
Andrews Lake
Usa, north-america
1 km
3.285 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're cruising along Highway 550 in stunning San Juan County, Colorado, and you see the turnoff for Andrews Lake Road (Forest Road 590). Take it! It's just a quick 0.6-mile jaunt on a gravel road, totally doable in any car. You'll climb to a breathtaking 10,777 feet above sea level. Heads up, though: this little slice of heaven is usually open from late May to mid-October, depending on the weather gods. Keep an eye out for wandering cows and deer, and definitely stick to under 30 mph. Trust me, you'll want to soak in the views anyway.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 1 km
- Max Elevation
- 3.285 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateThe Wild Road to Black Mountain in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Black Mountain! Perched high up in the Diamond Mountains of northeastern California, this peak hits an elevation of 7,165ft. The route to the top? Forest Road 26N80, a glorious, completely unpaved path that's typically open from Memorial Day to October, Mother Nature permitting. Heads up: you'll want a high-clearance vehicle for this one. Starting near Milford, it's a 9.5-mile climb to the summit. Once you get there, you're rewarded with a fire lookout tower built back in '35, a few radio towers, and views for days! Seriously, get ready for some epic snapshots of Honey Lake to the north and Last Chance Creek sprawling out to the south. Trust me, the views are worth the bumpy ride!
moderateExperience the Majesty of Pikes Peak: America's Scenic High Mountain Drive
🇺🇸 Usa
# Pikes Peak Highway: America's Mountain Challenge Nestled in the Colorado Rockies near Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak (El Capitan to Spanish settlers, renamed after explorer Zebulon Pike) sits at a jaw-dropping 4,302m (14,115ft) and truly lives up to its "America's Mountain" nickname—though we'll forgive the cheese factor once you've seen it. The 19-mile (31km) Pikes Peak Highway stretches from Cascade on US-24 all the way to the summit, making it one of the highest roads in the USA. This entirely paved toll road features 156 delightfully twisted turns and a serious 2,049-meter elevation gain. Built as a gravel climb back in 1915 (taking 13 years to complete), it's evolved into a fully paved adventure that draws over half a million visitors annually. **What to Expect** The drive itself is relatively mellow until you hit that final stretch—that's when you'll spot rangers checking brake temps on descending vehicles. As you climb, the scenery transforms from mountain reservoirs and alpine forests into something otherworldly: a Mars-like, boulder-strewn landscape beyond timberline. The views are genuinely incredible, though the thin air up top might make you feel a little woozy. **Practical Tips** Keep speeds to 25 mph and remember that uphill traffic always has the right-of-way. Whatever the season, bring a jacket—summit winds are no joke, even in summer. The road's partially open year-round (weather permitting), though snow closures can happen anytime. Folks with serious heart or respiratory issues should skip the ascent, as should babies under four months. Not ideal for people with sensitive stomachs or severe altitude sensitivity, but absolutely essential for anyone seeking one of North America's most iconic drives.
extremeWhere is the road to Hot Springs?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're deep in the heart of Big Bend National Park, almost to the Mexican border. You're about to descend into a rugged desert landscape on the legendary Hot Springs Road to reach the Hot Springs Historic District. This ain't your typical Sunday drive. We're talking about a completely unpaved, primitive dirt track that plunges toward the Rio Grande. For about 2 kilometers, you'll be bouncing along, taking in the scenery (the ruins of Langford's resort and the thermal bathhouse await!), but also keeping your eyes peeled. The first bit's not too bad, but the final stretch gets seriously rough. It becomes super narrow and twisty, a true one-way adventure with a steep drop-off on one side. Think loose gravel, rocks, and a surface that'll make your suspension work overtime. Because of the tight turns and rugged conditions, RVs and oversized vehicles are a big no-no. Seriously, don't even think about it if you're in a large van or dually truck; turning around is basically impossible. The whole thing only takes about 10-15 minutes, but you'll be crawling. This road is basically a wash, so expect deep sand after it rains. A high-clearance vehicle is a must. Sure, some folks try it in sedans when it's bone dry, but you're risking damage to your car's undercarriage. Also, be sure to check with the park rangers before heading down because flash floods can make the road impassable without warning. And heads up, you're off the grid down there – no cell service!
moderateSilver Plume Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let's talk about Silver Plume Mountain in Colorado. We're talking SERIOUSLY high – 12,322 feet high! This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. To conquer this beast, you're gonna need a 4x4 with some serious ground clearance. Forest Service Road 778.1 is the name, and gnarly is the game. Picture this: an old mining road, rough, rocky, and ready to test your off-roading skills. Oh, and a heads up: Mother Nature slams the gates shut with snow from around October to June. So plan accordingly! But trust me, the views from up there? Totally worth the challenge!