
A gravel summer road to De Herrera Lake
Usa, north-america
8.22 km
3,308 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Conejos County, Colorado, smack-dab in the stunning San Juan Mountains within the Rio Grande National Forest. You're heading up, up, up to the unreal De Herrera Lake, sitting pretty at a lofty 10,853 feet!
Fair warning, though: this isn't a Sunday cruise. Once you leave the paved bliss of State Highway 17, you're hitting a completely unpaved road. We're talking 4x4 territory, folks! The road stretches for about 5.11 miles, climbing even higher to 11,069 feet.
The views are incredible, but be prepared for a bumpy ride, and definitely check the weather! This route is really only doable in the summer months. Winter up here is no joke. Get ready for a true Colorado adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8.22 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,308 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateMurtle River bridge
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Wells Gray Provincial Park in British Columbia, right near the epic Dawson Falls. You're on the Clearwater Valley Road (smooth asphalt, thankfully!), and suddenly, BAM! You hit the Bailey Bridge. It's not just any bridge, though. This baby's a cool 146 feet long and gives you some seriously gorgeous views of the Murtle River. Seriously, stop and soak it in – it's one of those places that just makes you say "Wow."
extremeTravel Guide: Saline Valley Road in Mojave
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic adventure on Saline Valley Road, a super scenic track cutting through the heart of the Mojave Desert in California! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a challenging backcountry route in Death Valley National Park that'll test your mettle. You'll find this road tucked away in one of the most remote spots in California, stretching north to south through the vast Saline Valley. Picture a huge, arid valley nestled within the Inyo Mountains Wilderness Area. Keep in mind there are absolutely zero services available out there, so come prepared. Originally built to haul borax and salt back in the early 1900s, the road now spans a whopping 95 miles (153 km). The elevation ranges wildly from 1,094 to 7,593 feet (333 to 2,314m). Expect mostly unpaved conditions with lots of washboard sections. It's often heavily corrugated and sandy in spots, with sporadic maintenance. As you climb higher, it gets twisty with some serious drop-offs. The road is bumpy and rough, with curves, drop-offs, and deep, loose sand to keep you on your toes. High ground clearance is a must, and 4x4 might be needed in winter. Off-road tires and a full-size spare are highly recommended. Take breaks – your back will thank you! Technically, any vehicle can pass, but long stretches are extremely rough with sharp, primitive rock gravel. The road's open year-round, but winter can bring closures due to snow, ice, or washouts. October to May is prime time, although higher elevations might be snowed in. Spring and fall are especially nice, with temperatures in the 50-85 degree range. The Inyo County Road Department often marks the road as "CLOSED" after floods or winter snows, but those signs often stay up to deter unprepared drivers. The route goes through two mountain passes: the Inyo Mountains in the north and the Nelson Range in the south. The northern pass is higher but better maintained and closer to the hot springs. Remember, this isn't a Park Service Road; Inyo County handles maintenance. The drive treats you to some of Death Valley's most incredible landscapes. Think sweeping views of salt marsh, sand dunes, warm springs, and the majestic Inyo Mountains.
hardWhere is Sardine Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Sardine Peak in sunny California! About 20 miles north of Truckee, nestled in the Tahoe National Forest, you'll find this gem. Apparently, it gets its name from the valley below. What awaits you at the top? A super cool, historic fire lookout tower, built way back in 1935. Picture this: a three-story tower with stairs on the outside, offering incredible panoramic views. We're talking Stampede Reservoir, Boca Reservoir, Sardine Valley, and even Independence Lake! Now, here's the deal: the road to the top is all dirt. It's pretty wide but can be rutted and a little bumpy. A four-wheel drive isn't a necessity, but I wouldn't recommend taking your sedan. It's a 5.9-mile climb from the pavement to the peak. Keep in mind that this road is in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, so it's generally snowed in during the winter. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
extremeDriving the rough 4x4 road to Poughkeepsie Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
# Poughkeepsie Pass: Colorado's Ultimate High-Altitude Challenge Nestled in the stunning San Juan Mountains near Ouray, Poughkeepsie Pass (also called California Pass) sits at a breathtaking 12,919 feet above sea level, making it one of Colorado's highest drivable roads. This 11.5-mile beast of a route runs west-east from Ironton to Animas Forks, passing just south of picturesque Lake Como. Here's the thing though—this isn't your typical scenic mountain drive. County Road 19 is a gavel and rocky nightmare that demands serious respect. We're talking about a steep, rough track that's exclusively for high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. Jeeps have been known to roll here, and that's not an exaggeration. You'll encounter erosion, loose rocks, deep mud holes, and obstacles up to 5 feet high, plus near-vertical grades that'll make your palms sweat. The infamous "The Wall" used to be a mandatory climb or turn-around situation—until 2015 when a bypass finally got built. Even so, you'll absolutely need differential lockers and a winch before even thinking about attempting this. A particularly sharp, steep hairpin curve becomes extra treacherous on the way down, and water crossings with strong currents can appear without warning. This trail has crushed the confidence of experienced drivers and isn't for casual adventurers. Novices shouldn't even consider it—you need genuine 4x4 expertise and a vehicle that can handle serious punishment. Snow typically stays until April, so the season runs April through October when conditions allow. The payoff? Absolutely stunning views that make every white-knuckle moment worth it.