
Where is Mount Champion?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Mount Champion! This beast of a peak sits high up in the Colorado Rockies, way up in Lake County. You'll find it northeast of the iconic Independence Pass, smack-dab in the heart of the San Isabel National Forest.
Now, the road to the top? It's an unpaved, old mining road that leads up to Champion Mill, a place that used to churn out gold, silver, and more back in the day. Think rugged, raw Colorado! You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle to tackle this one. Keep an eye out for an old cabin and the remains of a collapsed tunnel at the very end.
Starting from Champion Mill, it's a climb of roughly 3.7 miles. In that short distance, you'll gain about 2,100 feet, making for a pretty steep average grade! And be warned: there are some seriously tight switchbacks along the way.
Oh, and one more thing: winter is a no-go. This road, nestled in the central Sawatch Range, becomes totally impassable when the snow flies. Trust me, you don't want to get stuck up there!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeHow to drive the Hidalgo State Route 53 to San Clemente?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a truly wild ride, you NEED to experience Hidalgo State Route 53, aka the Road to San Clemente, deep in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains of Mexico. This isn't just a drive; it's a full-on immersion into the heart of the Sierra OtomÃ-Tepehua, connecting the heights of La Victoria with the plunging depths of the RÃo Pantepec canyons. Think drastic elevation shifts, hairpin turns that'll test your skills (and maybe your stomach!), and a landscape that morphs before your eyes. Be warned: this route is a beast. Prepare for steep inclines, unbanked curves that demand respect, and road conditions that can change in a heartbeat, especially when the rains come. Landslides are a real possibility, so keep your eyes peeled! The reward? Absolutely breathtaking views as you climb from high-altitude pine forests at over 7,200 feet and descend into a tropical paradise near the canyon floor. Heads up! When you hit Tenango de Doria, the road gets a little… quirky. You'll need to wind your way through the town's streets to pick up the descent again towards the Rio Pantepec canyon. Trust your instincts, and you'll find your way. Get ready for the ride of your life!
hardWhere is Pennellen Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Let's talk about Pennellen Pass, perched way up high at 7,910 feet in eastern Garfield County, Utah. Think jaw-dropping views just east of Capitol Reef National Park. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. We're talking *unpaved* – seriously steep, rocky, and narrow. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 and a vehicle in tip-top shape. This area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management, feels seriously remote. Don't expect to see many other souls around! You'll find yourself between Tarantula Mesa and Pennellen Peak, two local legends. But here's the payoff: the views! Think endless panoramas of those iconic lower deserts. It's the kind of scenery that makes you feel truly wild and free. This region is seriously remote, so before you head out, double-check your ride and pack accordingly! Just be sure to avoid the high ridges and exposed areas if there's any chance of lightning!
extremeWhere is Pinyon Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle one of Idaho's highest peaks? Then Pinyon Peak is calling your name! Deep in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, smack-dab in central Idaho, this summit's a real gem. Now, fair warning: getting to the top is no Sunday drive. We're talking Pinyon Peak Loop Road (NF-172), a full-on unpaved, 26.1-mile (42km) beast that demands respect (and a 4x4!). The last mile (1.7km) is particularly spicy, with eight super-tight hairpin turns that'll test your skills. Think steep switchbacks on the way up and a long, equally steep descent where low range is your best friend. Seriously, this is remote country, so pack smart and be prepared. But the reward? Oh, it's worth it! At the summit sits the Pinyon Peak Fire Lookout Station, a cool piece of history dating back to 1930. And the views? Epic doesn't even begin to cover it. You'll be treated to massive, unobstructed panoramas of the Eastern Salmon River Mountains, including Mt. Baldy, Twin Peaks, the White Clouds, the Sawtooths, and even Borah Peak way off in the distance. Trust me, the bragging rights alone are worth the drive!
hardA white-knuckle drive to Berthoud Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Berthoud Pass! This Colorado gem sits way up high at 11,307 feet, straddling Clear Creek and Grand counties. We're talking a fully paved, 46.7-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 40 that'll whisk you from the charming town of Empire to Granby. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, this pass, named after surveyor Edward Berthoud, slices right through the Continental Divide on the Front Range. Yes, it's open year-round, but Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect winter weather to throw some curveballs – closures are possible due to heavy snow and potential avalanches. Just west of Denver, Berthoud Pass packs a punch. Parts of it widen to three lanes, but be ready for some serious curves and steep climbs (6.3% grades!), plus those winding switchbacks. But don’t worry, guardrails have got your back. Keep an eye out for the gravel road that branches off east towards Colorado Mines Peak – talk about an epic detour! Factor in about 50-70 minutes of pure driving time, but honestly, you'll want to stop. The views are absolutely unreal, with overlooks at every turn. Prepare to be wowed!