Where is Kingston Peak?
Usa, north-america
25.42 km
3,671 m
hard
Year-round
Wanna escape Denver for the day? Head an hour west and tackle Kingston Peak! Straddling Clear Creek and Gilpin counties, deep within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, this beast of a road tops out at a whopping 12,043 feet.
Heads up: Kingston Peak Road (FSR 353.1) is all dirt, all the time. We're talking steep, rocky sections, especially above the treeline. Seriously, leave your low-riding sedan at home. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to conquer this one.
The adventure stretches for about 15.8 miles, connecting Rollinsville and St. Mary's. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Think panoramic vistas of the Continental Divide, shimmering Loch Lomond, and the majestic James Peak (towering at 13,294 feet!).
Keep in mind, this isn't a year-round joyride. Being high in the Rockies, expect cold and windy conditions. Snow can linger well into July, and early snowfalls can shut things down as early as mid-September. So plan accordingly and get ready for some epic scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 25.42 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,671 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Pilot Rock Truck Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Pilot Rock OHV Road 2N33 in sunny San Bernardino County, California, is calling your name. Nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about Forest Road 2N33 – pure, unadulterated dirt! This 12.4-mile (19.95km) beauty starts near Cedar Springs Dam at Lake Silverwood and winds its way to Highway 173, just north of Lake Arrowhead. Expect a good three hours of bumping and grinding, including a couple of rock crawling sections to test your mettle. You'll climb to a thrilling 5,180ft (1.579m) above sea level. The good news? Any 4WD-equipped vehicle can handle this, so no need for a monster truck. Keep your eyes peeled for those stunning vistas of Silverwood Lake as you crawl along. Pilot Rock is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature always has the last word. If it's been wet, prepare for a muddy, rutted rollercoaster that'll demand high clearance and 4WD. Happy trails!
hardDarley Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Darley Mountain in Colorado's Ouray County is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking serious elevation – almost 13,113 feet high! Nestled in the stunning San Juan mountains, the old mining road to get you there is a zig-zagging beast of rocks and gravel, and currently closed to motorized vehicles.. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance if that ever changes, and even then, your window of opportunity is super narrow – think late August if you're lucky. Keep an eye out for remnants of the area's mining past as you climb. Be prepared for some serious wind – it's pretty much a constant up there, so hold onto your hats (and your doors!). Even in summer, snow's not out of the question. The reward? Unbelievable panoramic views of the entire San Juan Range. Seriously, the payoff is worth the effort.
hardDriving the wild Fisherman Road to Lake Owyhee in OR
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Fisherman Road in Oregon's Malheur County! If you're itching for a seriously off-the-grid experience, this is your jam. This unpaved, rocky road winds its way to Indian Creek Campground on Lake Owyhee, and trust me, the views are worth the bumpy ride. We're talking about a full-on 4x4 situation here, high clearance essential. This isn't a Sunday drive – it's a slow and steady climb along a narrow, 11.8-mile (18.99km) stretch of pure wilderness. Fisherman Road starts off Succor Creek Road and twists its way to the Indian Creek Campground. The max gradient reaches a butt-clenching 18% in places and tops out at a lofty 4,612 feet (1.406m). Word to the wise: you will be completely cut off from the digital world, so download those maps and prepare to disconnect!
hardWhere is McGee Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so McGee Mountain in California's Mono County is calling all adventure seekers! This beast of a peak hits 10,511 feet, making it one of the highest roads in the state. You'll find it hanging out near the Nevada border in northern California. Now, let's talk about the road. It's a wild, unpaved ride to the top, clocking in at 6.4 miles from the pavement. Get ready for 12 hairpin turns and loose volcanic rocks that'll keep you on your toes. It's a steep, maintained jeep trail that zigzags up from Tobacco Flat, and trust me, the higher you go, the rougher it gets! The elevation gain is a whopping 3,415 feet, so buckle up! When can you tackle this adventure? The road is usually clear of snow from June to October. But hey, this is mountain country, so always be ready for some winter weather, even in the middle of summer. The scenery is absolutely epic, so take your time and soak it all in!