Where is Stony Pass?
Usa, north-america
16.73 km
3,846 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Stony Pass, a wild ride high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado! This baby tops out at a whopping 12,618 feet, so be prepared for some serious altitude. You'll find it east of the old mining town of Silverton, and trust me, this road has history etched into every rock.
Speaking of rocks, that's how it got its name! Stony Pass Road (also known as Forest Road 520 and County Road 3, or even Hamilton Pass) is 10.4 miles of unpaved, rugged terrain. Think rocky, rough, and washed out in sections. This used to be a stage and freight route back in the 1870s, a lifeline for the miners hauling silver and gold. After falling into disuse, the Forest Service revived it in the 50s.
You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this one. Seriously, leave the Prius at home. The road follows the Rio Grande River for a good stretch, and there are some seriously narrow spots where you'll be praying you don't meet anyone coming the other way!
Heads up: this pass is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July. But when it's open, oh man, the views are incredible. Think panoramic vistas of the Continental Divide, fields of wildflowers, gurgling creeks, and cascading waterfalls. Plus, you'll be surrounded by mining history. It's an adventure you won't forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 16.73 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,846 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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