Brown Mountain: a steep unpaved road to the top
Usa, north-america
4.31 km
2,133 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, Texas road trip fans, listen up! Brown Mountain: ever heard of it? It's a seriously high point in Jeff Davis County, clocking in at almost 7,000 feet! Think panoramic views.
Getting there? That's part of the adventure. This ain't no Sunday drive on smooth asphalt. The road to the top is all dirt, so a 4x4 is a must. Trust me, you'll want the extra grip.
The climb starts from TX-166, and it's about 2.6 miles to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you – you're gaining over 1,100 feet in elevation, so it's a steady climb averaging around an 8% grade. Not crazy steep, but enough to make you appreciate that low gear! Once you're at the summit, you'll find a communication antenna, and views that stretch forever. Just you, the big Texas sky, and a serious sense of accomplishment.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4.31 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,133 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Tassajara Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! We're heading to California's Pacific coast for a wild ride on Tassajara Road. Picture this: you're deep in Los Padres National Forest, cruising (carefully!) on this 17.1-mile stretch of unpaved glory. Starting from East Carmel Valley Road, you'll be winding north towards the legendary Tassajara Hot Springs, tucked away in the Carmel Valley. But hold on tight, this ain't your average Sunday drive! This road is a real challenge, climbing through some serious mountain terrain. We're talking one-lane corners, deep ruts that pop up throughout the year, and a peak elevation that'll make you feel like you're on top of the world. The last few miles down into Tassajara are known to be particularly gnarly. A high-clearance vehicle is practically a must-have here. And be warned: conditions change on a dime depending on the weather. Plus, there are no guardrails to save you, so take it slow, especially around those blind corners. Cell service? Forget about it! Avoid this road at night. Bonus for stargazers: just east of Tassajara Road, there's another long climb up to the Oliver Observing Station (MIRA), perched way up high. Apparently, the views are out of this world—literally!
moderateWhere is Cochetopa Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cochetopa Pass: a killer Colorado climb that tops out at 10,091 feet! You'll find this gem in southern Colorado, right on the Continental Divide, smack-dab between the Gunnison and Rio Grande National Forests. "Cochetopa" is a Ute word meaning "Pass of the Buffalo," and this route has been around since way back in 1858! Ready to drive it? Just hop on Saguache County Road NN14, also known as Cochetopa Pass Road. The good news is, you don't need a monster truck. This well-maintained, graded dirt road is totally doable in your average car as it snakes through those gorgeous national forest lands. Most drivers won't find it too tricky. The climb is about 26.3 miles long, starting and ending on State Highway 114. Think gentle grades and fairly wide lanes. Just a heads up: there's another pass nearby, a little further north on Highway 114, called North Cochetopa Pass. Keep in mind this is the Rockies, so the road's usually snowed in from October to June. Plan accordingly!
hardWhere is Indiana Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna hit some serious altitude in southern Colorado? Then Indiana Pass is calling your name! This gem sits way up high in the Rio Grande National Forest, north of the tiny town of Jasper, clocking in at a whopping 11,958 feet! The road, known as Summitville Road, is a well-maintained dirt road, but don’t let that fool you. While a 4x4 is recommended, a 2x4 might do the trick if you're feeling brave. Just be sure you have decent clearance. Keep in mind, though, this baby's usually snowed in for a good chunk of the year. Aim for late July at the earliest to make sure the drifts have melted enough for access. The 7.8-mile stretch between Forest Service 332 Road and the old Summitville mine is absolutely stunning. Picture this: you're winding your way up, surrounded by thousands of vibrant aspens putting on a show. And for the truly adventurous? A little spur road northwest of the pass will take you even higher, to a dizzying 12,641 feet! Get ready for some breathtaking views.
hardGold Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Gold Mountain! This bad boy sits high up in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, clocking in at 8,159ft. Gold Mountain Road (aka 3N69) is a rough and tumble gravel route to the summit, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. This is a high-altitude road in the San Bernardino National Forest, so snow is definitely a factor in winter, possibly closing it completely. Even a little rain can make things extra dicey, with loose gravel ready to throw you for a loop. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle and probably a spotter to navigate this trail. We're talking grippy tires and maybe a lift. Starting from CA-18, it's a 3.5km climb to the top, gaining 433 meters in elevation — averaging a steep 12.37% grade. There's even a bypass, 3N69A, if you're feeling extra adventurous! But the views? Totally worth it! You'll be rewarded with incredible 360-degree panoramas of the desert to the north, the Big Bear valley to the south, and all those majestic peaks surrounding the valley. Seriously epic stuff! Just make sure you and your vehicle are prepped and ready for a challenge.