Brazos Summit in New Mexico: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Brazos Summit in New Mexico: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Usa, north-america

Length

77.73 km

Elevation

3,209 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk about Brazos Summit in northern New Mexico! At a whopping 10,528 feet, this is one of the highest roads you can find in the state!

You'll find this gem in the Carson National Forest, and it's an easy cruise โ€“ fully paved as US Route 64. No white-knuckle hairpin turns or scary drop-offs here, just a smooth, steady climb with a max gradient of 7%.

Snaking through the San Juan Range (aka the Tusas Mountains), this almost 50-mile (77.73km) beauty connects Tierra Amarilla to Tres Piedras. Give yourself an hour of driving, but honestly, you'll want longer โ€“ it's THAT scenic.

If you're chasing mountain views and some serious solitude, this is your road. Picture this: miles and miles of aspen groves, making it a fall foliage paradise. Late September and early October is the sweet spot. But even in summer, itโ€™s the perfect escape from the heat. Seriously, the aspens in autumn are like nature's own fireworks display.

Where is it?

Brazos Summit in New Mexico: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.6501, -99.3395

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
77.73 km
Max Elevation
3,209 m
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
39.6501, -99.3395

Related Roads in north-america

Where does California State Route 39 start and end?extreme

Where does California State Route 39 start and end?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along State Route 39 (SR 39), straddling the line between Orange and Los Angeles counties in California. This isn't just any road trip; it's a mountain adventure in the San Gabriel range, with switchbacks that'll keep you on your toes! Starting from the Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1), this fully paved path winds for about 50 miles up to Islip Saddle on the Angeles Crest Highway. Now, here's the twist: the northern part, famously known as San Gabriel Canyon Road, has been closed since '78. Yep, you heard that right โ€“ closed! Back in the day, SR 39 was meant to connect the coast with the mountains, even playing a role in "Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift." But Mother Nature had other plans. Rockslides, mudslides, and plain ol' wear and tear led to parts of the highway being abandoned. A big rockslide in 2005 pretty much sealed the deal, shutting it down to regular traffic indefinitely. So, can you drive it? Well, it's a mixed bag. Some sections are dirt, others eroded. You can hike or bike it, but be warned: major parts are washed out, especially on the west side of Mount Islip. And let's not forget the extreme snow, avalanches, and rockslides that can hit seasonally. It's passable for emergency vehicles, but those narrow dirt sections near the rockslide areas? Not exactly passenger-car friendly. Despite all that, remnants of this once-busy road are still there, whispering stories of California's past. If you're up for a bit of exploration and a touch of history, this "Forbidden Highway" offers a unique, if slightly rugged, experience.

Where is Taylor Pass?hard

Where is Taylor Pass?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, so Taylor Pass in Colorado? This spot is seriously high โ€“ like, 11,948 feet high! โ€“ right on the border of Gunnison and Pitkin counties. Legend has it, it's named after some gold-seeking pioneer named Jim Taylor. Heads up, though: getting to the top is no joke. You're looking at about 4.7 miles of totally unpaved road (Express Creek Road/Forest Service Road 15C), think rocks, boulders, the works. Leave your sedan at home; you'll need a legit 4x4 with high clearance. Thereโ€™s even a creek crossing that can be tricky โ€“ scout it out before you commit, as there can be some surprisingly deep spots. It's steep too; some sections hit a 20% grade! The road's generally closed from October to July, thanks to snow. But hit it at the right time (think late summer), and youโ€™re in for a treat. It takes about two hours to crawl up, but the views from the top are insane, overlooking the Elk and Collegiate Peaks Ranges. Plus, in summer, wildflowers are popping everywhere, and if you catch it in early fall, the aspen trees are mind-blowingly colorful. Just be prepared for a serious off-road adventure!

North Oscura Peakmoderate

North Oscura Peak

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, so picture this: North Oscura Peak in New Mexico's Socorro County. You're looking at almost 8,000 feet of elevation! The road up there, Wsmr S Rte 331, is a gravel track winding through the Oscura Mountains. Now, here's the catch: this isn't your typical scenic drive. It's off-limits to civilian vehicles. Why? Because at the summit sits an Air Force Research Laboratory, busy with top-secret tech. So while the views might be killer, you'll have to admire this peak from afar!

Is Antelope Creek Road unpaved?moderate

Is Antelope Creek Road unpaved?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around central Arizona and want a taste of the wild west, Antelope Creek Road is calling your name. This isn't your average highway โ€“ we're talking a 12.5-mile dirt track (aka County Road 74) that'll take you on a ride from Mayer down to County Road 59. Most cars can handle it when it's dry, so no need for a monster truck! This route was a lifeline back in the day for ranchers and miners, so you're basically traveling through history as you follow Antelope Creek towards the old ghost town of Cordes Station. The road climbs up to about 4,394 feet, and the views of the Bradshaw Mountains? Seriously stunning. The best part? It's usually open year-round, so you can get your adventure fix whenever the mood strikes. Get ready for some dusty fun!