
Saddleback Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,843 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in Colorado and craving a serious off-road adventure, Saddleback Mountain is calling your name. We're talking a lung-busting climb to 9,327 feet (2,843m) in Clear Creek County.
The road? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Beaver Brook Canyon Road is a rugged mix of gravel and rocks that demands respect—and probably a 4x4. Winter? Forget about it, this road is closed.
It's steep, it's high, and if you're not comfortable with unpaved mountain tracks, maybe skip this one. But if you're up for the challenge, the views from the top are totally worth the white-knuckle drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,843 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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