Mount Elbert
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,504 m
hard
Year-round
Mount Elbert is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.504m (11,496ft) above the sea level, located in Lake County, in the U.S. state of Colorado.
The summit is located in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The road to the summit is very rough, tippy and bumpy at times. Located on the Elbert Massif in San Isabel National Forest, the road is totally impassable in winters, often until July 4th or later. Great trail for experienced wheelers. The trail is narrow with few places for passing so meeting someone can be a challenge. High altitude sickness may occur at this altitude. The mountain was named in honor of a Colorado statesman, Samuel Hitt Elbert, who was active in the formative period of the state and Governor of the Territory of Colorado from 1873 to 1874. The trail to the summit is called Forest Road 110J (Iron Mike Road or Halfmoon Road). It’s an old mining road. Keep an eye on the weather for thunderstorms and lightning. Near the summit there are remants of several abandoned old mining buildings. The road can be driven in many stock SUVs equipped with 4x4 & higher clearance. However, the road is continuously rocky and does present some degree of clearance challenges for stock SUVs. Avoid dangerous afternoon storms. If you see dark puffy clouds building, turn around and get off the mountain.
Maverick Mountain: Driving to the 8,086ft lookout in Fort Apache
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,504 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardChopaka Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an epic adventure in Washington state? Check out Chopaka Mountain! This beauty tops out at 6,243 feet, straddling the US-Canada border in Okanogan County. Getting to the summit is half the fun – we're talking Ninemile Creek Road, a gravel track that winds its way up through the North Cascades. Expect a bumpy ride with loose rocks and some seriously steep sections. Most cars can handle it, but be warned: summer thunderstorms can turn those gravel roads into a 4x4 nightmare! Heads up, the road's usually snowed in from October to June. But when it's open, the views from the Cold Springs Trailhead parking lot at the top are totally worth it. You're smack-dab in the Chopaka Mountain Natural Area Preserve, surrounded by some seriously stunning scenery. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
extremeHow long is Douglas Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride over Douglas Pass in Colorado! This beauty, sitting pretty at 8,287 feet, can be found in Garfield County. You'll cruise along Colorado Highway 139, aka Douglas Pass Road, for about 70.4 miles. This north-south route connects Rangely to Loma and was one of the original highways in the 1920s. It wasn't fully paved until 1972! Being nestled high in the Bookcliff Mountains, winter weather can be intense, so occasional closures are possible. Usually, though, you can access it year-round. The views from the top are insane, especially the La Sal Mountains in the distance! Now, fair warning: Douglas Pass sees a lot of traffic, including big rigs heading north from Grand Junction. Expect hairpin turns, narrow sections hugging the rock face, and erosion that can lead to surprises. The south side has some seriously steep spots, hitting a 7% grade. If you're feeling adventurous once you're at the pass, a small dirt road heads even higher to a communication tower (8,818 feet) with three crazy hairpin turns. 4WD is definitely recommended for that little detour!
hardHow long is Morgan Territory Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers, because Morgan Territory Road in Contra Costa County, California, is calling your name! Nestled east of Mount Diablo in the San Francisco East Bay, this 14.7-mile ribbon of asphalt winds its way from Marsh Creek Road up to Manning Road. Don't let the "paved" description fool you – this baby is a wild ride! Picture this: tight, twisting turns, a road that narrows unexpectedly, and a climb that tops out at 2,129 feet. Be warned: the pavement on the north side of the summit has seen better days! Beyond the driving challenge, Morgan Territory Road has some serious local lore. Legend has it that the infamous bandit Joaquin Murrieta (the real-life Zorro!) stashed his loot somewhere in these hills back in the 1800s. And guess what? People still claim to see a ghostly figure searching for it near a certain oak tree. So, keep your eyes peeled for more than just potholes—you might just spot a ghost (or some hidden treasure!). This road, named for pioneer Jeremiah Morgan, offers stunning scenery and a dose of the supernatural!
extremeWhere is Ubehebe Crater?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for a trip to another planet? Head to the northern reaches of Death Valley National Park and hop on Ubehebe Crater Road! This paved path, a cool 5.6 miles long, leads you straight to the jaw-dropping Ubehebe Crater, a massive volcanic wonder. This isn't just any hole in the ground, folks. We're talking a mile and a half wide and 600 feet deep! The road itself is well-maintained and easy to follow, but the real magic happens as the sun rises, painting the gravel landscape in unreal colors. Word to the wise: the desert can be a fickle friend. Wind is a common character here, especially in spring. Keep an eye out for sudden dust storms – they can kick up when you least expect it. And those crater rims? They're gorgeous, but tread carefully. The ground can be loose and unstable. Oh, and don't count on your cell service out here. Death Valley is seriously extreme. Remember to drink tons of water, especially if you're exploring on foot. If your car decides to take a break, stay put and wait for help. It’s always a good idea to have extra water on hand, just in case. Stay safe, soak up the views, and get ready for an adventure you won't soon forget!