Road trip guide: Conquering the McClellan Mountain of Colorado

McClellan Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.996m (13,110ft) above the sea level, located in Clear Creek County, Colorado, in USA. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.

McClellan Mountain

The road to the summit is totally unpaved and rocky. It’s called McClellan Mountain Road. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season. It is not generally snow-free until late June or even July in some years. The trail follows the remains of a narrow railroad, called the Argentine Central Railroad which was started in 1905 and completed nearly a year later. The trail is a testament engineering with six switchbacks so the train could zig-zag up the mountain.

If you do choose this route please check up to date information. It’s a 4WD trail: aggressive stock SUV with low range required. Remember this is a mountainous area, climbing up a high mountain. The road is steep and narrow and has tight switchbacks. The drive offers some amazing views. Don’t miss historic buildings at Santiago Mine and Ghost Town.
Pic: Nico Rumiz