan for a full day's adventure if you want to savor it. Just double-check the pass is open before you go!

Is the road to Alpine Plateau unpaved?moderate

Is the road to Alpine Plateau unpaved?

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about the Alpine Plateau in Gunnison County, Colorado! Nestled high in the Rockies at a whopping 11,535 feet, this isn't your average Sunday drive. First things first, the road is entirely unpaved, which adds to the thrill, right? If you're not used to mountain roads, it might feel a bit intimidating. Watch out for those drainage humps the Forest Service put in – they can really toss you around if you're not careful! Honestly, most cars can handle it, just take it slow and keep an eye out for oncoming traffic. It's also a handy shortcut between Montrose and Lake City, and a perfect starting or ending point for exploring the legendary Alpine Loop. Now, about when you can go. Being so high up, the snow usually sticks around until late June or even July some years. You might get lucky as early as late April, or have to wait until mid-July. Keep in mind that sheep and cows graze up there in the summer, so close any gates you pass through. Logging happens in the fall and winter, too. Here's a bonus: the stretch from Highway 50 to the Arrowhead Community is maintained year-round, even plowed! Plus, in winter, the community grooms the path from their southern border all the way to Highway 149 for snowmobiling heaven! The road itself is only about 2.4 miles long, running east-west through a stunning alpine valley filled with aspen, spruce, and fir. Quick note: there's a community of homes (the Arrowhead Community) on the north end of the road, so please be respectful as you pass through. They're the real MVPs up there, providing emergency services, fire protection, and even some road maintenance and snowplowing to their winter parking lot. They're always first on the scene if anything goes wrong on the Plateau. The red line is the Alpine Plateau, and it is suitable for drive in any vehicle. The purple trails are only suitable for off-road vehicles, as well as the trails in black.

How long is Crescent Meadow Road in California?moderate

How long is Crescent Meadow Road in California?

🇺🇸 Usa

Cruising through Sequoia National Park? You NEED to check out Crescent Meadow Road! This little 4km (2.5 mile) gem starts near Giant Forest Village, winding its way through the southwest corner of the Giant Forest before ending at a sweet trailhead and picnic spot way up at 2,051m (6,729ft). Heads up: this road’s paved but narrow, so leave the RV and trailer at home. What makes it epic? You can literally DRIVE THROUGH a giant sequoia! The Tunnel Log is a fallen giant with a tunnel carved right through it – totally Instagrammable. Don't worry, there's a detour if your ride's too tall. Seriously, this drive is a feast for the eyes. Towering trees, lush meadows, and prime Sierra Nevada vibes. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife (spring through fall is best) and wildflowers that explode with color in spring and early summer. Word to the wise: this road’s usually closed in winter and spring due to snow, so aim for late May onwards. But hey, Mother Nature calls the shots, so check conditions before you go!

South Tent Mountainhard

South Tent Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're up for an adventure in Utah's Sanpete County, then South Tent Mountain is calling your name. This peak sits way up high at 10,357 feet, offering views that'll knock your socks off. But fair warning: getting there is no picnic. Forest Road 0054 is a beast – rough, rocky, and seriously steep. We're talking 4x4 territory, people. If unpaved mountain roads and heights aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. Definitely a no-go in winter! But if you're brave enough to tackle it, get ready for some seriously stunning scenery.