Black Canyon Road
Usa, north-america
24.9 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through Arizona and find yourself near the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, you HAVE to check out Black Canyon Road.
This isn't your average paved highway – we're talking about a 15.5-mile gravel track that really takes you off the beaten path. Now, a regular car *might* make it, but I highly recommend something with a bit of clearance for peace of mind. Think slow and steady wins the race here; you'll want to take your time to soak up the scenery anyway! Be ready for a bit of washboarding and the occasional rut, but nothing too crazy if you're careful. Even though it feels like you're in the middle of nowhere, you're surprisingly close to civilization. Get ready for some incredible views – this drive is a real feast for the eyes!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 24.9 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow challenging is the road to Tomboy ghost town?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're itching for an adventure in Colorado? Let's talk about Tomboy Road! This epic, unpaved trail kicks off near Telluride and winds 4.5 miles up to the legendary Tomboy ghost town, a relic from the 1880s mining boom. Fair warning: this ain't your Sunday drive. We're talking serious off-road conditions: narrow tracks, gnarly rocks, steep drop-offs, and maybe even a splash through some water crossings. Those hairpin turns can hit a 15% grade, so you'll need a legit 4x4 with good clearance and tough tires. Seriously, if you're not experienced with off-road driving, sit this one out. The reward? Killer views of the San Juan Mountains. The road climbs almost 2,500 feet, averaging over a 10% grade. It's only open for a couple of months each summer. And remember, Tomboy is above the tree line, so conditions can change fast – be prepared for cold, wind, and even sudden storms. Keep an eye out for the "Social Tunnel" about halfway up. Legend has it, lonely miners met women from Telluride there back in the day. The whole trip one way will take about 45 minutes. Get ready for a truly unforgettable ride!
extremeWhere is Atigun Pass in Alaska?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Atigun Pass in wild Alaska! Perched way up at 4,822 feet, this is the highest year-round pass in the state, and it's a real beast. Located north of Coldfoot, right where the Dalton Highway crosses the Continental Divide, Atigun Pass links Alaska's oil country with the rest of the state. We're talking serious inclines here – up to a 12% grade in spots! This isn't your Sunday drive. Plus, the road is entirely unpaved, which just adds to the thrill (and the challenge). Be warned: this remote spot sees some seriously harsh weather and even avalanches in winter, so come prepared. So, is braving Atigun Pass worth it? Absolutely! Keep your eyes peeled for Dall sheep clinging to the mountainsides. You'll be crossing the Continental Divide, with rivers flowing north to the Arctic and south to the Bering Sea. The scenery is unreal – pure, untamed Alaskan wilderness. This high altitude Arctic drive is not for the faint of heart, but for those who love a challenge, this is a bucket-list road trip.
extremeWhere is Waunita Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Waunita Pass, nestled high in Gunnison County, Colorado, is a must-see. We're talking serious altitude here! Find it south of Pitkin, deep in the Gunnison National Forest. The road? Totally unpaved, baby! But fear not, most 2WD vehicles can handle it in dry weather. Just be warned, it can get dicey when Mother Nature throws a tantrum. It's called Waunita Pass Road (County Road 763), and it winds through the forest like a charm, though it does get pretty steep in spots. This isn't some modern highway, either. This road dates way back to the late 1800s/early 1900s! Heads up: winter slams the door shut. Heavy snow makes it a no-go zone. The drive is about long, stretching from Pitkin to County Road 887. Expect absolutely magnificent views and scenery—trust me, your camera roll will thank you!
hardA Most Tricky Scenic Drive to Gunsight Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Gunsight Pass in Gunnison County, Colorado is calling your name! Nestled in the Gunnison National Forest, this beast of a road climbs to a staggering 12,112 feet. Starting near Crested Butte, Gunsight Pass Road (aka Trappers Way) throws you into a 7.4-mile off-road adventure. Think rugged terrain, loose rocks, and switchbacks galore as you wind through Wolverine Basin, hugging Mount Emmons. The lower part of the trail treats you to killer views of Crested Butte, while the higher you climb, the more the northern vistas explode! Now, a heads-up: you can't actually *drive* all the way over the pass. The final switchbacks are closed to ATVs and 4x4s due to some serious erosion. So, dust off that mountain bike or lace up your hiking boots to conquer the final stretch. This old mining road isn't coddled—it's raw and untamed. Landslides are a real possibility thanks to a seriously unstable shale slope. The upper section? Let's just say it's seen better days and involves a sketchy scree slope that isn't safely passable. This bad boy is usually snowed in from November to May. Be prepared for rapidly changing conditions: think thunderstorms, freezing temps, and the feeling of being wonderfully isolated. Watch out for snowfields—they can be treacherous! The road is steep, with sections hitting an 18% gradient. You'll gain a whopping 3,218 feet from Crested Butte, averaging an 8.24% incline. Gunsight Pass is a Colorado classic that demands respect and rewards you with views you won't soon forget!