Where is Terrible Mountain?
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,662 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Today we're talking about Terrible Mountain Road in Colorado's Gunnison National Forest. Forget paved paradise, this is a seriously rugged dirt track snaking its way up to a whopping 12,014 feet!
Terrible Mountain Road is not for the faint of heart. We're talking narrow paths, sheer drop-offs, and a surface that’ll test your suspension (and your nerves). Seriously, think twice before bringing anything less than a high-clearance 4WD vehicle.
But if you’re brave enough to tackle it, you'll be rewarded with some killer views of the Sawatch Range. Just be sure to plan your trip between late July and early September. Anything earlier or later, and you'll likely find yourself snowed in. Trust me, this road lives up to its name, but the payoff is epic!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,662 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateA Wild 4x4 Road to Moose Mountain in Alberta
🇨🇦 Canada
Hey, fellow adventurers! Ready for an epic drive? Let me tell you about Moose Mountain, a seriously high peak in Alberta, Canada. This isn't just any mountain – it's one of the highest roads in the whole country! You'll find Moose Mountain chilling west of Calgary, out in the wild Kananaskis Improvement District. Keep an eye out for the Moose Mountain Lookout Tower at the top – it's been watching over the area since 1929. They call it Moose Mountain because, well, it looks like a moose taking a nap! Trust me, the 360-degree views from the summit are totally worth it, and you can even have a picnic up there! Fun fact: you might recognize the scenery from movies like Land and Brokeback Mountain. Now, about the road... It's a 13.4 km (8.32 miles) unpaved adventure called Moose Mountain Fire Road, and you're gonna need a 4x4 to tackle it. Starting from the AB-66, you'll climb 930 m with an average gradient of 6.94%. This road is only open from May 15 to November 30, because the gate shuts for private vehicles after the Moose Mountain Trailhead Parking. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable ride into the heart of the Rockies!
extremeMill Creek Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Mill Creek Road (FSR 710) in Eagle County, Colorado, is calling your name. Seriously, this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a gnarly, high-mountain gravel road that'll take you all the way up to 11,833 feet! Nestled in the White River National Forest, this baby is narrow, rutted, and often sporting some mud puddles (or even mini rain dams). You'll definitely need a 4x4 for this one. Keep in mind that you're at a serious altitude, and the weather can be wild any time of year, so be prepared! But trust me, the climb is worth it. This long, winding dirt road leads to a summit with views that are absolutely mind-blowing. Seriously, they just keep getting better and better the higher you go. Just a heads-up: it's usually snowed in from October to June, and access is restricted to authorized vehicles only. This is an epic route to Clohesy Lake in the Sawatch Range. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
extremeWhere is Red Cone Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Red Cone Pass, nestled way up high in Colorado's Park County. We're talking serious altitude here – 12,811 feet! You'll find it in the White River National Forest, not far from Keystone and a few hours' drive from Denver. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road's about 7 miles long, connecting Webster Pass to County Road 60, and it's all unpaved – think steep climbs and loose, rocky terrain. But trust me, the views from the top are worth the bumpy ride! Now, a word of warning: Red Cone Pass is no joke. You'll definitely need a 4x4 with some good clearance to tackle this beast. The one-way trail winds along a steep slope with major drop-offs and crazy switchbacks leading down to the old ghost town of Webster. The descent is even more intense, with a narrow, rocky path and a thousand-foot drop waiting for any misstep. Seriously, proceed with caution! Keep in mind, Red Cone Pass is usually snowed in until late summer and closes up again with the first snows, so aim for late August or early September for the best chance of a clear run. If there's snow, don't even think about it! But if you're up for a challenge and crave some seriously stunning scenery, Red Cone Pass is an adventure you won't soon forget.
hardWhere is La Manga Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! La Manga Pass in Colorado is calling your name! Situated high up in Conejos County, you'll find yourself cruising at a cool 10,249 feet above sea level. Where to find it? Head to southern Colorado, practically hugging the New Mexico border. You can't miss it! The good news? This beauty is paved, smooth as butter since way back in '54. Just follow State Highway 17 (SH 17). Get ready for a decent drive, because the pass stretches for about 47 miles, running from Antonito, Colorado, all the way down towards Chama, New Mexico. Fair warning: it's a bit of a climb! We're talking an average grade of 5.5%, but be prepared for some seriously steep sections hitting almost 13%. Perched in the San Juan Mountains, La Manga Pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit dramatic in the winter. Expect possible closures during heavy snow. Still, the views are worth it!