
A steep old 4wd road to Ruby Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,607 m
hard
Year-round
Hey fellow adventurers! Ever dreamed of conquering a Colorado peak? Ruby Mountain, clocking in at a hefty 11,833 feet, might just be your next obsession. Tucked away in Summit County within the Arapaho National Forest, this beauty offers views for days.
The road? Think rugged. We're talking totally unpaved, old-school mine road vibes. Word is, motorized vehicles are a no-go these days, but the views from the top are supposed to be incredible.
If you’re thinking about tackling this one, know it's STEEP! From Peru Creek Trail (Forest Service Road 260), it's a short but intense climb— just over half a mile, gaining about 460 feet. That's a gradient that will definitely get your heart pumping. Expect access roughly from March to November, but even then, remember that lingering snow at the summit can stick around well into July. Early birds might find the lower sections clear sooner.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,607 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is the Kimsey Mountain Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: You're cruising through the Cherokee National Forest in southeast Tennessee, venturing deep into a seriously wild and remote area of Polk County. You're on the Kimsey Mountain Highway, also known as Forest Service Road 68, and let me tell you, it's an adventure! Forget smooth pavement – we're talking a totally unpaved, single-track Jeep road with just enough turnouts to let you squeeze by oncoming traffic. This isn’t a race; it’s a slow and steady journey offering unique views of the forest. And because you're running near the crest of a ridge, expect some pretty spectacular vistas along the way. This road is old-school. Built almost a century ago, it’s still pretty much in its original condition – rustic! At its highest point, you'll be sitting pretty at 3,070 feet above sea level in the Southern Appalachians. Keep an eye out for fallen trees blocking the path and be wary of potential washouts. Bringing a chainsaw? Not a bad idea! The whole stretch clocks in at about 16.6 miles (26.71km), winding its way from TN-30 to TN-68. Get ready for a trip back in time and a true escape into nature!
hardA road with an intimidating sheer cliff to Black Rock Reservoir in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Black Rock Reservoir is a hidden gem tucked away at 1,260m (4,133 ft) elevation in Fresno County, California—sitting right on the edge of Kings Canyon National Park and Sierra National Forest. If you're after remote alpine scenery, this is it. Getting there is half the adventure (and we mean that literally). From Fresno, head 47 miles east on CA 180 to Piedra Road, then take Trimmer Springs Road for 17 miles until you hit the bridge split toward Balch Camp. From there, Black Rock Road takes over for the final 17km (11 miles)—and yeah, this is where things get real. Fair warning: Black Rock Road is seriously not for the faint of heart. We're talking a single-lane ribbon of pavement that clings to cliff faces with absolutely nothing between you and 1,000-foot drops. The narrow wooden bridges are barely wide enough for one vehicle, so if you meet someone coming the other way, someone's backing up (fun times). There are zero guardrails, and the road climbs along sheer cliffs that'll make anyone afraid of heights break out in a cold sweat. RVs? Absolutely not. The added hazard of falling rocks or ice from above keeps things exciting too. This is true backcountry—zero cell service. It's bear country, so lock up your food tight and don't even think about feeding wildlife. Pack bug spray for the mosquitoes, and fuel up in Prather or Shaver Lake before you make the push. Late winter through early spring is magical here—wildflowers pop off and there are waterfalls worth the drive. The tiny campground sits at 4,000 feet where the pavement ends. Roads usually stay open year-round, but winter snow can shut things down fast. Safe to drive in summer and fall; skip it if there's snow on the ground.
extremeCarretera Escenica (Acapulco)
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the coast in Acapulco, Mexico, and the views of Acapulco Bay – they call it the "most beautiful bay in the world" – are seriously stunning. You've got Puerto Marques bay shimmering to one side, and Diamante's luxury resorts glittering in the distance. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, reality check. This 7-kilometer stretch is the *only* road connecting Acapulco to Diamante, so traffic is absolutely insane. Like, an hour to go just 7km insane. Add in constant road repairs and a few too many fender benders (and, yikes, whispers of more serious trouble), and it's definitely an *experience* to drive. This place is no joke — it's got a reputation as one of Mexico's most dangerous cities. It's a wild ride, but those coastal views *are* pretty epic.
hardWhere is Blair Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Blair Mountain! This epic pass punches through the Colorado Rockies in Garfield County, boasting a summit that kisses the sky at 11,469 feet. You'll find this gem nestled in the White River Plateau, part of the larger, wild Rocky Mountain range. It's northwest of Glenwood Springs, stretching across Rio Blanco and Garfield counties. Now, hold on tight, because Blair Mountain Road (Forest Road 601) is a 22.9-mile off-road adventure from #600 to Forest Road 301. Forget pavement—this is a rugged, rocky, and seriously steep dirt track. We're talking high clearance and 4x4 required! Being in the White River National Forest, this route hangs out above 10,000 feet for the *entire* time, peaking above 11,000 feet in sections. Translation? Winter hits hard and sticks around. Your best (and possibly only) window for a safe trip is mid-summer. But trust me, the views of the Flat Tops are worth the wait. Prepare to be blown away!