Google Earth satellite image
of route
Click to enlarge (79 KB)
Rating: 3/10
The road to the (almost) top of Kendall Mountain is flat out awesome from a scenery perspective. The 270-degree panorama from the end of the road provides, I feel, probably one of the top three best views to be had from along any of the San Juan back roads, if not the best. It is probably my favorite. So yes, that is saying something, and I highly recommend it. The road starts in Silverton at the base of Kendall Mountain at 9,317' and ascends to within about 240 feet from the 13,066-foot summit. The road is very tame the whole way with a solid base. The last section to the top is a long and narrow shelf with some of the longest drop-offs you'll ever come across. So, put on your courage shoes and enjoy the ride!
As you'll see in the gallery, astounding views include a seemingly endless number of peaks in all directions with an unprecedented aerial view of the great town of Silverton below, the only town in the state that requires traveling over a mountain pass to get in and get out of, and the only town that lies in the heart of the mighty San Juan Mountains. While you're at the top, you might as well hike the remaining 240 feet (of elevation) to the summit if you're physically able for the full 360-degree view.
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