Where is McMillan Peak in Colorado?
Usa, north-america
3.2 km
3,658 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because McMillan Peak in Colorado is calling your name! This bad boy sits pretty in San Juan County, just north of Silverton, right in the heart of the Million Dollar Highway zone.
So, what's the deal? Well, you're looking at a short but seriously intense 3.2 km (2-mile) climb up to the summit, where a rad telecommunications antenna chills. Don't let the short distance fool you; this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a whopping 447 meters of elevation gain, averaging a crazy 14% gradient!
Now, listen up: you NEED a high-clearance 4WD beast to even think about tackling this. Forget your cute crossover; this is strictly for the off-road pros. The unpaved road is a mix of loose gravel, dirt, and rocky bits, so low-range gearing is your best friend. Plus, the road is narrow with zero guardrails.
Heads up, this peak is a summer fling only. We're talking late June to mid-September, tops. The rest of the year, it's a snowy wonderland, and not in a good way. Avalanches are a real danger, so always check local conditions before you head out.
The main things to watch out for are the STEEPNESS and the unpredictable weather. Afternoon thunderstorms can turn that dry dirt into a slippery mudslide in seconds. And FYI, you're off the grid up there – no cell service, so pack accordingly and make sure your rig is in tip-top shape, especially those brakes and the cooling system! But hey, you'll be rewarded with insane views of the Red Mountains and the historic mining district. This place is all about the views!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,658 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhat is the route to North Schell Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an off-road adventure in eastern Nevada? Let's talk North Schell Peak! This beast of a mountain, towering at 9,104 feet, is hidden away in White Pine County within the Schell Creek Range. To get there, you'll jump on NF-425, also known as Timber Creek Road, just east of McGill off White Pine County Road 29. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The 4.9-mile dirt track climbs steadily, promising some serious elevation gain. The first stretch is a washboard dirt road – bumpy but manageable in most vehicles. You'll pass the Timber Creek Campground, and that's where things get real. The road shrinks to a single lane, strewn with rocks, demanding moderate clearance. If you're planning on conquering the final, steeper sections, a 4x4 is non-negotiable! We're talking about gaining 1,906 feet in just under 5 miles, so yeah, it's steep. The upper parts can be rocky, tippy, and bumpy, testing your off-road skills. And if it's wet? Forget about it! The dirt turns to slick mud, making it a challenge even for seasoned pros. The drivable part ends shortly past the Timber Creek Campground at an unmarked trailhead with a couple of campsites and plenty of parking. You'll hit 9,104 feet at this point! If you're dreaming of bagging the actual summit of North Schell Peak, you'll have to finish the journey on foot. Heads up: this road is usually open from late May through September, depending on how much snow Mother Nature decides to dump. Heavy snow makes it impassable during the colder months. So, if you're itching for a challenging drive with insane views, North Schell Peak is calling your name! Just remember, come prepared with a 4x4, a sense of adventure, and maybe a good chiropractor for afterwards. If narrow, unpaved mountain roads and heights make you queasy, stick to the lower sections of the creek and enjoy the scenery.
easyHow long is the road to Kebler Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Kebler Pass! It's a crazy beautiful mountain pass in Gunnison County, Colorado, topping out at 10,007 feet. The road, Gunnison County Road 12 (aka Kebler Pass Scenic Drive), is about 31.4 miles of mixed terrain, jumping from pavement to well-maintained gravel as you climb from Crested Butte to Somerset. Good news for almost everyone: you don't need a 4x4! The road's in great shape during the summer – a smooth dirt road most of the way, with some paved sections near the top. The slopes are gentle too. Heads up: it's a seasonal adventure! Kebler Pass usually closes from November to May because of snow. Give yourself about two hours to soak it all in. You'll be winding through Gunnison National Forest, surrounded by aspen forests, meadows, and lakes. If you can swing it, hit this road in the fall – the aspen leaves explode in colors.
moderateHow To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Lagunita Saddle
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Lagunita Saddle in New Mexico's Taos County is calling your name! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking serious elevation here, topping out at 10,557 feet! Think of it as one of the state's rooftop experiences. Heads up: the road to the top is a rugged mix of gravel and rocks, so leave your low-riders at home. Winter? Forget about it – this pass is snowed in tight. If unpaved, steep mountain roads make you nervous, this might not be your jam. But, oh, the views! Being so high up is worth the journey. Get ready for panoramic scenery that'll make your jaw drop. Just take it slow, enjoy the ride, and soak in that New Mexico beauty!
moderateWhere is Carson Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey fellow adventurers! Let's talk Carson Pass, an awesome high-altitude crossing sitting pretty at 8,592 feet in California's Alpine County. You'll find this gem in eastern California, close to the Nevada border, chillin' within the El Dorado National Forest. The road? Smooth sailing on fully paved California State Route 88, aka Carson Pass Highway. The journey stretches for about 20 miles, cruising east to west from Alpine Village to Kirkwood, hugging the Sierra Nevada range. Word to the wise: the parking lot at the top gets packed on weekends, so plan accordingly! This road usually stays open all winter, but Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with snow, avalanches, or ice. Closures are rare, but keep an eye on the weather! Avalanche danger is the main concern, especially around Carson Spur (between Silver Lake and Kirkwood) and the eastern side of the pass. Apparently, there are over 20 avalanche chutes just waiting to dump snow on the road. But honestly? The views are worth it. Think dramatic volcanic skylines, lush meadows, pristine mountain lakes, and rugged valleys. This drive is all about those photo ops! There are tons of places to pull over and soak it all in. Trust me, you won't want to miss it.