A rough road to the beautiful Goose Lake in New Mexico
Usa, north-america
11.58 km
3,570 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've found a seriously stunning high-altitude lake in Taos County, New Mexico, called Goose Lake. Getting there is no walk in the park, but trust me, the views are worth every bump and swerve.
You'll find this gem nestled in the Carson National Forest, just south of Gold Hill peak, in northern New Mexico.
Forget pavement, the only way up is Forest Road 486 (Goose Lake Road), a completely unpaved path.
Now, let's talk about the road itself. It's STEEP and rough, like, really rough in places. It's a bit of a challenge, with a water crossing that can get pretty deep and a short, narrow section with a serious drop-off. Not for the faint of heart, especially if you're not comfortable with heights. Keep your eyes peeled for an old goldmine, general store, and other relics of past mining operations along the way!
Full-size pickups might have some trouble squeezing through the tighter spots. A proper 4x4 is a MUST, and I wouldn't recommend attempting it in a stock SUV. Leave the camper trailers at home, there are narrow one-way sections and steep drop-offs.
This high mountain road, tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is usually snowed in during the winter months.
Starting from the resort town of Red River, the road stretches for about 7.2 miles. In that short distance, you'll climb over 3,000 feet!
The road ends at a spacious parking lot near Goose Lake, but it fills up fast on summer weekends, so get there early! Summer and fall are the best times to visit. Get ready for an epic drive to a truly unforgettable destination!
Where is it?
A rough road to the beautiful Goose Lake in New Mexico is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.6178, -99.6150
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.58 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,570 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 39.6178, -99.6150
Related Roads in north-america
easyOverseas Highway is America's Scenic Drive through the Florida Keys
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Overseas Highway: A Road Trip Like No Other Picture this: driving across what feels like an endless bridge stretching into the ocean, with nothing but sparkling water on either side. That's the Overseas Highway—the southernmost stretch of U.S. 1—and it's honestly one of those bucket-list drives you need to experience at least once. This 113-mile ribbon of asphalt connects mainland Florida to the quirky, laid-back world of the Florida Keys via 42 impressive bridges that island-hop their way south. The story's pretty cool too. Back in 1905, the eccentric railroad mogul Henry Flagler started building a railway to Key West, completing it in 1912. When a devastating hurricane destroyed miles of track in 1935, workers got creative and converted the remaining railway into a highway. Construction wrapped up in 1938, and today you're essentially driving over the bones of that original engineering marvel. The absolute star of the show is the famous Seven Mile Bridge (it's actually about 6.8 miles, but who's counting?). When it debuted in 1912, it was one of the longest bridges in the world, and it still looks cinematic enough to have starred in action movies like *2 Fast 2 Furious* and *Mission Impossible III*. The newer version, built with a sturdy 65-foot arch, replaced the original swing span design and can handle the region's hurricane threats much better. Plan on about two hours to drive the whole thing, though you'll probably want to go slower to soak everything in. The road itself is well-maintained these days, though a few sections still need some TLC. Fair warning: if you're nervous driving over water for extended periods, this might test your nerves a bit. But honestly, the views are so stunning that most people forget to be anxious. Speaking of views—bring your camera. The sunrises and sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking, with colors that shift from turquoise to deep emerald waters beneath skies painted in pink, orange, and purple. Mix in swaying palms, rustling pines, and the occasional yacht cruising the horizon, and you've got a postcard-perfect scene at every turn. Fair warning: if you're visiting during peak season, expect bumper-to-bumper traffic. But here's the thing—the scenery is so gorgeous that road rage seems impossible. Being stuck in traffic here hardly feels like a hassle. The bottom line? This drive transforms the Florida Keys from a distant vacation dream into an easily accessible adventure. After the highway opened, tourism exploded—over three million visitors now come through annually. Drive cautiously, especially during holidays, but don't skip this one. It's genuinely one of the most spectacular coastal drives on the planet.
easyWhere is Battle Pass in Wyoming?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You HAVE to add Battle Pass to your bucket list. Tucked away in southern Wyoming, near the gorgeous Medicine Bow National Forest, this isn't just a road; it's an experience. First off, the history! The name comes from a legendary clash between Native Americans and fur trappers – how cool is that? Secondly, the road itself, a whopping 57.2 miles of pure driving pleasure on the Battle Highway Scenic Byway. Think light traffic, smooth pavement, and views for days – perfect for a scenic cruise. Budget around two hours to really soak it all in; you'll want to stop and explore the old ghost mining town of Battle. Keep in mind this beauty is in the Sierra Madre Mountains and gets seriously snowy, so it's generally closed from November to April. Plan accordingly, and get ready for an epic adventure! The views from the top? Absolutely worth it.
hardWhite Pine Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! White Pine Pass in Colorado's Roosevelt National Forest is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about West White Pine Road (#100), a seriously rugged gravel and rocky track that climbs to a dizzying 9,593 feet. Think of it as nature's obstacle course – steep climbs and tricky sections are par for the course. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential! Oh, and if heights make you queasy, maybe sit this one out. The views are epic, no doubt, but you'll be clinging to the edge for most of the journey. Just a heads-up: winter turns this pass into an impassable, snowy wonderland.
hardSteens Mountain is one of the highest roads of Oregon
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk Steens Mountain Loop Road in Oregon's wild southeast! This stunner clocks in at just over 27 miles, kicking off near Frenchglen (cute little town, BTW) and twisting up Steens Mountain, which tops out at a whopping 9,737 feet. Yep, they say it's Oregon's highest road! Heads up, it's all unpaved, so buckle up for a bumpy ride. But don't worry, most of the road's been upgraded, making it suitable for most cars. There is that one short, steep, and narrow part near Big Indian and Little Blitzen gorges, though, so take it slow. This route's usually open from mid-June to October, but keep an eye on the weather. Snow can linger, and things can change fast up there! We're talking possible lightning storms, surprise snow flurries, and high winds, even on a day that starts out sunny. The climb is pretty consistent, too, gaining over 5,500 feet from Frenchglen. But trust me, the views are worth it! Think sweeping vistas of the high desert, Wildhorse Lake shimmering in the distance, and the dramatic Keigor Gorge. Plus, you can access Steens Summit and campgrounds along the way. Okay, the summit *does* have cell towers (bummer, I know), but don't let that deter you. This area is a total gem, showcasing Oregon's rugged side. Just watch out for ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes during the warmer months. Basically, Steens Mountain Loop Road is a must-do for anyone craving dramatic scenery, glacial gorges, and a true taste of the Oregon wilderness. Get out there and explore!