Lone Cone Pass
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,357 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk Lone Cone Pass in Colorado's San Miguel County! We're talking a serious climb here, topping out at a breathtaking 11,015 feet. You'll find yourself smack-dab in the San Miguel Mountains, part of the mighty Rockies.
Now, the road – County Road 47 – is where things get interesting. This ain't your Sunday drive kinda road; it's a proper gravel 4x4 track. Translation? You're gonna need some clearance and preferably some off-road experience.
Word to the wise: keep a close eye on the weather. This area's known for avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides – and trust me, you don't want to be caught in one. Expect some rocky sections, maybe a bit of mud, and the occasional icy patch thrown in for good measure. But hey, the views are killer and totally worth the white-knuckle drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,357 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhat’s the Old Plank Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Southern California, early 1900s. You're trying to get from San Diego to Yuma, Arizona, but there's this HUGE obstacle in your way – the Algodones Dunes. Miles and miles of shifting sand. So, what do you do? You build a road *on top* of the sand! Enter the Old Plank Road. Back in 1915, they laid down wooden planks, like railroad tracks for cars, creating a one-lane path across about eight miles of those treacherous dunes. It was a total game-changer, connecting California and Arizona and boosting trade like crazy. Imagine cruising along, feeling like you're driving on a wooden rollercoaster through a real-life desert dreamscape. Now, it wasn't all smooth sailing. The desert is a harsh mistress, and those shifting sands required constant upkeep. Think "Sisyphean task" but with mules and planks. They even had passing spots every mile so cars going opposite directions didn't get stuck in a sandy standoff. Sadly, this wild ride didn't last forever. By the late 1920s, it was replaced with something more permanent. But! You can still find remnants of the Old Plank Road nestled in the dunes today. It's a total throwback, a reminder of how people conquered the desert back in the day. Plus, these dunes are seriously stunning - they've been backdrops for movies like "Return of the Jedi," so you KNOW they're epic!
hardWhere is Mount Grant?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got the lowdown on an epic Nevada drive to the summit of Mount Grant. You'll find this beast lurking in the western part of Nevada, named after the 18th president. Now, before you jump in your car, a heads up: access is super limited since the military owns most of the area, so you'll need permission to even attempt this trek. First things first: forget your Prius. A 4WD vehicle with high clearance is an absolute MUST! This isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is usually off-limits from late October to late June/early July due to weather. Clocking in at a decent length, this climb really puts your rig to the test with a whopping 2,057-meter elevation gain and an average gradient of 8.30%! You'll start low down, then inch your way up to some serious altitude. The beginning is a narrow canyon section, but don't worry, it eventually opens up, giving you enough space for two vehicles to pass, and you can even pick up the pace a bit – think speeds that feel fast on well-maintained areas. Initially, you'll snake through a narrow canyon. But as you gain elevation, BAM! The landscape explodes into a vast, high-altitude dreamscape. You'll even get a sneak peek of the road ahead, zigzagging its way up the mountain. There are some scattered small rocks, but nothing crazy, and high clearance is useful. However, those afraid of heights might find this section uncomfortable. It is not difficult for passing vehicles. However, traffic is minimal, and the gate locks behind you! Plus, keep your eyes peeled – there are some seriously steep cliffs along the shoulder! One of the highest roads in Nevada, this is a drive you won't soon forget!
hardWhere is Big Indian Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in western Nevada, near [ ], lies Big Indian Mountain, and getting to its peak is a serious off-road experience! Forget pavement, this is a 12.5-mile dirt track that climbs like crazy. We're talking a staggering 4,927 feet of elevation gain, with some sections hitting a wild 16.5% grade! That's an average gradient of 7.46%, so prepare for a workout! The road is narrow, and passing other vehicles can be tricky, so keep your eyes peeled. You'll definitely need a high-clearance 4x4 to conquer this beast. Heads up: this road is typically snowed in from late October until sometime between late June and early July, so plan your trip accordingly. But if you're after rugged beauty and a true off-road challenge, Big Indian Mountain is calling your name!
extremeRiver Hill Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road experience in Colorado's Rio Grande National Forest, River Hill Pass is calling your name! This beast of a pass tops out at a breathtaking 9,615 feet. You'll be tackling Forest Road 520, a gravel 4x4 track that's not for the faint of heart. We're talking rugged terrain here, folks – rocky and muddy in spots. Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the weather! This area can get hit hard by avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, especially with those sneaky patches of ice. But hey, if you're prepared for anything, the views are totally worth it!