An old mine road to Ball Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,648 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, fellow adventurers, because we're heading to Ball Mountain in Colorado! This beast of a pass sits way up high at almost 12,000 feet in Lake County. Seriously, it's one of the highest drives you'll find in the state.
Forget the pavement, though. We're talking a rugged, unpaved dirt road (County Road 1B, if you're mapping it). Found east of Leadville and cradled by the Sawatch and Mosquito Ranges, this former mine road is steep, rocky, and a total blast in the right vehicle.
Think gorgeous hills, lush trees, and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. This is strictly a summer adventure, and a 4x4 with some serious ground clearance is an absolute must. Get ready for a bumpy but breathtaking ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,648 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardQuebradas Back Country Byway
🇺🇸 Usa
Escape to the Quebradas National Back Country Byway! This hidden gem winds through the upper Chihuahuan Desert mountains east of Socorro, New Mexico. Seriously remote and peaceful—leave your phone at home, because you won't get a signal anyway! This 24-mile dirt road is perfect for a day of exploring. It's narrow and sees two-way traffic, but don't worry, it's totally manageable. I'd suggest a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle just to be safe, but if it's dry, a regular car should be fine. Just watch out after a big rain, as the road crosses a bunch of dry creek beds that can become impassable. Speaking of remote, come prepared! Pack plenty of water and keep your eyes peeled. You're out in the desert, so be mindful of your surroundings. If you break down, you might be waiting a while for help. And watch out for the locals – bull snakes, king snakes, whip snakes, and even the occasional western diamondback rattlesnake call this place home! You'll feel like you're miles from civilization, even though you're not far from the interstate. The best part? This backcountry byway is open year-round and totally free! You'll be treated to stunning views of the rugged, colorful landscapes east of Socorro. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready – the scenery is incredible. Plus, you might even spot some of New Mexico's amazing wildlife. Get ready for a fun drive with plenty of twists and turns!
extremeCumbres de Acultzingo, recommended for drivers with strong nerves
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Cumbres de Acultzingo in Veracruz, Mexico! This totally paved road, also known as Ruta 150 (Tehuacan-Orizaba road), winds its way high up into the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride. Word on the street is that it's the most intense highway in Veracruz, and I can see why. Think hairpin curves and super steep inclines that will test your driving skills. But here's the kicker: the signage can be downright confusing! Seriously, one moment of daydreaming could be a game-changer. You've got to stay laser-focused. The tighter the curve, the less you can see ahead, so changing lanes at the right moment is crucial. Those quirky arrows showing lane changes? They're there to help those massive trucks make the turn in one smooth move, preventing them from getting stuck or causing a major incident. So, keep your eyes on the road and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
hardWhat’s Gum Alley?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so, there's this seriously weird and kinda gross but totally fascinating tourist spot in California called Gum Alley. Picture this: a narrow alley, tucked away between Garden Street and Broad Street in San Luis Obispo, that’s about 70 feet long and has walls coated in layers upon layers of chewed gum – we're talking 15-feet high! No one really knows how it started. Legend says it was a competition between students back in the day, or maybe just a random trend that took off. Whatever the origin, people have been sticking their gum there forever, creating this crazy colorful (and yeah, kinda gross) mosaic. You'll even see people have made words, pictures, the whole shebang. Featured on TV and in travel blogs, it’s known as one of the germiest tourist spots in the U.S. The city's even tried to clean it, but it's become an embraced tourist destination. It’s a must-snap photo spot, if you can handle the, um, aroma. Access is easy with a fully paved road.
hardHow to get by car to Gird Point in Montana?
🇺🇸 Usa
Deep in Ravalli County, Montana, a backcountry adventure awaits on the road to Gird Point. This high mountain summit, nestled within the Bitterroot National Forest, boasts some of the most incredible wilderness views Montana has to offer. Your journey begins off the famous Telephone Canyon Road. From there, you'll connect to Gird Creek Road (714-Gird Point Road), a winding mountain path stretching for about 11 miles. While the average grade is manageable, the road climbs a whopping 3,484 feet, throwing in 23 hairpin turns for good measure. Expect a gravel, rocky, and at times "tippy" ride – a high-clearance 4x4 is definitely recommended to handle the off-camber sections and loose stones. At the summit, you'll discover a historic lookout tower built in 1939, strategically placed for a 360-degree view of the Sapphire, Bitterroot, and Anaconda Pintler mountain ranges. The panoramic views from here are unmatched, showcasing the vast and wild Montana landscape. Keep in mind that Gird Point Road is strictly closed during winter due to heavy snowfall. Even during the open season, be prepared for unpredictable weather – mountain storms can quickly turn the rocky surface into a slippery challenge. The isolation of the route means self-sufficiency is key, as help isn't readily available. Gird Point is a demanding drive, requiring sustained focus through those 23 hairpins on a bumpy, gravel surface. Those "tippy" sections can be a bit unnerving, but the reward is incredible solitude and unparalleled views. This road demands respect, but for those who are prepared, it offers a truly unique Montana experience.