Where is Mount Antero Colorado?
Usa, north-america
11.09 km
4,189 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Buena Vista or Salida, Colorado, you HAVE to check out Mount Antero! This peak, named after a Ute chief, sits pretty in the southern Sawatch Range.
Here's the deal: You can actually DRIVE almost to the top! Baldwin Gulch Road (aka County Road 277) is a wild 6.9-mile climb that kicks off from Chalk Creek Drive.
Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking rocky, rough terrain that demands a 4x4 with serious clearance. The road is super narrow with switchbacks that'll test your nerves. Oh, and did I mention the crazy drop-offs? Experienced drivers only, folks. Passing another car? Forget about it in most spots.
The road typically opens in June or July, depending on the snow. It was originally built in the 50s for mining beryl, so keep an eye out for aquamarine and other gemstones! This whole area is a rockhound's DREAM.
The climb is STEEP, averaging nearly 12% – you'll gain over 4,300 feet! But trust me, the 360-degree views of the Sawatch Range from the top are absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive. Just be aware of possible lightning storms, stay on the marked trails, and you are good to go!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.09 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,189 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeChillycoat Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Chillycoat Pass in Colorado's Mesa County is calling your name! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a gnarly gravel 4WD track called Divide Road that climbs to a breathtaking 9,629 feet inside the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. The views are epic, but keep your wits about you. This route is no joke. Think potential avalanches, serious snowfall, and landslides that can pop up outta nowhere. Oh, and let's not forget those icy patches that love to keep you on your toes! Basically, if the weather looks sketchy, save this one for another day. But when the sun's out, and you're prepared? Chillycoat Pass will blow your mind!
moderateThe Loneliest Highway to Hickison Summit in NV
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Hickison Summit! This killer pass sits way up in Nevada's Lander County, clocking in at 6,584 feet. You'll find it nestled at the end of the Toquima Mountain Range. The road? Smooth asphalt all the way, part of the legendary "Loneliest Highway in America." Usually, you can cruise it year-round, but winter storms can sometimes throw a wrench in the plans. Get ready for some climbs, folks – we're talking up to 8% grades in spots, and plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. This stretch runs for almost 70 miles between Austin and Eureka. The whole area is steeped in history, both ancient and not-so-ancient.
extremeLast Chance Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Last Chance Road (aka USFS Road 44-22) in Placer County, California is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a rugged 5.5-mile stretch of gravel through the Tahoe National Forest. Definitely need 4-wheel drive for this one – some sections get pretty tight! But trust me, the views are totally worth it; some of the best California has to offer. You'll climb to a lofty 6,000 feet above sea level. Your destination? Last Chance, a legit ghost town tucked away in the mountains. Think abandoned houses, vintage cars rusting away, and the ghostly remains of a once-bustling community. It's a photographer's dream and a history buff's paradise! Just be prepared for some seriously remote vibes and a whole lotta awesome.
hardIs Stemple Pass in MT unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let me tell you about Stemple Pass in Montana! This one's a beauty, sitting way up high in Lewis and Clark County at a cool 6,381 feet. You'll find it smack-dab on the Continental Divide. Heads up: this isn't your typical smooth ride. Stemple Pass Road (aka County Road #601) is all dirt. Most cars can handle it, but I'd definitely suggest something with a bit more clearance. Watch out for loose gravel, those steep climbs, and blind corners that'll keep you on your toes! The whole shebang stretches for about 23 miles, connecting Wilborn and Lincoln. As you climb, keep your camera ready because you'll pass some seriously cool abandoned buildings that are begging for a photo. Up top, there's a big parking area with restrooms, so you can take a breather and soak it all in. And the best part? Even though it's nestled in the Helena National Forest, this road is usually open year-round, even in winter. That said, Montana weather is no joke, so be prepared for potential short-term closures if things get dicey. Always check conditions before you go!