The road to Bent Peak in CO is not for the faint of heart

The road to Bent Peak in CO is not for the faint of heart

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

3,953 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Colorado's San Juan Mountains, inside the Gunnison National Forest, lies Bent Peak, and getting there is an epic ride. We're talking about a rough and rugged gravel road that claws its way up to a whopping 12,969 feet!

Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this old mining road. It's steep โ€“ like, REALLY steep, averaging a 20% grade! Starting near the bottom, you'll climb over 3,100 feet in just under a mile to reach the summit.

Keep in mind, this road is typically snowed in from late October to late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly. But if you're brave enough to make the trek, you'll be rewarded with insane views from one of the highest drivable spots in Colorado!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
3,953 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Where is the Cedar Canyon Road?moderate

Where is the Cedar Canyon Road?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Cedar Canyon Road in San Bernardino County, California, is calling your name. This gem winds through the heart of the Mojave National Preserve. It's a dirt road, but generally pretty tame โ€“ most cars can handle it. That said, there are a few slightly rough patches where higher clearance might make you feel more comfortable. It clocks in at roughly 25 miles, snaking across the central part of the Preserve. Prepare for some killer views along the way! Just watch out for washouts and potential soft sand that can catch you off guard.

Where is Crooked Creek Pass?moderate

Where is Crooked Creek Pass?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, so picture this: Crooked Creek Pass, sitting pretty at just over 10,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies. You'll find it south of Eagle and Sylvan Lake, smack-dab in the White River National Forest. We're talking about the Eagle-Thomasville Road (FSR #400), a gravel track thatโ€™s a solid 4WD adventure. Eagle County usually keeps it in decent shape up to Sylvan Lake, but trust me, you'll want that four-wheel drive. Expect a few narrow and bumpy sections, but nothing too crazy. Clocking in at around 36 miles, this north-south route links Eagle to the paved road. Keep your eyes peeled โ€“ the "summit" is just a cattle guard with a sign; blink, and you'll miss it! Oh, and a heads-up: this road is a no-go in winter due to snow. But when it's open? Get ready for some incredible views!

Where is Mojave Road?hard

Where is Mojave Road?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Mojave Road winds through California's Mojave National Preserve, offering an iconic 4x4 adventure. Plan on 3-4 days to conquer this 150-mile stretch, also known as the Old Government Road, which runs from the Colorado River to the Mojave River. Originally a Mojave People trail and wagon route, it connects the old Fort Mohave to Camp Cady. Ditch the GPS sometimes and bring a reliable map. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience that demands self-reliance, especially dealing with prickly hazards like Teddybear Cholla cactus. Always pack a spare tire and repair kit! The desert climate brings its own set of challenges, from flash floods to sandstorms and scorching heat. It's wise to travel in groups, since cell service is spotty out there. Most 4x4 SUVs can handle the terrain, but sand can be a beast. Soda Dry Lake crossings can be tricky, and seasonal weather can make sections impassable. Despite these challenges, the views and the sense of adventure make it a memorable journey.

Where does Route 666 start and end?extreme

Where does Route 666 start and end?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

So, you want to tackle "The Devil's Highway," huh? Okay, buckle up for a wild ride! Officially known as US Route 491 these days (they changed the name from 666 for obvious reasons!), this almost 200-mile stretch of road cuts through some seriously stunning and seriously remote desert wilderness. We're talking New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah all in one go, running roughly north-south from Monticello, Utah, down to Gallup, New Mexico. You'll cruise through Navajo Nation, past Shiprock, and hop over the Colorado border. Word to the wise: this is DESERT driving. Pack extra water and snacks, and keep a close eye on that gas gauge. Fuel stops can be few and far between โ€“ easily 100 miles apart. And pro tip: skip this one in the winter. Those high elevations (we're talking up to 9000 feet!) combined with snow, black ice, and the middle-of-nowhere factor, make for a potentially dicey situation. But if you're up for an adventure with a side of eerie vibes, this road delivers. Just be prepared for some seriously epic scenery and maybe a ghost story or two... after all, there's a reason it used to be called "The Highway to Hell"!