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
hardTravel guide to the top of Logan Pass in Nevada
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for Logan Pass in Nevada's Lincoln County! Nestled way up in the Mount Irish Wilderness, at a cool 7,247 feet, this isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be cruising along Irish Mountain Road (also known as Logan Canyon Road), a 26-mile dirt track that stretches from NV-318 (just north of the spooky ghost town of Crystal Springs in the Pahranagat Valley) all the way to the Extraterrestrial Highway. While they say 2WD-HC vehicles *can* make it, trust me, you'll want something with high clearance. It gets steep and pretty bumpy in spots! The payoff? Seriously stunning scenery and a chance to check out some incredible archaeological and cultural sites. Just a heads-up: skip this one if it's raining. This unpaved beauty is best enjoyed under clear skies.
extremeCalifornia Route 39 is closed due to persistent landslides
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on California State Route 39! This epic stretch of road straddles Orange and Los Angeles counties, carving its way through the stunning San Gabriel Mountains. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns, and views that'll make your jaw drop. Clocking in at around 50 miles (80 km), you can cruise from the Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1) all the way up to Islip Saddle on the Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2). Keep an eye out for familiar scenery, Route 39 made a cameo in *Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift*. Now for the twist: the northern part, famously known as San Gabriel Canyon Road, has been off-limits since a massive mudslide back in '78. This means the last 6 miles (9.65km) or so are a no-go for cars. We're talking rockslides, erosion, and enough dirt to make your off-roader blush. Budget a cool $100 million to get it back in shape. While it's technically closed, you might spot hikers or bikers braving the washed-out sections, especially on the west side of Mount Islip. Just be warned: Mother Nature throws some serious curveballs here. We're talking snow, avalanches, and landslides galore. Emergency vehicles can still squeeze through, but those "roads" get pretty narrow and gnarly! Despite the challenges, this forgotten highway is a trip back in time. You can practically feel the ghosts of California's past as you explore the remnants of this once-bustling route. So, if you're up for an adventure and a dose of history, Route 39 is calling your name!
moderateWhere is Cameron Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Colorado? You HAVE to check out Cameron Pass! This high-altitude beauty tops out at 10,291 feet, straddling Jackson and Larimer Counties. It's named after Robert Cameron, a pioneer who founded Fort Collins. You'll be cruising on State Highway 14, also known as Poudre Canyon Road, and yes, it's paved the whole way. The drive stretches for about 88 miles from Walden to Ted's Place. The climb isn't too brutal, mostly gradual, but watch out for a few spots where the gradient kicks up to 12%. It's a bit steeper coming from the west, easier from the east. The views? Seriously epic. Plus, there's tons of parking at the top. This area is steeped in Colorado mining history, so soak it all in. Heads up: Cameron Pass is usually open year-round, but winter can throw curveballs. Expect short-term closures because of snow and avalanche danger. Seriously, this pass gets dumped on. You might even see snow sticking around as late as July or August!
moderateThe sandy road to Peekaboo Slot Canyon in Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventurers, let's talk about getting to Peek-a-boo Gulch in Utah's Kane County! This incredible slot canyon is hidden away in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, but reaching it is half the fun (and half the challenge). The road, known as BLM 252, branches off from Hole in the Rock Road. It's only 1.6 miles long, but don't let the short distance fool you. This is a completely unpaved track, and it's covered in deep, soft sand. Think you can handle it? You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 with low range. Seriously, this isn't the place to test out your sand driving skills. Even seasoned off-roaders can get stuck, so come prepared and know your limits. The views are totally worth it, but be prepared for a true off-road experience!