Jones Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,866 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Jones Mountain in Colorado's Chaffee County is calling your name, but only if you're ready for a serious adventure. We're talking a lung-busting 12,683 feet above sea level! This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road.
This "road" (and I use the term loosely) up in the Sawatch Mountains is a rugged, rocky, gravel track from its mining past. Think old dirt road meets extreme off-roading. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance – seriously. If you're not comfy with heights and steep, hairpin turns, maybe grab a postcard instead. But if you're an experienced off-roader, get ready for a rush!
Keep a close eye on the weather; this area is prone to avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides. Plus, it's icy in spots. Winter? Forget about it. Aim for a visit between June and November. The reward? Unreal views, including the shimmering Ptarmigan Lake and majestic Mt. Yale. Photographers, this summit is your dream location!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,866 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateBear Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk Bear Mountain, chilling high up in Southern California's San Bernardino County at a cool 8,471 feet. Picture this: you, your trusty 4x4, and a rugged, gravel road winding through the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest. This isn't your Sunday cruise, folks. We're talking a real off-road experience! Keep in mind, this high-altitude beauty gets its fair share of snow, so winter closures are a thing. Even a little rain can turn that gravel into a slippery challenge, and watch out for those sneaky loose-gravel patches! But hey, the views? Totally worth it. Just make sure you and your ride are prepped and ready to tackle this wild California climb. Get ready for some incredible scenery!
hardThe Wild Road to Fortress Mountain Resort
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, fellow adventurers, picture this: you're in Alberta, Canada, about an hour outside of Calgary, heading into Kananaskis Country. Nestled in the Kananaskis River Valley is Fortress Mountain Resort, famous for its killer mountain views (and maybe some movie magic!). To get there, you'll cruise up Fortress Mountain Road, a 7.6-kilometer (4.72-mile) unpaved beauty that's not for the faint of heart. It's a winding, narrow, and yes, pretty steep climb. Think of it as nature's StairMaster, gaining 481 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 6.32%. But trust me, the views are worth it. You're talking about the Eastern Ranges of the Canadian Rockies here! Fortress Mountain has been a backdrop for some serious Hollywood hitters. We're talking *Inception*, *The Revenant*, *Brokeback Mountain*, the list goes on! So, buckle up, enjoy the ride, and get ready for some serious mountain vibes.
extremeWhere is Dishpan Springs Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Dishpan Springs Trail, a crazy off-road adventure right in San Bernardino County, California! You'll find this wild ride east of Lake Arrowhead, nestled in the southern part of the San Bernardino National Forest. Don't let the short distance fool you! Dishpan Springs is just about 2 miles of the Crab Flats OHV Road 3N34 (aka Willow Creek Jeep Trail, Forest Road 3N34, Deep Creek Trail, and Crab Flats). The Dishpan Springs chunk stretches from Deep Creek Bridge to Fisherman's Camp trailhead, just east of Deep Creek. But here's the deal: this trail is *tough*. We're talking huge boulders, deep ruts, serious climbs, and even a dry waterfall to conquer. The Forest Service slaps a black diamond rating on this bad boy, so think twice before bringing a stock SUV. Speaking of that waterfall – it's also known as Devil’s Slide and it’s a super steep, rutted rock face where you might end up with some serious vehicle damage. If you're not a seasoned driver, maybe skip that part! Crossing Deep Creek is easier these days thanks to some concrete work and a bridge, but bad weather can still shut it down. Plus, winter brings snow and ice, making things even trickier. So, call the local Ranger Station before you head out to get the latest scoop on trail conditions.
extremeElephant Hill Road is a thrilling off road experience in Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Elephant Hill in Utah's Canyonlands National Park, near Moab! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 9-mile off-road rollercoaster through the Needles District. Picture this: a totally unpaved, rough, and narrow path carved out in the 1940s. We're talking steep climbs, loose rocks that shift under your tires, stair-step drops that test your nerve, and switchbacks so tight you'll be doing some serious reversing. Keep it slow and steady at 15 mph. You absolutely need a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive beast with low range for this adventure. Sorry, stock SUVs need not apply! And keep your rig under 21 feet, racks and all. This trail demands respect. Set aside 4-5 hours to conquer Elephant Hill. It’s open year-round, but summer sizzles, so pack that H2O! Expect desert vibes: dry, hot summers and chilly, sometimes snowy winters. Get an early start to beat the heat and the crowds. The views? Totally worth it!