A road with 23 hairpin turns to Saxon Mountain in CO
Saxon Mountain is a mountain peak at an elevation of 3.494m (11,463ft) above the sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the US state of Colorado. The road to the summit is very steep, with an average gradient of 8.17 %. The trail is currently closed because of safety concerns.
How long is the Saxon Mountain Road?
Nestled in the mountains near the upper end of the valley of Clear Creek, the road to the summit is a steep shelf road with 23 switchbacks. It’s called Saxon Mountain Road. It’s 7 mile (11km) long. Located to the north of Georgetown, the road is very steep. The elevation gain is 899 meters. The average percentage is 8.17 %. The maximum slope is 14 %.
When was the road to Saxon Mountain built?
The road was constructed in the 60s or early 70s intended to serve an aerial tramway connecting Georgetown to Saxon Mountain's peak. However, the tramway was never realized.
How challenging is the Saxon Mountain Road?
The road is wide most of the way but very narrow in a few places. Be very careful after periods of heavy rain as boulders sometimes loosen and tumble onto the road. The drive features steep switchbacks and cliffs with no margins for error. A capable 4x4 vehicle is required. The road is usually impassable from November to May. It climbs through over 20 switchbacks to take you high over the town of Georgetown. Endless switchbacks are impressive. It's a narrow road in spots is prone to rock slides, especially after periods of heavy rain. The road is rocky and bone jarring. Rock falls are a common occurrence with the possibility that a large boulder could block the road at any time.
Is the Saxon Mountain Road worth it?
The challenging drive offers ample rewards, presenting captivating views of Georgetown, the I-70 corridor, and Mt. Evans. Once at the peak, a panoramic vista of Mt. Evans and the Divide unfolds. The area, rich in mining history, also features old log cabins dotting the landscape.
2021, 24th July Update: Extreme caution is needed as well as a capable 4x4. The trail is currently closed because of safety concerns.
Road suggested by: Hugh Wilson
Pic: JD WENBERG