How difficult is the chairlift access road to Golden Bear Peak in Colorado?
Golden Bear Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3,725m (12,221ft) above sea level, located in Clear Creek County, in the US state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest roads in Colorado.
| Road facts: Golden Bear Peak | |
|---|---|
| Location | Clear Creek County, Colorado (USA) |
| Elevation | 3,725 m (12,221 ft) |
| Length | 3.1 km (1.9 miles) from Loveland Ski Area |
| Average Gradient | 12.41% |
| Hairpin Turns | 6 |
Why is there a road to Golden Bear Peak?
The road to the summit is a rugged, unpaved service track primarily used for chairlift maintenance of the famous Loveland Ski Area. It is intended for heavy machinery and 4x4 maintenance vehicles.
Is the road to Golden Bear Peak unpaved?
The surface is composed of loose Rocky Mountain scree and dirt that can become incredibly slick after a summer thunderstorm. A high-clearance 4WD vehicle is required.
How long is the road to Golden Bear Peak?
The ascent starts from the base of the Loveland Ski Area and spans 3.1 km (1.9 miles). Over this short distance, the track climbs 385 vertical meters, resulting in a brutal average gradient of 12.41%. The road features 6 tight hairpin turns.
Why is Golden Bear Peak impassable for most of the year?
Set high in the Rocky Mountains, due to its extreme elevation, the road is buried under heavy snow for most of the year. It is generally impassable from September until late July, leaving only a very narrow window in mid-summer for authorized vehicle access. Even in August, lingering snowdrifts can block the road. High winds are a constant factor at the summit, often blowing loose rocks onto the track. If you are driving this route, you must be prepared for winter-like conditions at any time, as sudden blizzards are common even in July at this altitude. The road is heavily influenced by its location; south of the Eisenhower Tunnel, another similar chairlift access trail climbs to 3,662m (12,014ft) above sea level.