Ultimate 4wd destination: Clear Lake in San Juan NF
Usa, north-america
7.08 km
3,653 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Clear Lake! Picture this: an alpine turquoise dream shimmering at almost 12,000 feet high, nestled in Colorado's San Juan County. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks.
You'll find this gem tucked away in the San Juan National Forest, just west of the cool little town of Silverton, south of South Lookout Peak.
The road to the lake? Forget pavement! It's a wild, rocky ride known as Forest Road 815 (Clear Lake Road). From Forest Road 585, near South Mineral Campground, it's a relatively short 4.4 miles, but don't let the distance fool you.
You'll absolutely need a high-clearance vehicle, and 4x4 is highly recommended. Think narrow, steep, and hairpin turns that'll test your skills. Oh, and did I mention the seriously steep drop-offs? Beginners beware! Plenty of designated parking at the top though, so don't even think about parking on the grass.
Open seasonally, from late spring to late fall, this high-altitude road is a stunner. You'll pass old mining relics along the way, but the real draw is the incredible scenery, wildflowers, and waterfalls. It's a bit of a white-knuckle climb to that magical lake above, but trust me, the views are worth every sweaty palm and craned neck.
And yeah, that road gets steep! We're talking gradients up to 16% in sections. You'll climb over 2,000 feet from Forest Road 585, with an average gradient of over 9%.
Where is it?
Ultimate 4wd destination: Clear Lake in San Juan NF is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.7621, -100.0341
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7.08 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,653 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 38.7621, -100.0341
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhite Mountain Road has taxed the nerves of more than a few drivers in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're in California, cruising through Inyo National Forest, ready for an epic adventure. You're about to hit White Mountain Road, one of the highest roads the state has to offer! This stunner is tucked away in east-central California, snaking through the White Mountains for about 28 miles. Get ready for serious views—we're talking unmatched vistas of the Eastern Sierra that'll make your jaw drop. Plus, you're practically next door to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, where the oldest trees on the planet are chilling! Heads up: the first 10 miles are paved after you get off CA-168, but after that it's all gravel. The road climbs up and up, and you'll be hanging out above 10,000 feet the whole time! It's a steep one, averaging a 6% grade. The road is rocky in sections, so while you *can* do it in a 2-wheel drive, take it slow. Seriously consider those heavy-duty tires to avoid any flat tire drama. This isn't for the super timid either—it's steep, and a mistake could be bad news. You'll end up at the Barcroft Field Station at about 12,470 feet! Keep in mind you might not be able to drive *all* the way there as a locked gate sits a couple miles from the top. The road's usually open from mid-May to late November, depending on the snow. And trust me, winter up there is INTENSE, with over 13 feet of snow!
moderateHow long is the Stewart-Cassiar Highway?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: the Stewart-Cassiar Highway (Highway 37), snaking its way through the backwoods of British Columbia. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a full-on escape into some of the wildest, most isolated scenery North America has to offer! Clocking in at 874 km (543 miles), this north-south route kicks off near Kitimat and climbs all the way to Upper Liard. Built back in '75, it's mostly paved, but don't get too comfy. Expect about a kilometer of gravel, and the northern half is more "sealcoat" than smooth asphalt. Think a few 8% grades and a couple of switchbacks will keep you on your toes. This road is pretty basic, so take it slow! Parts of it are missing guardrails, lane markings, reflectors... you name it. Plus, loose gravel and a few one-lane bridges add to the excitement. It's narrower than most highways, and shoulders? Barely there. The good news? It's open year-round! Also known as the Dease Lake Highway, Stikine Highway, and Terrace–Kitimat Highway, it's the most northwestern route in BC. Forget cell service – you're out in the boonies! But trust me, the insane mountain views and wildlife spotting opportunities are worth the digital detox. This is a rugged alternative to the Alaska Highway, and it's all about the endless mountains.
extremeSand Point
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Sand Point in Montana! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about a legit mountain pass sitting pretty at 8,221 feet. Now, here's the deal: the road up there is a gravel track, and you're gonna want a 4-wheel drive to tackle it. Keep an eye on the weather, because things can get dicey fast. We're talking avalanches, blizzards, and landslides, oh my! And yeah, ice patches are a frequent guest. Expect a bit of a bumpy ride too; some spots can get rocky and muddy. But trust me, the views are absolutely worth it! Just pack your sense of adventure and be prepared for a wild ride.
hardWhere is Bullion King Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Bullion King Lake, a shimmering turquoise jewel nestled high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, just north of Silverton. Getting there? It's an adventure in itself! Forest Road 822 (aka Porphyry Gulch Road or Bullion King Lake Trail) is a totally unpaved 2.9-mile climb starting from the Million Dollar Highway. We're talking about a serious elevation gain here – almost 1,600 feet! That's an average grade of over 10%, so yeah, it gets steep. The road's super narrow with some crazy tight switchbacks, and definitely requires 4WD and some off-road driving skills. There's even a section that's a high, narrow shelf road that might make your palms sweat if you're not used to this kind of thing. Oh, and those steep drop-offs? They're real! You might even see a sign that says "Rough and dangerous road ahead, travel not recommended", but it's not as bad as it sounds. This route is usually snowed in from October to June. At the top, there's a small parking lot, and it's a short walk to the lake itself. But, the views along the way? Incredible! Plus, you'll pass a few cool abandoned mines. Trust me, this drive is worth the effort. Just be prepared for a wild ride!