Cathey Peak
Usa, north-america
0.8 km
2,940 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you HAVE to check out the road to Cathey Peak in New Mexico! This bad boy sits high in the Sacramento Mountains, clocking in at a cool 9,645 feet above sea level.
Getting there is part of the adventure. It’s mostly paved, but get ready for some serious curves as you climb on Sunspot Highway (NM Hwy-6563). And hold on tight, because it’s STEEP! The last half-mile or so is unpaved, so be prepared for a little gravel action.
Up top, you'll find a bunch of observatories – perfect for stargazing! Just a heads-up though, winter can bring a whole lot of snow to this area. So plan accordingly. This is definitely a road trip you won’t forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 0.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,940 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
easyHow scenic is Beartooth Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Beartooth Pass in Wyoming is calling your name! This baby tops out at a whopping 10,964 feet, making it one of Wyoming's highest. Forget boring commutes; this drive is all about the views. We're talking seriously scenic—think winding switchbacks with jaw-dropping vistas into the valley below. Opened back in '36, the road is paved, but don't think it's gonna be a breeze. It's curvy, like *really* curvy, so be prepared for some white-knuckle moments. But trust me, it's worth it for the alpine scenery alone. Once you hit the summit, make a pit stop at Beartooth Pass Vista Point for even MORE incredible views. Heads up though: Beartooth Pass is a fair-weather friend. Typically, it's only open from mid-May to mid-October. Even in summer, you can get hit with snowstorms, crazy winds, and wicked thunderstorms. So, check the forecast, pack your layers, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
extremeHow long is the Going-to-the-Sun Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Going-to-the-Sun Road is THE highlight of Glacier National Park, Montana. Seriously, this 50-mile stretch nestled way up in the Rockies is an engineering masterpiece and arguably one of the most scenic drives on the planet. Starting in West Glacier and winding all the way to St. Mary, this "crown jewel of scenic drives" is entirely paved, but don't let that fool you – it's narrow! Think two lanes, hairpin turns, and seriously stunning views paired with twisty sections and cliff edges. Heads up: oversized vehicles aren't allowed in certain sections. Anything wider than 8 feet is a no-go between Avalanche Campground and Rising Sun picnic area. Also, taller vehicles (over 10 feet) might scrape the rocks heading west from Logan Pass. Construction started way back in 1921, and it finally opened in 1933. This is the only road that crosses the entire park, so it's a must-do! Budget at least 2 hours without stops, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. You'll cruise through incredible landscapes, from glacial lakes and forests in the valleys to alpine tundra up at the pass. The views change dramatically depending on which way you're driving. The road's usually open from mid-June to mid-October, but snow can shut things down early. They get up to 80 feet of snow at Logan Pass! Speaking of Logan Pass, that's the highest point at 6,646 feet. One major heads up: During peak summer (usually late May to early September), you NEED a timed entry reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road. You'll have to snag a permit in advance through the National Park Service. No permit, no entry during restricted times. Always check the park's official website for the latest details.
hardHow many miles is the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers! The Kings Canyon Scenic Byway (that's California 180 to you cartographers) is calling your name in Fresno County, California. This 50-mile stretch of pure pavement is the only way to drive into the majestic Kings Canyon National Park, starting in the foothills outside Fresno and winding east all the way to Cedar Grove. Nestled within the Sequoia National Forest, this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. Think snaking two-lane road with more twists, turns, and drop-offs than you can count! It climbs *high* too, topping out at 6,843 feet above sea level, so expect some seriously steep sections. Word to the wise: leave the extra-long trailers (over 24 feet) at home for this one. Give yourself a solid 2-3 hours just to *drive* it, but honestly, you'll want a full day. Why? Because this road is STUNNING. We're talking awe-inspiring geological formations, the rushing Kings River, and groves of giant sequoias that will make you feel like an ant. There are tons of scenic pullouts and hiking trails begging for your attention, so plan to stop and soak it all in. You'll witness dramatic changes in the landscape as you climb through the Sierra Nevada, from the foothills to the soaring granite cliffs. Just keep in mind that the section below Hume Lake is usually closed in the winter (mid-October to mid-May), so plan your trip accordingly! Seriously, this drive is a showcase of nature's best, packed with breathtaking vistas and amazing panoramas — get ready to be wowed.
moderateWhere is Indian Ridge located?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Indian Ridge, a sweet spot way up in Oregon's Willamette National Forest, Lane County to be exact. It's not just a peak; it's a prime location for spotting any smoke signals, thanks to its history as a fire lookout point. So, you wanna drive up? The road, FSR 1980-247, accessed via NF-2618, is a bit of an adventure. We're talking unpaved all the way – rock and gravel are your constant companions. No need for a beastly 4x4, but some extra ground clearance definitely makes the ride smoother. Seriously, take it slow; even a regular car can make it, but you'll want to protect that undercarriage! The last leg to the lookout is a five-mile stretch from where you split off of NF-2618. Once you're up there, you'll find the Indian Ridge Lookout Tower, built back in '58. The views? Unbelievable! You're surrounded by forest, with Cascade peaks popping up all around. Keep in mind, this road is a no-go zone from late October until late June or early July. Snow makes it impassable. Summer days can hit 80°F, but winter nights dip near 30°F. Prepare for a wild ride!