Where is Colorado Mines Peak?
Usa, north-america
3.21 km
3,812 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in central Colorado, smack-dab in the Arapaho National Forest, and you're itching for a serious dose of altitude. Colorado Mines Peak is calling your name!
This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about one of the highest roads in Colorado, topping out at a cool 12,506 feet. The whole reason it's called Colorado Mines Peak is because the Colorado School of Mines has a weather station chilling at the summit.
Now, the road itself? It's a 2-mile (3.21 km) unpaved service road—Colorado Mines Peak Road—with some super-long switchbacks and a steep grade averaging 11.7%. Expect an elevation gain of 1,250ft (381m). Heads up, though: private vehicles aren't allowed! Plus, being in the heart of Colorado, this road is usually buried under snow during the winter, so plan your trip for later in the season when things have thawed out.
Once you reach the top, yeah, there are a bunch of communication towers and equipment (think 1950s vibes). But honestly, who cares when you're surrounded by unbelievable views in every single direction?
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3.21 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,812 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Boquerón Volcano?
🌍 El Salvador
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to El Boquerón Volcano, practically in San Salvador's backyard! The road, *Carretera al Parque Nacional El Boquerón*, is a quick but intense 2-kilometer climb to just under 1,800 meters, almost kissing the volcano's peak. Get ready for a leg-burning average gradient of 9.8%! The road narrows, but don't worry, the quality is surprisingly good. You'll be surrounded by incredible views the whole way as you ascend to the national park. Just be prepared for a seriously steep climb!
moderateWhere is Hawkins Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're north of Markleeville, California, smack-dab in the eastern part of the state, winding your way through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. You're on the hunt for Hawkins Peak, reaching a lofty 9,688 feet above sea level—one of the highest roads in California! This peak? It's named after some dude named Hawkins, the first white settler around these parts back in the 1850s. He was a squatter on a cattle ranch to the east. Pretty cool, huh? Heads up: the road to the summit is unpaved and rocky, so you’ll definitely want a 4x4 with some decent clearance for that final push. It's not super long, but it's a climb. We're talking a serious elevation gain, with an average gradient that hits a max of 17.8% in spots—hold on tight! But the real payoff? The views from the top are epic. You can soak in the snowy Sierra Nevada range and the vast high desert of Nevada. Just keep in mind, this road is totally impassable in the winter.
hardA memorable road trip to Pilot Peak in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Pilot Peak in Yosemite National Park is calling your name! Perched right on the border of Mariposa and Tuolumne counties in California, this peak hits an impressive 6,013 feet. Getting there is half the fun – Forest Road 2S04 is a completely unpaved path that winds its way to the top, but be warned: you'll need a 4x4 to tackle this beast! It’s usually closed from mid-December to mid-April, so plan accordingly. This 1.36-mile climb is a leg burner, gaining almost 650 feet in elevation with some seriously steep sections hitting a 12% grade. At the summit, you're rewarded with killer views and a fire lookout tower. This drive to Columbia Ridge is wild! Just remember to breathe and enjoy the ride.
hardWhere is Modjeska Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Southern California, deep in the Cleveland National Forest, about to tackle Modjeska Peak. Named after a Shakespearean actress who loved the Newport Beach life, this summit is a local legend. The road up? It's a 17 km (10.6 miles) unpaved adventure called something super original: Modjeska Peak Road. Expect a bumpy, narrow ride with loose gravel, but nothing your average car can't handle. Heads up though, it can get muddy, especially after the snow melts (or if it rains). This should take you 1-2 hours. The road might be closed sometimes, especially when it snows above the 5,000-foot mark. And remember, California summers are no joke – bring water! So, is it worth it? Absolutely! You're standing on the second highest point in Orange County, gazing at panoramic views of the northern Santa Ana peaks. On a clear day, you can spot the ocean, Mt. Baldy, San Jacinto, and San Gorgonio. And the best part? No annoying antennas blocking your view like on Santiago Peak!