Ultimate 4wd destination: Cronin Peak in Colorado

Ultimate 4wd destination: Cronin Peak in Colorado

Usa, north-america

Length

15.1 km

Elevation

3,914 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Nestled way up high in Colorado's Chaffee County, Cronin Peak is calling your name. We're talking serious altitude here - this old mining trail climbs to a whopping 12,841 feet!

You'll find it hidden in the southern Sawatch Range, deep within the San Isabel National Forest. The road, Forest Road 278, is a rugged, unpaved beast left over from the good old mining days. Forget your sedan – you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to conquer this one.

The road stretches for about 9.4 miles between Alpine and Browns Lake, snaking its way north-south. Be warned: it's STEEP, with some sections hitting a crazy 21% gradient. But hey, the views are insane! Expect breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding high peaks. Just a heads up, this route is typically snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
15.1 km
Max Elevation
3,914 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Ultimate 4wd destination: Libby Flatsmoderate

Ultimate 4wd destination: Libby Flats

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Wyoming, Rocky Mountains all around, and you decide to ditch the pavement for a bit of adventure. That's where Libby Flats comes in! Forest Service Road 336 takes you up to a whopping 10,669 feet above sea level – one of the highest points you can drive to in Wyoming. Now, fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive in your sedan. We're talking about 1.8 miles of unpaved road that usually isn't clear of snow until late June or even July. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically a requirement! You'll find the trailhead off the Snowy Range Scenic Byway (Wyoming Highway 130). Plus, being in the Medicine Bow National Forest at that altitude, you should prepare for some serious wind. The scenery? Absolutely stunning. Think wide open vistas and that feeling of being on top of the world. If you're up for a rugged, off-the-beaten-path experience, Libby Flats is calling your name.

Devils Headhard

Devils Head

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! We're heading to Devils Head in northern Arizona's Coconino County, a lava dome reaching a whopping 9,140 feet above sea level. This isn't your Sunday drive; Forest Road 557A to the top is a gravelly, rocky, and bumpy ride, so make sure your 4x4 is ready for some action! Winter? Forget about it – this road's usually snowed in. But when it's open, experienced off-roaders will be in heaven. The summit might be dotted with communication towers, but the views? Absolutely stunning! Think sweeping vistas of Flagstaff, the majestic San Francisco Mountain, and the whole of northern Arizona unfolding before you. Word to the wise: if unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, this might not be your cup of tea. It’s steep in places, and rain can turn the road into a muddy challenge. But if you're up for it, especially in the fall, it's SO worth it! The road is graded, but those switchbacks and hairpin turns demand your full attention. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and mountain bikers sharing the road. And near the top, you'll pass through an area still recovering from a massive wildfire back in '77 – a stark reminder of nature's power. Get ready for a memorable climb!

Where is Bennett Peak?moderate

Where is Bennett Peak?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, so you're looking for a real adventure? Check out Bennett Peak in Rio Grande County, Colorado! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a totally unpaved road that climbs to a whopping 13,218 feet! You'll find it south of Creede, nestled in the southwestern part of the Rio Grande National Forest. From the starting point at 11,779 feet, it's about 3 miles of rugged, unadulterated driving. Forget smooth asphalt, this is a primitive dirt road all the way, winding through grassy tundra. Be warned, it's above the timberline so expect exposure to the elements. The payoff? Incredible panoramic views from a wide, grassy summit. Word to the wise: this road is completely snowed in during winter. So, plan your trip for the warmer months, and make sure you've got a vehicle that can handle the rough stuff. If your ride isn't up to it, get ready for a hike!

Bloods Point Road in Illinois is the site of many hauntings and crimeshard

Bloods Point Road in Illinois is the site of many hauntings and crimes

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Bloods Point Road in Boone County, Illinois! Just south of Rockford, near Irene, this 2.8-mile stretch of pavement is a total creepshow. Locals have avoided this place for ages, and for good reason. Don't let the fact that it's paved fool you; this road is seriously disturbing. You'll find it running east-west between Pearl Street and Cherry Valley Road. The Boone County Sheriff's Department keeps a close eye on things here, and that should tell you something! Legend says near the Bloods Point Cemetery (founded in 1836), a school bus filled with kids plummeted off a bridge over the train tracks, killing everyone. Now, if you put your car in neutral on that spot, it'll supposedly get pushed across the bridge by unseen forces! Plus, there's a traffic light that likes to play hide-and-seek. Oh, and the cemetery? Prepare for ghost sightings and eerie whistling. Bloods Point Road has earned its rep as a paranormal hotspot. Murders, suicides, hangings... you name it, something awful has probably happened here. They say a family was brutally murdered in the area, adding another layer of dread. So, if you're brave enough to drive it at night, be prepared for a truly terrifying experience!