Dare to drive the dangerous Kendall Peak
Kendall Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.895m (12,778ft) above the sea level located in San Juan County, Colorado, United States. The road to the summit is precarious, offering the best in drop-offs and a boulder-lined roadbed. It's one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado.
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, the road to the summit is called County Road 33 (also known as Kendall Mountain Road). It is recommended that beginner riders avoid this road. It’s a 7 miles long drive road starting from Silverton. High clearance 4WD vehicles only. Make sure your cooling system is in order as this is a very long trail to the top. If you do not like shelf roads with no passing places this is not for you. The surface of the road is gravel and bumpy with embedded rocks. From the top you will get great views of Silverton, Route 550 and other local peaks. The trail offers a chance to see some otherwise seldom-visited areas.
Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season. Winter comes early and stays late on this trail, so you may only be able to safely run it in the middle of the summer. It’s a real challenging road and a true test of your vehicle and your stamina because the road abounds in twists and turns with wheels sometimes hanging above the precipice. At around 12800 ft there’s a saddle and the road becomes impassable for most vehicles but a trail will lead you to the summit. The views along the route are spectacular, looking out all around on the mountains of the San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests.
Pic&video: Matt Snitchler