Ultimate 4wd destination: Peak 10 in Colorado

Ultimate 4wd destination: Peak 10 in Colorado

Usa, north-america

Length

10.94 km

Elevation

4,085 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk Peak 10 in Colorado's Summit County! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking a serious climb to a whopping 13,402 feet above sea level. Forest Service Road 751, also known as Peak 9 Road or 4th of July Bowl, is a completely unpaved beast that winds its way up the Tenmile Range in the Rockies.

Think rugged scenery because you'll be surrounded by it. The road mainly serves as access for ski lift and lodge maintenance, plus you'll find a weather station chilling near the old Briar Rose mine ruins at the summit.

This high-altitude shelf road is no joke, folks. It's a steep climb, averaging around 9.55% grade, with some sections hitting a maximum of 12%. From the starting point near Breckenridge, you'll cover about 6.8 miles, gaining a massive 3,592 feet in elevation.

Heads up: 4WD with good ground clearance is a must. You'll definitely need low-range gearing for the final push. The upper part of the trail is super narrow, rocky, and exposed, and those switchbacks are tight and loose. But if you're up for the challenge, the views in the Arapaho National Forest are absolutely worth it. Just remember, this adventure is best tackled when the snow has melted!

Where is it?

Ultimate 4wd destination: Peak 10 in Colorado is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 37.3426, -98.1388

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
10.94 km
Max Elevation
4,085 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
37.3426, -98.1388

Related Roads in north-america

Adventure along the curvy Road Mexico 199moderate

Adventure along the curvy Road Mexico 199

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Mexico 199 in Chiapas! This isn't just a road, it's an *experience*, winding its way through the mountains with views that'll make your jaw drop. Clocking in at 227 kilometers (that’s 141 miles for my imperial friends), this fully paved road throws a whole lotta curves your way – we're talking *hundreds* of turns. Get ready for some steep climbs, too! You'll start near Palenque at a breezy 60 meters above sea level, and then ascend all the way up to San Cristóbal de las Casas, perched high in the Central Highlands at a cool 2,200 meters. Get ready for a change in temperature as well as altitude! This drive isn't for the faint of heart, but the scenery is totally worth it!

Why Are There No Roads in Greenland?moderate

Why Are There No Roads in Greenland?

🌍 Greenland

Okay, Greenland might be the coolest place you'll never drive across! Seriously, this massive island between the Arctic and Atlantic is all mountains, fjords, and glaciers, so forget road trips between towns – they just don't exist. So, why no roads? Well, imagine trying to build a highway across a landscape that's mostly rock and ice. Greenland's got a tiny population of around 56,000, spread out in little villages along the coast. Plus, throw in an ice cap that covers 80% of the island and permafrost that makes the ground super unstable. It's a builder's nightmare! But get this: there *is* one paved road. Just one! This hidden gem is in southwest Greenland, winding 4.5 km (2.8 mi) from Ivittuut, an old mining town near Cape Desolation, up to Kangilinnguit, which used to be a naval base. It's a short stretch, but expect it to be snowed in and closed during the winter.

Steel Pass is a truly outstanding 4wd adventure in Death Valleyextreme

Steel Pass is a truly outstanding 4wd adventure in Death Valley

🇺🇸 Usa

Steel Pass, sitting pretty at 5,134 feet in California's Inyo County, is not for the faint of heart! This off-road adventure, also known as Steele Pass, winds through the remote and rugged heart of Death Valley National Park. Steel Pass Road is entirely unpaved and gets progressively rockier as you near the summit. This 45.8-mile stretch runs north to south from Eureka Valley Road to Saline Valley Road (southbound is generally easier). Considered one of Death Valley's most challenging backcountry routes, expect narrow sections, silt beds, ever-changing washes and canyons! High-clearance 4WD is an absolute must. Longer wheelbase vehicles might find it extra tricky. You'll need to be able to navigate narrow, sharp dry falls – sidewall tire damage is common, so pack a few spares! The road can be impassable after heavy rains. Waterfalls in Dedeckera Canyon require some real skill, and the Saline Valley wash has some tight, rocky turns. Make sure you have enough gas, too, as there's no cell service here. The drive can take anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours non-stop. Always check the Death Valley National Park website for the latest road conditions due to frequent flooding. It is best traveled with more than one vehicle. Get ready for an epic adventure!

Where is Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive?moderate

Where is Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you're heading to West Texas, you NEED to experience the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive in Big Bend National Park. Seriously, this place is a hidden gem, and this drive is the perfect way to explore it. This 30-mile paved road winds along the Rio Grande, offering killer views and a taste of Texan history. Named after the park's first superintendent, Ross Maxwell, this route is a must-do. Starting from Maverick Drive, you'll climb the Chisos Mountains (watch out for those 20% grades!) to Sotol Vista for insane panoramic views. Then, cruise down to the Rio Grande at Castolon Historic District. The paved road ends at the Santa Elena Canyon trailhead. Want a loop? You *can* reconnect with Highway 118 from Santa Elena Canyon, but the unpaved section is rough, so RVs and low-clearance cars should take note. Is it worth it? A thousand times YES! Think unforgettable vistas, historic sites, the backside of the Chisos Mountains, old homestead ruins...it's a sensory overload of Texan beauty. Just be aware of potential flooding in certain areas. Trust me; this drive will leave you speechless.