Where is Clear Lake?

Okay, so you're heading to southwestern Colorado, near Silverton, for an adventure? Clear Lake needs to be on your list, but listen up, this ain't your Sunday drive! We're talking about Forest Road 815 – Clear Lake Road – and it's a 4.4-mile unpaved, rocky climb from Forest Road 585 near South Mineral Campground.

First off, the lake sits way up high at almost 12,000 feet in the San Juan National Forest, so the views are insane. But getting there? You'll absolutely need a high-clearance, preferably 4x4 vehicle. This road is NARROW, like seriously narrow, with some incredibly steep sections (up to 16% gradient!) and hairpin switchbacks. Oh, and did I mention the drop-offs? Yeah, they're pretty epic…and potentially terrifying if you're not used to this kind of thing. The road climbs over 2,000 feet, so be prepared for an average gradient of over 9%!

The road's usually open from late May to late November. Along the way, keep an eye out for signs of old mining operations. But really, the big draw is the scenery – wildflowers galore and waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides. Once you reach the top, there's designated parking, so please use it. The turquoise water of the alpine lake is totally worth the white-knuckle drive. Just be warned, this route is steep! It’s a hairy ascent to a magical, rewarding spot.