
Where is Mount Tom?
Usa, north-america
5 km
2,889 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna bag a peak near Denver with some serious views (and a fascinating, if somber, history)? Let's talk Mount Tom!
This beauty tops out at a whopping 9,478 feet in Jefferson County, Colorado. Fun fact: it's also the site of a WWII bomber crash, a sobering reminder that even stunning landscapes can hold stories of tragedy.
Now, about getting there: the road's a 3.1-mile unpaved climb from Drew Hill Road. Word to the wise: it's gated, so you can't drive the full distance. Plus, being nestled in the Rockies, this road is definitely a seasonal deal. Expect snow to linger well into June, sometimes even July! So plan your trip accordingly.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,889 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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moderateIs Babyshoe Pass in Washington paved?
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extremeTravel guide to the top of Grey Creek Pass in Canada
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moderateWhere is Mount Graham in Arizona?
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