
Lake Como is said to be Colorado's roughest road
Usa, north-america
12 km
3,586 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Lake Como Road in Colorado! Nestled in Alamosa County, near the iconic Great Sand Dunes and west of Blanca Peak, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about reaching a sky-high lake at 11,765 feet!
Starting from the paved CO-150, you've got about 7.45 miles of pure, unadulterated unpaved road to conquer. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, a smaller 4x4 track will take you even higher to Blue Lakes at 12,175 feet.
Word to the wise: this route is usually snowed in from late October until late June/early July. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are notorious for sudden weather changes, so be prepared for potential thunderstorms.
Now, let's be real β this road is ROUGH. We're talking extremely rocky, loose boulders, and a relentless climb that gets seriously intense above 10,000 feet. Seriously, high-clearance 4x4s *only.* How much you love your car will probably dictate how far you actually drive! Definitely don't go solo, and make sure both you and your rig are up for a serious challenge. Those first 4.5 miles are no joke. Be prepared for a maximum gradient of 26% in spots! People come from all over with tricked-out 4x4s just to test themselves on this beast.
Where is it?
Lake Como is said to be Colorado's roughest road is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.0357, -99.6805
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 12 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,586 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.0357, -99.6805
Related Roads in north-america
extremeHow long is the Going-to-the-Sun Road?
πΊπΈ Usa
Going-to-the-Sun Road is THE highlight of Glacier National Park, Montana. Seriously, this 50-mile stretch nestled way up in the Rockies is an engineering masterpiece and arguably one of the most scenic drives on the planet. Starting in West Glacier and winding all the way to St. Mary, this "crown jewel of scenic drives" is entirely paved, but don't let that fool you β it's narrow! Think two lanes, hairpin turns, and seriously stunning views paired with twisty sections and cliff edges. Heads up: oversized vehicles aren't allowed in certain sections. Anything wider than 8 feet is a no-go between Avalanche Campground and Rising Sun picnic area. Also, taller vehicles (over 10 feet) might scrape the rocks heading west from Logan Pass. Construction started way back in 1921, and it finally opened in 1933. This is the only road that crosses the entire park, so it's a must-do! Budget at least 2 hours without stops, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. You'll cruise through incredible landscapes, from glacial lakes and forests in the valleys to alpine tundra up at the pass. The views change dramatically depending on which way you're driving. The road's usually open from mid-June to mid-October, but snow can shut things down early. They get up to 80 feet of snow at Logan Pass! Speaking of Logan Pass, that's the highest point at 6,646 feet. One major heads up: During peak summer (usually late May to early September), you NEED a timed entry reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road. You'll have to snag a permit in advance through the National Park Service. No permit, no entry during restricted times. Always check the park's official website for the latest details.
extremeIs the road to Storm Mountain in Colorado unpaved?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Storm Mountain in Colorado is calling your name. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 9,862 feet! Forget pavement β you'll be kicking up dust on Storm Mountain Road (aka Cedar Park Road) from the get-go. The start's a bit twisty, so ease into it. The trail is narrow, making passing a bit of an adventure. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this one. Keep your eyes peeled for fallen trees trying to block your path! The adventure starts near Drake, off US Highway 34 in the Big Thompson Canyon. From there, it's about 13.1 miles of pure uphill fun, climbing over 3,600 feet. That's an average incline of around 5%, so get ready for a good climb! Heads up: this road is seasonal, usually open from mid-June until the snow flies around December 1st. But is it worth it? Absolutely! You're cruising through prime wildlife territory in the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests. Keep an eye out for deer, elk, moose, and even bears! And the views from the top? Unbelievable. You'll get a killer, unobstructed panorama of the front range cities and Estes Park.
extremeCan you drive to Railroad Ridge in Idaho?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Idaho's Custer County, hiding within the White Cloud Mountains, lies Railroad Ridge. This insane route climbs to a staggering 10,433 feet, making it potentially the highest road accessible to regular vehicles in Idaho! The road, known as FR 669, starts near Clayton and stretches for about 28 miles, gaining over 5,000 feet in elevation. Itβs a seriously challenging unpaved track that demands respect. We're talking high clearance and 4x4 are non-negotiable. The road is narrow, twisty with switchbacks, and has very few places to pull over. Not ideal if you're afraid of heights! The window to tackle Railroad Ridge is short, usually open from July to October, depending on when the snow melts. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides can happen anytime, so check conditions before you go. Cell service is spotty, so download your route and trust your GPS. But here's the thing: the views from the top are EPIC. Seriously breathtaking, stretching for miles in every direction on a clear day. The road is intense, but you'll forget all about the bumpy ride once you soak in that panorama. If you're up for a thrilling drive with a massive payoff, Railroad Ridge should be on your bucket list!
hardMount Peale
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Mount Peale in southeastern Utah is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about one of Utah's highest mountain roads, topping out at a cool 10,784 feet. You'll find this beast of a road nestled in the La Sal Mountains, and let me tell you, it's an off-roader's dream (or nightmare, depending on your skill level). Expect a gravel road that gets pretty gnarly β rocky, tippy, and bumpy are understatements. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. Keep in mind, winter shuts this road down completely. Even in summer, you might encounter some lingering snow, so be prepared. And if you're not a fan of heights or steep climbs, maybe sit this one out. But if you're up for the challenge, the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. Just be aware that wet conditions can turn the road into a muddy mess!