A steep unpaved road to Mount Graham in Arizona
Usa, north-america
3.21 km
3,192 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to check out Mount Graham in Arizona. Nestled in Graham County, this peak soars to a whopping 10,472 feet, making it one of Arizona’s highest drives. Find it northeast of Tucson, chilling in the Coronado National Forest.
Word is they started carving a road to the top way back in the '20s! Now, heads up: the road to the very top is all dirt, so you'll want an SUV for this one. It's called Mt. Graham International Observatory Road (4567) and leads to the Mount Graham International Observatory, built in '93.
Keep in mind, the road usually closes between November 15th and April 15th. Plus, the very tippy-top has been kinda off-limits to the public for a while now.
The climb is a beast! From the paved AZ-366, it's just about 2 miles to the top, but get ready for seven seriously tight hairpin turns! You'll climb nearly 900 feet in elevation – that's an average grade of over 8%! Get ready for incredible views!
Where is it?
A steep unpaved road to Mount Graham in Arizona is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.8883, -100.7996
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3.21 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,192 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.8883, -100.7996
Related Roads in north-america
hardIs the road to Engineer Pass paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: Engineer Pass, Colorado. We're talking a whopping 12,800 feet above sea level in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. This isn’t your Sunday drive – it's an unpaved, rocky adventure that'll have you hugging the curves in first gear. You'll find the start of the fun just four miles south of Ouray, right off the famous Million Dollar Highway. Be warned, the first couple of miles are the roughest, so if you're new to the off-roading scene, take it slow. This road is definitely best suited for high-clearance, short-wheelbase 4x4s; a full-size pickup might feel a bit claustrophobic. While most of the route is manageable, there are a few steep and narrow spots on the west side that will get your adrenaline pumping. This historic toll road, dating back to the late 1870s, was built to connect Silverton, Animas Forks, Ouray, and Lake City. Typically, you can access the pass from late May to late October, but those Colorado snows can be unpredictable, so be sure to check conditions. Definitely don’t attempt it if it’s snow-covered, and always use caution, especially when it’s wet. But trust me, it's worth the effort! At the summit, you're rewarded with mind-blowing 360-degree views of towering peaks, including Mt. Sneffels and Uncompahgre Peak. You'll also get a glimpse of the massive Lake City volcanic caldera. Along the way, keep an eye out for old mines, ghost towns, and vibrant wildflowers. Fishing, hiking, camping – it's all here! It's an exhilarating off-road experience with incredible views, mines, waterfalls, and historical intrigue. Get ready for a trip back in time on a road once traveled by miners and merchants!
moderateCamino al Tecolote
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: Baja California Sur, sun on your skin, and you're cruising Camino al Tecolote. This isn't just any road; it's a 21km ribbon of asphalt winding through a crazy beautiful desert landscape. Think towering saguaros and every kind of cactus you can imagine, all leading to the real star of the show: the coastline. Get ready for views of seriously stunning turquoise bays and beaches – the water is this incredible aqua/teal color that you won't believe is real. Keep your eyes peeled – while the road is paved, you'll want to pay attention to the curves and dips as you drink in the scenery. Trust me; this drive is worth it for the views alone.
moderateThompson Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Thompson Pass! We're heading to Sublette County, Wyoming, for this one. Buckle up for a seriously scenic ride up to 8,756 feet above sea level. The route? Forest Road 10128, baby! And just to keep things interesting, it's all gravel. You'll be winding your way through the heart of the Wyoming Range, so prepare for some epic mountain views. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, but also watch out for those loose gravel patches – it's all part of the adventure!
moderateWhere is Ute Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, folks, buckle up for Ute Pass! This beauty sits high in Colorado, clocking in at 9,202 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled west of Colorado Springs, right in the heart of the Arapaho National Forest. Historically, this wasn't just a scenic route; it was a vital path! Originally, it's thought to have been a buffalo trail, then used by Native Americans for trade, hauling salt and other goods. Later, wagons and even the Colorado Midland Railway made their mark here, servicing the bustling mining camps. The good news? The road is now completely paved and super accessible. It's known as Highway 24, and you can easily drive it in any car. The east side does have some steep sections to keep things interesting, but overall, it's a breeze. Ute Pass stretches for about 14.9 miles. Generally, you can tackle it year-round, so get out there and enjoy the Colorado views!