Where is McClellan Mountain?
Usa, north-america
14 km
3,996 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you wanna bag a peak in Colorado? Check out McClellan Mountain! This baby tops out at a cool 13,110 feet, making it one of the highest drivable spots in the state. You'll find it west of Georgetown, in the northern part of the state.
The route up follows the old Argentine Central Railroad bed – a seriously impressive feat of engineering from way back in 1905. Get ready for six switchbacks where the train used to zigzag its way up the mountain.
Now, listen up: this isn't a Sunday cruise. The road is 100% unpaved and rocky. You're gonna need a proper SUV with low-range to tackle this one. Expect tight switchbacks and some seriously challenging terrain. The first section, right off Guanella Pass Road, is probably the toughest part, so be ready for it.
The whole thing is about 8.7 miles from the pavement of Guanella Pass Road, and you'll climb over 3,000 feet – that's an average gradient of around 7%! Best to hit this one in the summer, when the snow's gone. And the views? Totally worth it. Plus, you get to check out historic spots like the old railroad remains along the way. Epic!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 14 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,996 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHistory: Military Base to Bio-Security Fortress
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: a mysterious island lurking just off the coast of Long Island’s North Fork, called Plum Island. Sounds idyllic, right? Wrong. This place is seriously off-limits. We're talking Fort Knox levels of security. Why the big deal? Well, beneath the surface of this small island lies a network of paved roads, a relic of its past as a military fort. But these roads aren't for leisurely drives. They're exclusively for accessing the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC), a top-secret research facility. Think high-containment labs studying scary animal diseases. Getting anywhere near these roads is a no-go. No public access, no private vehicles, nada. We're talking federal law enforcement and serious security. The reason isn’t treacherous terrain or hidden dangers, but a bio-containment and national security protocol. Every move is monitored, every person decontaminated. This isn’t your average scenic route. It's a network of roads existing solely within a high-security quarantine zone. The primary danger isn't a sharp turn or a steep drop, but something microscopic. So, while the scenery might be intriguing, this is one road trip you'll only experience in your imagination.
easyWillamette Pass is a classic road trip in Oregon
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey, road trippers! Let's talk about Willamette Pass, a stunner nestled high in Oregon's Cascade Range. You'll find this paved beauty—also known as Pengra Pass or Willamette Summit—sitting pretty along Oregon Route 58, right on the edge of Klamath and Lane counties. We're talking about a scenic 86-mile stretch from Goshen (north of Chemult) that's been connecting the Willamette Valley to central Oregon for over a century and a half. At 5,128 feet above sea level, this route, which opened in 1940, winds through the Willamette National Forest, offering up lush forests, shimmering lakes, and all sorts of wildlife sightings. It's a paradise for hiking, fishing, camping, swimming, or just chilling out. Good news: It’s usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. Short-term closures are common when the conditions get dicey. For you winter enthusiasts, there's a whole network of backcountry trails, shelters, and even a cozy warming hut at Gold Lake Snopark. Plus, there's a family-friendly tubing hill at Salt Creek Snopark, and the Willamette Pass Resort ski area is right there. So, pack your bags and get ready for an epic adventure!
extremeHorseshoe Meadow is one of the highest roads of California
🇺🇸 Usa
Horseshoe Meadow is seriously high – we're talking 10,072 feet above sea level! You'll find this sub-alpine beauty tucked away in Inyo County, California, inside the Inyo National Forest. It's up there with some of California's highest roads. Horseshoe Meadows Road, formerly Route 190, has been fully paved since the 80s, and it's 22 miles of pure driving adrenaline starting from Whitney Portal Road. Hold on tight, because this road is a beast! You're climbing a super steep mountain, and it's nothing but straight sections linked by crazy hairpin turns. Seriously, this is a white-knuckle experience. It's known as one of the toughest climbs in California, with an average grade of 6.5%. You'll gain altitude super fast, so take it easy if you're not used to the thin air. Switchbacks are constant, so keep your focus. Gear down on the way back, and four-wheel drive definitely helps. Watch out for debris flows — they clear rocks at 4 PM daily, which tells you everything! Tucked in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, southwest of Lone Pine, it's a no-go in bad weather. The road shuts down from around November to May because of snow. Allow 45-60 minutes without stops, but honestly, you'll want more time for photos and exploring. Luckily, there are plenty of pull-offs for those perfect shots. Trust me, you won't regret it!
moderateWhere is Old Maverick Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Old Maverick Road: your shortcut to desert magic in Big Bend National Park, Texas! This isn't your average highway – it's a 12.6-mile dirt track slicing through the park's western side, connecting Maverick Junction and the legendary Santa Elena Canyon. Think of it as Big Bend's "easiest" off-road adventure, but don't let that fool you. After a rain, those washes can get gnarly! Low-clearance vehicles and RVs should definitely sit this one out. If you're in something sturdy, take it slow and watch out for rough patches and sneaky blind corners. The reward? Unforgettable views of the Terlingua Creek badlands and those epic Santa Elena Canyon cliffs soaring 1,500 feet high. Budget about an hour for the drive, but honestly, you'll want to linger. There's history lurking around every bend, scenic overlooks begging for photos, and the grand finale: Santa Elena Canyon itself. Trust me, that observation point and the hiking trail into the canyon are worth every second. Just keep an eye on the weather – this road can flood fast!