How to drive County Road 33 to Kendall Mountain in Colorado?
Kendall Mountain is a high mountain peak in San Juan County, in the US state of Colorado. The route to the top follows County Road 33 (Kendall Mountain Road), an unpaved track that climbs to a high saddle at 3,981m (13,061ft) above sea level, making it one of the highest roads in Colorado.
| Road facts: Kendall Mountain (CR 33) | |
|---|---|
| Location | San Juan County, Colorado (USA) |
| Road Name | County Road 33 (Kendall Mountain Road) |
| Length | 7 miles (11.2 km) from Silverton |
| Elevation at Saddle | 3,981 m (13,061 ft) |
| Surface | 100% unpaved (loose scree, embedded rock, boulders) |
| Vehicle Requirements | High-clearance 4x4 mandatory |
Where does County Road 33 lead?
Starting from Silverton, County Road 33 climbs 7 miles along the mountain's western flank. The driveable track ends at a high saddle at 3,981 meters (13,061 ft) altitude, with the actual summit peak accessible only on foot.
Is County Road 33 to Kendall Mountain paved?
No. The entire 7-mile ascent is unpaved, consisting of loose scree, sharp rocks, and embedded boulders. The track is a narrow shelf road cut directly into the mountainside without guardrails.
Is a 4x4 required to drive Kendall Mountain Road?
Yes. A high-clearance 4x4 with low range is mandatory. High clearance is required to prevent undercarriage damage from boulders, while 4WD low range is needed to maintain traction on steep, loose scree ramps.
How challenging is driving County Road 33?
The climb requires a low-speed crawl over jagged rock. Multi-point turns are necessary on tight switchbacks along steep drop-offs. On the descent back to Silverton, low-range engine braking must be engaged continuously to prevent brake fluid boiling on sustained inclines.
How dangerous is the road to Kendall Mountain?
The main dangers are severe cliff exposure, narrow shelf sections with zero passing space, and rapid weather shifts above 12,000 feet. Sudden rain or electrical storms make the rock surface slippery. Deep snow and ice leave the road completely impassable from October through June.
Pic&video: Matt Snitchler