Where is Hurricane Basin?
Usa, north-america
16.89 km
3,776 m
extreme
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Hurricane Basin in Hinsdale County, Colorado is calling your name. We're talking about a wild ride up to 12,388 feet above sea level!
You'll find this gem nestled east of Ouray, not far from the famous Million Dollar Highway. But heads up, this isn't your average Sunday drive. County Road 21, the 10.5-mile unpaved path to the top, is seriously rocky and steep – some sections will test your nerves. Expect to crawl at a serious grade. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential!
The road ends at 12,657 feet, where you'll be rewarded with the Golconda Boarding House and Compressor House, relics of an old gold, silver, lead, zinc, and copper mine. These aren't your typical tourist traps, and some have even been rebuilt!
Keep in mind, this route is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July, so plan accordingly. But trust me, if you're up for the challenge, the extraordinary views from the top make it all worthwhile. Hurricane Basin is a must-do for anyone who loves a good off-road adventure and breathtaking scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 16.89 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,776 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Pucker Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Pucker Pass sits high in the sky at feet above sea level, snuggled in . This road is seriously ! Four-wheel drive vehicles are your best bet, although anything with high clearance should be able to handle it. So, where exactly is this "Pucker Pass"? It's on the of Canyonlands National Park, just north of . It plunges , offering stunning views of . Why "Pucker Pass," you ask? Well, it's a name dreamed up by some brave Jeepers who thought navigating this canyon back in the day was a way more experience than it is now. Is it paved? Nope! Pucker Pass is all about that , with a bit of mud and sand thrown in – usually . Uphill drivers supposedly have the right of way, but don't count on everyone playing by the rules. Stay and watch out when you're passing other vehicles. Expect to dodge some rocks – nothing too crazy, but keep your eyes peeled. There's usually enough space to pass or pull over. How tough is the drive? It's overall, but you'll hit some , particularly right through the pass where it gets a bit . Most of the time, it's a pretty wide gravel road, but the bit that goes through can get a little narrow. Usually, it's perfectly fine for your standard 4x4 , unless it's been raining cats and dogs and caused some extra damage. How long is the road? From , it’s a climb, gaining in elevation. The road averages out to about . Best time to go? , when the weather's playing nice. Definitely skip it during wild weather , and it's way better when the road is , things can get a little more interesting.
moderateCan you drive around the rim of Crater Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for a breathtaking road trip? Cruise along Rim Drive in Oregon's Crater Lake National Park, a 33-mile loop that hugs the caldera of the stunning Crater Lake. This isn't just any drive; it's one of the highest roads in Oregon, climbing from 6,500 feet to a dizzying 7,877 feet at Cloudcap! Built between 1926 and 1941, this road is a testament to engineering ingenuity. Heads up: Rim Drive is usually only open from July to October because winter brings serious snowfall – we're talking over 20 feet in most places, with drifts up to 60 feet! Keep an eye on conditions; things can change fast. This drive isn't for the faint of heart. It can be a bit narrow and winding, with no shoulders in places, and you might find some rocks on the road. Those afraid of heights might find it challenging as the road sometimes lacks railing and the hillsides are steep. However, the views are SO worth it! Plan for about 1.5 hours without stops, but trust me, you'll want to stop. With around 50 turnouts, you’ll have ample chances to soak in the lake views, panoramic vistas, and gorgeous forests and meadows. Each viewpoint offers something unique. Rim Drive is also a highlight along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a 500-mile route connecting Crater Lake with Lassen Volcanic National Park in California. Get ready for a drive you won't forget!
hardUncle Bud's Hut
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road challenge with killer views, Uncle Bud's Hut in central Colorado's Lake County is calling your name. Nestled at a staggering 11,397 feet, getting to this memorial hut via FS Road 107 is no picnic. We're talking a super steep, rough-and-tumble gravel road that demands respect (and 4WD!). Expect tight hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills. The window to tackle this beast is usually June to October, but remember, this is high-altitude Colorado – be ready for a sudden snow squall, even in the middle of summer. This trek isn't just about the drive; it's a journey to a place honoring a 10th Mountain Division hero. Trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and grind!
moderateWhere is 8 Mile Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising east of Vegas, deep in the Nevada desert, heading toward the shimmering blue of Lake Mead. The adventure starts when you turn off State Route 41A and hit 8 Mile Road. Now, this isn't your typical paved paradise – it's a 3.5-mile stretch of sandy, unpaved road that leads straight to the lake. Expect a washboard gravel surface, but don't worry, it's generally well-maintained. You'll definitely want a 4WD vehicle for this trek. But hold up! As of August 1, 2024, the National Park Service shut down motorized vehicle access, along with camping, due to excessive damage. You can still hike, bike, or boat in to the shoreline, but the roads are blocked. Keep your eyes peeled for coyotes – they're known to hang around! If you manage to access the area, the endpoint is a fantastic sandy beach where you can relax and soak in the views of Lake Mead.