A two mile road to the top of Capulin Volcano in New Mexico
Usa, north-america
4.18 km
2,405 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip time! Let's head to northeastern New Mexico and check out Capulin Volcano, chilling in the High Plains. This isn't just any volcano – it's an extinct cinder cone and super accessible. Plus, it's part of the massive Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, which last blew its top over 60,000 years ago!
The road to the top, Capulin Volcano Road, is a smooth 2.6-mile paved ribbon that winds its way up. It was built way back in 1925 and it's a pretty wild ride!
Be warned: this climb is STEEP. We're talking a maximum gradient of 9% in spots! You start at around 7,188 feet above sea level and end up at 7,890 feet, gaining about 700 feet in just over two and a half miles. That's an average gradient of 5.11%, so hold on tight.
Before you go, double-check for any vehicle restrictions or closures – thunderstorms can shut things down. Also, keep in mind that long RVs, buses, and trailers (over 26 feet) aren't allowed. And the hours change depending on the season, usually 8:00/8:30 am to 4:00/5:00 pm.
Once you're in the Capulin Volcano National Monument, get ready for a scenic drive with tight turns and, yep, sheer drop-offs. But it’s worth it! You'll spiral around the volcano to a parking lot right at the rim. Biking and walking are allowed, but only when the road's closed to cars after hours. Get ready for some killer views!
Where is it?
A two mile road to the top of Capulin Volcano in New Mexico is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 41.4991, -100.2715
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4.18 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,405 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.4991, -100.2715
Related Roads in north-america
extremeBess Lake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers and view-chasers, listen up! Bess Lake in south-central Utah is calling your name, but getting there is half the adventure. We're talking serious altitude here – 11,092 feet! So yeah, the weather can be a beast any time of year. Tucked away in the Dixie and Fishlake National Forests, on Thousand Lake Mountain, reaching this beauty spot is no walk in the park. You'll absolutely need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle Forest Road 1001. This gravel track snaking up Boulder Mountain (Aquarius Plateau) is rocky, rugged, and can get pretty treacherous. Typically, you can hit this road between mid-June and the end of October. Pro tip: only venture out when it's dry. Mountain weather is seriously unpredictable, so even in summer, pack for winter conditions. And speaking of summer, those afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast and furious – find shelter ASAP if you see them brewing. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with epic scenery, gnarly off-roading, awesome hikes, and some seriously sweet fishing spots!
moderatePeru Creek Trail is a truly outstanding SUV adventure in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for a scenic mountain escape on the Peru Creek Trail in Colorado's Summit County! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's one of the highest roads in the state! Forest Service Road 260, aka Peru Creek Trail, is a 6.3-mile unpaved adventure. Starting from Montezuma Road at a cool 10,022 feet, it climbs to Horseshoe Basin at a breathtaking 12,335 feet. That's over 2,300 feet of elevation gain! You'll be heading towards Ruby Mountain and Mount Edwards, so keep your eyes peeled for some incredible views. The first 4.7 miles are manageable in a high-clearance 2WD vehicle. It's a pretty smooth ride with plenty of room to pass, so you might even spot some passenger cars. But, I'd recommend an SUV with good clearance for peace of mind. Beyond the Shoe Basin Mine, it transforms into an old 4x4 road – drivable, but closed to motorized vehicles. Nestled in the White River National Forest, Peru Creek Trail is usually open from March to November. Expect snow lingering in Horseshoe Basin well into July, while the lower sections open up earlier in the season. Parallel to the notorious Argentine Pass, this trail delivers an amazing SUV adventure. It's not too challenging and has awe-inspiring scenery, fantastic hiking trails, and connections to other cool routes. The mining history is rich, with tons of well-preserved structures. Plus, you can explore Warden Gulch, Chihuahua Gulch, and Cinnamon Gulch – bonus! The views are truly something special. You'll pass mining relics as you climb through a lush alpine basin with a unique chalk-white stream. Pro-tip: that stream gets its color from calcium and heavy metals, so don't drink it, and keep your pets away!
moderateGreen Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, fellow adventurers, listen up! If you're looking for a wild ride in Idaho County, Idaho, then Green Mountain is calling your name! This peak clocks in at a cool 7,230 feet, and getting there is half the fun. Green Mountain Road, nestled in the Nez Perce National Forest, isn't paved, so expect gravel, rocks, and a bumpy, tippy time. A high-clearance vehicle is a must! This isn't a Sunday drive; it's an adventure for seasoned off-roaders. Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. The prize at the summit is a lookout tower built way back in '56, which is still used when wildfires flare up. The views, though? Totally worth the white-knuckle drive!
easyWhere is Height of Land?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Maine, in Franklin County, specifically, and you stumble upon this place called Height of Land. It’s not just a name; it’s a promise! We're talking an elevation of 2,247 feet (685m), so you know the views are going to be epic. You'll find this gem in the Rangeley Lakes Region, so you already know you're in for some serious natural beauty. The best part? The road is completely paved, smooth sailing all the way. It's actually part of the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, a 52-mile stretch of pure driving bliss. Trust me; you'll want to roll down the windows for this one. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! It's seriously one of the most stunning spots in Maine. They've even got plenty of parking so you can take your time soaking it all in. You'll be treated to panoramic views of pristine lakes like Mooselookmeguntic, majestic mountains, and even a glimpse of the White Mountains in the distance. Get ready for some serious photo ops!