
Parrott Peak
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,352 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you’re craving a serious off-road experience, Parrott Peak in Colorado's La Plata County is calling your name. We're talking about a lung-busting climb up to 10,997 feet!
The road, known as Road 316, is a beast - a mix of gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps to keep you on your toes. Nestled in the San Juan National Forest, this route is seriously weather-dependent; aim for mid-summer unless you’re a fan of snowdrifts. You absolutely NEED a 4x4 to tackle this terrain.
Forget about cruising; this is a slow and steady challenge that demands your full attention. We're talking steep grades, potential drop-offs, and that lovely head-spinning feeling. Keep your eyes peeled for spots to pull over because you might meet other adventurers in some pretty tight spots. Basically, this isn’t for the faint of heart, but the views? Totally worth it.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,352 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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