
Blackhead Peak
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,301 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Blackhead Peak in Colorado's Archuleta County is calling your name! Perched high in the San Juan Mountains, this bad boy tops out at a whopping 10,830 feet.
Getting there? Buckle up. Forest Road 24 is a beast – think rough, rocky, and seriously steep. We're talking 4x4 territory only, and definitely not for the faint of heart. Winter? Forget about it – this road is a no-go when the snow flies. If you're not comfortable with unpaved mountain roads or have a fear of heights, maybe sit this one out. But for those who dare, the views are absolutely epic. Just be prepared for a pretty intense climb!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,301 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyHow long is the Silver Thread Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an unforgettable road trip on the Silver Thread Scenic Byway in Colorado! This totally paved beauty stretches for 117 miles along Highway 149, winding through the Rio Grande National Forest and beyond. Starting near Gunnison at US-50, this route takes you all the way to South Fork, on US-160 in Rio Grande County, nestled within the stunning San Juan Mountain Range. You'll cruise through charming towns like Lake City, Creede, and South Fork. Good news, road trippers! This byway is maintained year-round, even in winter when snowplows keep it clear. Just be cautious of potentially tricky conditions during the snowy season. The road peaks at a lofty 11,574 feet above sea level, so be prepared for some serious altitude! While you could technically drive the whole thing in around 3 hours without stopping, trust me, you'll want to budget way more time. This route is packed with panoramic vistas, abundant wildlife (elk, deer, moose, and bighorn sheep!), and a fascinating history of Native Americans, early explorers, and Victorian mining. Prepare to be wowed! The Silver Thread Scenic Byway is a historical route boasting incredible beauty and outdoor adventures. Follow the path of old toll roads and stagecoach lines, and keep an eye out for those marked stopping points offering breathtaking views at every turn. As you go through the area, you will experience the colorful old mining and logging camps along the way offer a wealth of history, while the surrounding Wilderness and National Forest lands serve up a huge dose of scenic beauty. The heights around Creede and Lake City remain strewn with abandoned mining structures, most of them accessible via rugged backcountry roads. You'll also witness sparkling North Clear Creek Falls, the intriguing Slumgullion earth slide, and the distinctive Uncompahgre Peak. Grab a Silver Thread Guide at the Lake City Visitor Center for even more insider tips!
hardTuktoyaktuk Winter Road closed permanently on April 2017
🇨🇦 Canada
Imagine driving across a frozen river and ocean! The Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road was a real thing in Canada's Northwest Territories, stretching 177km (109 miles) from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk. Talk about an off-the-beaten-path adventure! Part of the legendary Dempster Highway, this icy marvel was one of the world's most northern roads. For a few months each winter (December to March), when the Mackenzie River Delta froze solid, it transformed into a highway of ice. The rest of the year, Tuktoyaktuk was only accessible by plane or boat. While it was open, it was a vital supply route, servicing gas hydrate fields and remote outposts. Picture convoys of trucks hauling fuel, equipment, and supplies across the frozen landscape! The road wasn't for the faint of heart. The ice, though about 8 feet thick, was riddled with cracks and ridges. Inuvik's freezing temperatures, hovering between -7°C and -17°C during the day, made for an icy ride. Sadly, this iconic ice road closed for good on April 29, 2017. It was replaced by the all-weather Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway.
moderateAlta Lakes
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: You're in San Miguel County, Colorado, and you're itching for an adventure. I've got just the spot: Alta Lakes! We're talking three stunning alpine lakes perched way up high at 11,430 feet. Now, getting there isn't exactly a Sunday drive. Road 649 is a bit of a beast, all gravel and rocks, so definitely leave the low-rider at home. You're gonna want a 4x4 for this one. And forget about it in winter; it's a no-go. You'll find that a lot of people use this trail, but don't let that scare you away. Yeah, it's bumpy, but trust me, the views are insane. Once you reach the lakes, all that bouncing around will be a distant memory. This short trip is totally worth it for the scenery alone!
moderateOld Dale Road is an old mining road in Joshua Tree NP
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for a wild ride? Old Dale Road in Joshua Tree National Park is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 25.9-mile off-road adventure through the park's eastern backcountry. Think old mining roads, dating back to the late 1800s, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop. Starting inside Joshua Tree, the trail cuts across Pinto Basin before climbing into the rugged Pinto Mountains, eventually connecting to Gold Crown Road and finally spitting you out onto California Route 62, about 15 miles east of Twentynine Palms. Now, let's be real: this is a *dirt* road. Most of it is graded, but be prepared for sharp rocks, deep sand, and some seriously tricky sections across the mountains. We're talking big, loose rocks and steep drop-offs, so a 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST. Heads up: you're going remote out here. No cell service, limited traffic, so bring a GPS and maybe a buddy in another vehicle. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to conquer the road non-stop. The best time to visit is October through May—trust me, you'll want to avoid the scorching summer heat. This road winds through both the Colorado and Mojave Deserts, so pack plenty of water and prepare for extreme temperatures!