Carlsbad Caverns switchbacks in New Mexico: a 20 degree grade
Usa, north-america
2.01 km
1,219 m
moderate
Year-round
Nestled in the New Mexico's Eddy County, right where the Chihuahuan Desert kisses the Guadalupe Mountains, you'll find the entrance to something truly magical: the Carlsbad Caverns. And the way in? A series of switchbacks that are pedestrian-only, so lace up those hiking boots!
You're heading into the heart of southeastern New Mexico, into the rocky slopes and canyonlands of the Guadalupe range. This isn't just any cave; we're talking about a labyrinth carved by sulfuric acid over millions of years, creating a network of caves, passageways, and chambers that will blow your mind.
Prepare to descend into a world of geological wonder. The Big Room is the star of the show, a natural limestone chamber stretching almost 4,000 feet long, 625 feet wide, and soaring 255 feet high. It's the third-largest chamber in North America, filled with pools, lakes, and otherworldly gypsum formations.
The path? A curvy, paved trail within Carlsbad Caverns National Park that winds its way into the cave's mouth. These switchbacks are no joke, they're steep! As you descend, the light fades, adding to the sense of adventure. It's about a mile and a quarter of these winding paths, taking you 750 feet below the surface at a pretty steady 20-degree grade. It's narrow, it's steep, but the views along the way (or lack thereof!) are unforgettable. Plus, park rangers are always around, making sure everyone enjoys the journey safely.
Where is it?
Carlsbad Caverns switchbacks in New Mexico: a 20 degree grade is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 36.5302, -100.7431
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 2.01 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,219 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 36.5302, -100.7431
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhy is it called Mount Lowe?
🇺🇸 Usa
The Mount Lowe Fire Road, nestled in sunny Los Angeles County, California, is a real blast from the past! Named after Professor Thaddeus S.C. Lowe, this gravel fire trail winds its way for about 8.5 miles (13.67km) from Brown Mountain Truck Trail to Mt Wilson Red Box Road. It's a steep climb, mind you, with gradients hitting a hefty 20% in places. Built on the remnants of a scenic tourist railway (that whisked visitors up to Mount Lowe and Echo Mountain back in the day — think 1893!), this road offers more than just a workout. You can explore the ruins at Echo Mountain and the Alpine Tavern, and spot fascinating bits of Americana and relics from yesteryear. Think old tunnels, bridges, and hotel ruins. It's also your jumping-off point to conquer San Gabriel Peak, Mt. Disappointment, and a few other peaks in the area. While the lower section is paved, most of the trail is unpaved, snaking through the Angeles National Forest with amazing views of mountains, canyons, and pine forests. Be warned, it's closed to motorized vehicles (barrier at both ends!), so plan on hiking or biking. The last half-mile or so leading to Eaton Saddle can be a bit tricky, often impassable to vehicles, and goes right through a tunnel. This section clings to the dramatic south face of San Gabriel Peak. Definitely a trip for those who love a bit of history and a good leg burn!
moderateHow long is Thornton Lake Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Thornton Lake Road in Whatcom County, Washington, is a wild ride you won't soon forget! Just 5 miles long, this rugged dirt road winds its way into the heart of the Skagit Valley, west of Newhalem, leading to the Thornton Lakes Trailhead. Pro tip: get there early, the parking lot fills up fast! Now, let's be real, this ain't your average Sunday drive. This road is unpaved, with plenty of loose gravel, steep climbs, and washboards that'll rattle your teeth. Think serious potholes and maybe even a fallen tree or two blocking your path. A high-clearance 4x4 is definitely your best friend here. Keep in mind, this road is in the North Cascades National Park, so winter is a no-go. It's not maintained, so expect it to be closed off during the snowy season. But when it's open? The scenery is unreal! Get ready for some epic views as you climb up into the mountains.
hardHow long is the Durango-Mazatlan Highway?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Get ready for an epic adventure on Mexico 40D, the Autopista Durango-Mazatlán! This isn't just a road; it's a mind-blowing feat of engineering slicing through the western Sierra Madre. Think 115 bridges and 61 tunnels – seriously impressive! Spanning 211km (131 miles), this route is a scenic alternative to the old Espinazo del Diablo ("Devil's Backbone"). You'll trade terrifying drops for incredible landscapes – from lush tropical vibes to towering pine forests and even desert scenery. Talk about a visual feast! Starting in Durango, the capital city nestled at 1,880 meters (6,168 feet), you'll wind your way down to the sunny resort town of Mazatlán on the Pacific coast. A word of caution: While paved, this road can throw some curveballs your way. Watch out for potential landslides, potholes, and the occasional blocked tunnel. Also, keep an eye on asphalt conditions, especially during the rainy season. Opened in 2013, the highest point of the road reaches nearly 9,000 feet, so winter can bring ice and even snow closures. Don't miss the Tunel el Sinaloense, a 9183-foot (1.7-mile) tunnel. But the real showstopper is the Baluarte Bridge (Puente Baluarte). It's a record-breaker – the highest cable-stayed bridge on the planet, and the tallest in the Americas. Just try not to be too distracted by the dizzying 403-meter drop to the canyon floor as you cruise along its 1,124-meter length!
moderateCan you drive through Lytton to Lillooet?
🇨🇦 Canada
Lytton-Lillooet Highway is a very scenic winding road located in British Columbia, Canada, running along the east bank of the Fraser River. Can you drive through Lytton to Lillooet? The road follows the east bank of the Fraser River. It’s a single lane road but paved all the way. The road, also known as British Columbia Highway 12, has many avalanche prone cliffs on one side, and drop offs into ‘abysses’ on the other. There are some bumps or pot holes but the scenery well makes up for it. The road tops out at 474m (1,555ft) above sea level. How long is the road from Lytton to Lillooet? The road is 66.2 km (39 miles) long, running south-north from Lytton, known for being “Canada’s Hot Spot” at the confluence of the Thompson River and Fraser River on the east side of the Fraser to Lillooet, formerly Cayoosh Flat, a community on the Fraser River. Lytton on June 29, 2021 became the hottest place in Canada when it recorded 49.6°C (121.3°F). How long does it take to drive through Lytton to Lillooet? To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 1 and 1.5 hours. The road was built in 1953 and features sweeping views, running through rugged landscape with stunning views of mountains. Driving the scenic Klondike Highway from Alaska to the Yukon Bow Pass is the highest road in Canada’s national parks Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.