New York Mountain: Driving the rough FR-418 to the Polar Star Mine
Located in the heart of the White River National Forest, in Eagle County, Colorado, New York Mountain is a high-altitude peak in the Northern Sawatch Range. North of the summit, a rugged trail climbs to a staggering 3,427m (11,243ft) above sea level, following the path of the pioneers who once extracted riches from the high-altitude mines of this region.
| Road facts: New York Mountain | |
|---|---|
| Location | Eagle County, Colorado, USA |
| Elevation | 3,427 m (11,243 ft) |
| Road Number | Forest Road 418 (FR-418) |
| Length | 8.0 km (5.0 miles) |
| Average Gradient | 4.8% |
Where is the road to New York Mountain?
The climb begins in Fulford, an extinct town and former mining camp that now serves as a quiet gateway to the backcountry. From here, you take the Forest Road 418 (FR-418), an old mine road originally built to serve the Polar Star Mine. The geography is pure Colorado high-country, with the track snaking through alpine meadows and rocky outcrops. Near the summit, you can still find three cabins that stand as survivors of the mining era, perched in a world where the air is thin and the silence is absolute.
Is the road to New York Mountain unpaved?
Yes, the FR-418 is totally unpaved and is a textbook example of a rough, rutted, 4-wheel drive road. While most of the track is manageable for a decent 4x4, there are a couple of rough spots that will test your patience and your vehicle's ground clearance. Expect deep ruts and sections where the rocks have been exposed by decades of snowmelt. High-clearance is not just an option here; it's a necessity to avoid leaving your oil pan on a Colorado rock. The road features 8 sharp hairpin turns that require careful steering as you gain elevation rapidly.
How long is the road to New York Mountain?
Starting from the ghost town of Fulford, the road to the high point is 5.0 miles (8.0 km) long. Over this distance, you will tackle an elevation gain of 1,266 feet, resulting in an average gradient of 4.8%. However, the numbers don't tell the whole story: the thin air at 11,000 feet will make your engine work twice as hard, and the technical nature of the rough spots means you'll be moving at a crawling pace for much of the ascent. It’s a slow, bumpy ride that rewards you with an incredible perspective of the Sawatch Range.
Is the road to New York Mountain open in winter?
Absolutely not. The FR-418 is usually impassable from October to June. At these elevations, snowdrifts can be several feet deep and road closures are frequent and unpredictable. Even in the middle of summer, extreme weather is always a factor; sudden thunderstorms can turn the dirt into a slick mess, and temperatures can drop below freezing in a matter of minutes. Always check the White River National Forest reports before heading up, and never attempt the climb without being prepared for a sudden change in conditions at the top.
Pic: Justin