Kendall Mountain

Kendall Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.981m (13,061ft) 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.

Kendall Mountain

The road to the summit is called County Road 33 (also known as Kendall Mountain Road). Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. Stay away if you're scared of heights. It is recommended that beginner riders avoid this road. It’s a 7 mile long drive road starting in Silverton. Only high clearance 4WD vehicles. 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. With such a high summit altitude the road can be closed anytime due to snowfalls. The zone is prone to heavy mist and can be dangerous in low visibility conditions.  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.

The road is totally impassable from October to June. 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

 

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