
A very bumpy road to Cerro Pelado
Usa, north-america
19.31 km
3,085 m
hard
Year-round
Cerro Pelado is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.085m (10,121ft) above the sea level, located in Sandoval County, in northern New Mexico, USA. It’s
one of the highest roads of New Mexico.
Nestled in the Jemez Mountains, within the Santa Fe National Forest, the road to the summit (aka Naked Hill), is totally unpaved. It’s in reasonably good shape, used regularly by the Forest Service and cell tower maintainers, though the last bit gets steeper and rockier. 4x4 vehicle required.
The summit hosts the Cerro Pelado Fire Lookout, built in 1913. During fire season the tower is manned and provides great panoramic views of the area. Starting from the paved NM-4, the ascent is 19.31km (12 miles) long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 595 meters. The average gradient is 3.08%.
Pic: Danny springtrap
Mount Tom: Driving the Lookout Road near Bishop
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19.31 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,085 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardKPQ-FM Wenatchee Radio Broadcaster
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're in Chelan County, Washington, and craving a serious off-road adventure, I've got the perfect climb for you. We're talking about the route up to the KPQ-FM Wenatchee radio broadcaster, perched way up high at 6,827 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Located above the Mission Ridge Ski Resort, this road is a proper gravel track – rocky, bumpy, and definitely tippy in spots. It's basically a chairlift access trail, so you know it's going to be gnarly. A 4x4 is essential, and be prepared for some seriously steep sections. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe sit this one out. Rain turns this track into a muddy mess, making things even more challenging. The road's typically closed from October to June, depending on the snow. At the top, you'll find a communication tower and bragging rights for conquering one of Washington's highest mountain roads. The views from up there are stunning, if you can stomach the drive!
hardVia Beaver Basin
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna bag a peak in Utah? Head to Mount Waas, nestled in the Northern La Sal Mountains in Grand County. You've got two ways to get near the summit, both unpaved and requiring a 4WD high-clearance beast. First up is the east side route – an old mining road that's seen better days. It's narrow, eroded, and might make you clench the steering wheel a bit. This bad boy tops out near the summit at a cool 10,767 feet, making it one of the highest drives in Utah! Or, take the west side route: the oh-so-charming Miner's Basin Road. This 3-mile bumpy, rocky, loose-soil track also demands a 4WD high-clearance vehicle. Pray you don't meet anyone coming the other way! You’ll find a pond, parking, and even an outhouse in Miner's Basin. This route takes you to 9,960 feet. Remember, these routes are best tackled in the summer. And keep an eye out for bears – they love this area as much as we do! Happy trails!
hardWhy is it called American Flag Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for American Flag Mountain in Colorado's Gunnison County! This peak soars to 12,723 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest drives. Legend says miners planted flags on top back in the day, hence the name. The 2.48-mile climb up Italian Creek Road (FR759) is a wild one – totally unpaved and seriously steep (think 9.15% average grade!). You'll gain 1,200 vertical feet, so 4WD and some off-road driving skills are a must. Make sure your rig has the horsepower to handle it! The road is usually closed from September to July due to snow. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. You get epic 360-degree panoramas from the top, and yep, there are American flags waving proudly. Parking is plentiful at the summit, too. Get ready for some serious Rocky Mountain scenery!
moderateCan I drive to Mount Mitchell in North Carolina?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Mount Mitchell! This giant in Yancey County, North Carolina, isn't just tall; at 6,584 feet, it's the highest point east of the Mississippi! You'll find it about 35 miles northeast of Asheville, beckoning you from the Blue Ridge Mountains. The road to the top, NC 128, is a fully paved, 4.5-mile stretch that starts from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Heads up—it can get a bit crowded, especially on weekends. This two-lane road winds gently as you enter Mount Mitchell State Park. Get ready for a climb! Some sections of the road hit almost 10% grade! Starting from the Parkway, you'll gain over 1400 feet, averaging around a 6% grade. This road is usually open year-round. That said, keep an eye on the weather – if the Blue Ridge Parkway shuts down due to snow or ice, you're out of luck. Heavy winds can also put a damper on things. Pack a jacket – it’s often 10-30 degrees cooler than Asheville up there, and the weather can change on a dime! Rain gear is a good idea if you plan to hike. The summit is often shrouded in clouds and fog (like, 8 out of 10 days often!). So, check the Asheville forecast and aim for a clear day. For winter road conditions, call the Park office at 828-675-4611. But the views? Oh, the views! They are unmatched! Think sweeping vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling hills, and lush valleys. The 1,946-acre Mount Mitchell State Park offers tranquility and breathtaking beauty. The summit boasts an observation deck where, on a clear day, you can see for 85 miles! Plus, there's a museum, a shop, restrooms, and even a restaurant (open spring to fall) to complete your experience.