
An Explorer's Guide to Boriana Mine in Arizona
Usa, north-america
24.46 km
1,711 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a wild one for you: Boriana Mine Road! This off-the-beaten-path trail is tucked away in the northwestern corner of Arizona, near Yucca, and leads to the historic Boriana Mine in the Hualapai Mountains.
First things first: you NEED a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle for this adventure. Trust me on this one.
Boriana Mine Road clocks in at around 15.2 miles (24.46km) starting from Alamo Road, and it's a proper climb! We're talking about an elevation gain of 3,631 feet (1,107 meters). The average gradient is around 4.52%, but be prepared for sections that ramp up to a butt-clenching 17%!
The road starts out innocently enough with gravel, but quickly transforms into a narrow, rocky shelf road with switchbacks that might make your palms sweat, especially if you're not a seasoned off-roader.
A word of caution: Arizona weather can be unpredictable. Monsoons can cause washouts and leave large rocks in the road. This is a no-go in snow or ice. And remember, desert heat can be brutal in the summer.
So why bother? Because this route is a blast! You'll be rewarded with stunning views, a sense of adventure, and a peek into Arizona's mining history. Just be careful out there, keep your eyes peeled, and enjoy the ride!
Where is it?
An Explorer's Guide to Boriana Mine in Arizona is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.4148, -97.7320
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 24.46 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,711 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 39.4148, -97.7320
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