Where does the road to Broken Hand Peak start?
Usa, north-america
4.2 km
3,483 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Broken Hand Peak in Colorado's Saguache County is calling your name. Nestled way up in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains at a staggering 11,427 feet, this place is epic!
We're talking about tackling South Colony Road (Forest Road 120) – a seriously rugged track that's not for the faint of heart.
The fun kicks off south of Westcliffe, tracing South Colony Creek as you climb deep into the alpine wilderness. Be warned: you can't drive *all* the way to the top anymore. There's a gate about 2.6 miles past the lower parking lot, at around 9,898 feet. After that, it's strictly a hiking affair.
But the open part of the road? Still wild! Think massive rocks, crazy ruts, and a seriously bumpy ride. This is experienced off-roading territory, folks. Trying this in the dark or when it's muddy? Good luck!
Seriously, a high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential. That first mile to the lower lot? Maybe doable in something less beefy. But beyond that, you're risking some serious damage.
Summer and early fall are your best bet, as winter buries everything in snow and ice. But even then, a recent rain can turn those rocks into slip-n-slides.
Hazards? Oh, we've got 'em! Insane inclines, tire-shredding rocks, and total remoteness. Oh, and did I mention some of those narrow spots have major drop-offs? Plus, the weather in this high-altitude playground can flip on a dime. So be prepared, be careful, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,483 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow long is Grand Loop Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the Grand Loop Road – the ultimate Yellowstone National Park experience! This 140-mile paved route winds its way through the park's highlights in a giant figure-eight. You'll cruise past geysers, hot springs, and mud pots galore! This isn't a straight shot, though. Get ready for some twists and turns, but nothing too crazy. Just keep an eye on the speed limit (around 45 mph) and watch out for wildlife – bison and bears don't follow traffic rules! Speaking of time, plan to spend anywhere from 4 to 7 hours driving the whole loop. Summer can get super crowded, so patience is key. But trust me, the views are worth it! You'll be climbing high, too, hitting elevations of 8,262 feet, 7,119 feet, and even 8,917 feet at some mountain passes. Heads up: some sections close completely during winter, so plan your trip accordingly. This historic road, originally envisioned back in 1915, is the perfect way to soak in the majesty of Yellowstone!
hardGold Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Gold Mountain! This bad boy sits high up in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, clocking in at 8,159ft. Gold Mountain Road (aka 3N69) is a rough and tumble gravel route to the summit, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. This is a high-altitude road in the San Bernardino National Forest, so snow is definitely a factor in winter, possibly closing it completely. Even a little rain can make things extra dicey, with loose gravel ready to throw you for a loop. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle and probably a spotter to navigate this trail. We're talking grippy tires and maybe a lift. Starting from CA-18, it's a 3.5km climb to the top, gaining 433 meters in elevation — averaging a steep 12.37% grade. There's even a bypass, 3N69A, if you're feeling extra adventurous! But the views? Totally worth it! You'll be rewarded with incredible 360-degree panoramas of the desert to the north, the Big Bear valley to the south, and all those majestic peaks surrounding the valley. Seriously epic stuff! Just make sure you and your vehicle are prepped and ready for a challenge.
moderateHow long is Bajada a Zirupa?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico, on a wild and rugged adventure! You're tackling Bajada a Zirupa, an unpaved gravel road that stretches for about 29.5 kilometers. This north-south route links Madera (a town perched at 2,200m) to the tiny village of Zirupa, nestled down at 1,492m. The scenery is absolutely stunning. Keep in mind, though, that after a good rain, this road gets *really* challenging – you’ll definitely want a 4x4 for this one!
hardWhat is the Sunshine Skyway bridge made of?
🇺🇸 Usa
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge is a 4.14-mile stretch of road soaring over Tampa Bay in Florida. This isn't your average bridge; it's a seriously impressive concrete and steel structure, one of the longest cable-stayed concrete bridges around. As part of I-275 and US 19, it connects St. Petersburg with Terra Ceia, seeing around 52,000 vehicles daily. Opened in 1987, it's a modern marvel with incredible views—if you're brave enough! But, the "Sunshine Skyway" has a dark side. In 1980, tragedy struck when a freighter hit a support during a storm, causing a collapse that killed 35 people. Since the new bridge opened, over 200 people have tragically jumped from its heights. Suicide hotlines are now a constant, somber reminder. Plus, it's a toll road that frequently closes during severe weather, high winds, and hurricanes. The grade is steep, creating a dizzying feeling as you climb, and the endless yellow cables can be disorienting. Even experienced drivers might feel a little uneasy on this one. It's beautiful, but definitely a drive that comes with some baggage.