Bobcat Pass is a high mountain road in New Mexico
Usa, north-america
46.99 km
2,995 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Bobcat Pass! This beauty sits way up high in New Mexico's Carson National Forest, at a cool 9,826 feet. You'll find it straddling the Taos and Colfax County line in northern New Mexico — keep your eyes peeled for the bobcats that gave the pass its name!
NM-38, a fully paved road, is your path to the summit. Clocking in at just over 29 miles, it connects the towns of Questa and Eagle Nest with some serious elevation changes.
Prepare for a bit of a climb! The road gets steep in sections, with gradients hitting 10%. Coming from Questa, you’ve got almost 18.5 miles to ascend, gaining a whopping 3,600 feet. The average grade is around 3.7%, but there's a tough 4-mile stretch leading up to the pass (the first couple miles from Red River will really get your heart pumping). But, hey, what goes up must come down, right? Reward yourself with a stunning 13-mile cruise downhill into Eagle Nest through the Moreno Valley. It's mostly downhill, and the views are incredible!
Where is it?
Bobcat Pass is a high mountain road in New Mexico is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.8045, -96.5689
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 46.99 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,995 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.8045, -96.5689
Related Roads in north-america
extremeHow to Get to Mission San Francisco Javier by Car?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along The Royal Road, headed to what might just be the most stunning mission on Baja California Peninsula—Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó, or simply Mission San Javier. This gem, nestled in the mountains, is a seriously well-preserved piece of history from the 1700s when the Spanish were converting the locals. The road itself? It’s an adventure! Clocking in at 65 miles, it connects Loreto on the Gulf of California with Santo Domingo. The first half, from Loreto to the mission, is smooth sailing on paved roads. You'll climb about 1,400 feet, nothing too crazy. But hold on tight because the second half, heading south to Santo Domingo, is where things get wild. Think unpaved, narrow stretches, and steep climbs. And after a rain? Forget about it! You'll be splashing through arroyos (streams) like you're on a wild water park ride! Seriously, you're gonna need a high-clearance vehicle for this part of the journey. But trust me, the views of the Sierra de la Giganta mountains and canyons are totally worth it!
hardWhere is Narbona Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to northwestern New Mexico? You HAVE to check out Narbona Pass (formerly Washington Pass) in San Juan County! This road, also known as Indian Service Route 32 or NM134, climbs to a whopping 8,721 feet above sea level in the Chuska Mountains. The pass is fully paved, so no need for a heavy-duty vehicle, but hold on tight! This 18-mile stretch between Crystal and Sheep Springs is seriously winding and narrow in places, plus there are some pretty steep parts. Take your time, especially if the weather isn't cooperating. Good news, though: it's usually open year-round. Of course, being so high up, it can get dicey in winter and close temporarily if a storm rolls through. But seriously, the views? Amazing! You're driving through an area rich in history, with ties to both Native American cultures and early settlers. Definitely worth the drive if you're in the area.
easyWhy is it called Dallas Divide?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Dallas Divide, a sky-high spot in Colorado sitting pretty at 8,999 feet! Why "Dallas"? It's a nod to a former Vice President, George M. Dallas. You'll find this beauty in the San Juan Mountains, straddling San Miguel and Ouray counties in southwest Colorado. Back in 1880, they carved a toll road through here, helping pioneers trek across the Rockies. Now, you can cruise along State Highway 62 (CO-62), a fully paved road stretching 23.3 miles from Placerville to Ridgway. Worried about a white-knuckle drive? Don't be! The road is pretty mellow, with a gentle 4% grade, making it easy for most vehicles, even in winter. And trust me, this drive is worth it! Think postcard-perfect views of Ridgeway and Telluride. If you're a photographer, especially in the fall, you'll be in landscape heaven!
moderateDriving the frozen Aklavik Ice Road in the Northwest Territories
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Aklavik Ice Road! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking 117 kilometers (that's about 73 miles) of pure, frozen glory in the Inuvik Region of Canada's Northwest Territories. Imagine cruising across the Mackenzie Delta and even a stretch of the Arctic Ocean! Seriously, how cool is that? (Pun intended!) And the scenery? Epic! The Richardson Mountains loom in the distance, making for some seriously Instagrammable moments. This icy highway connects Aklavik and Inuvik, both north of the Arctic Circle. You won't be alone out there, expect to see around 54 vehicles a day. Keep your eyes peeled, obey the speed limit (usually 70 km/h, or about 43 mph), and remember those limits are there for your safety. Be warned: this road can get a little bumpy! Patches of rough ice are common. Drive carefully, watch for signs, and respect the conditions. The season is short, typically late December to early April, but climate change has been pushing that opening back a bit. Still, hitting the ice road while you can is an experience you won't soon forget! Just remember, it's illegal to drive it until it's officially open, so stay safe and plan accordingly.