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
hardWhere is Daniel’s Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Daniels Pass in Utah! This beauty sits high in the Uinta National Forest, clocking in at a cool 8,001 feet above sea level. You'll find it east of Provo, nestled right in Wasatch County. The good news? The entire route, which is part of U.S. Route 40, is paved, making for a smooth ride. This 69.6-mile (112km) stretch connects Heber City and Duchesne, offering some seriously scenic views. And get this: it's generally open year-round! Just be aware that snowstorms can cause temporary closures, but they usually clear it pretty quickly. So, whether you're chasing fall colors or hitting the slopes, Daniels Pass is ready for ya!
hardDriving the Alpine Loop of Colorado is truly a backcountry experience
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic Colorado adventure on the Alpine Loop, a wild ride through the heart of the San Juan Mountains! This 63-mile backcountry scenic byway snakes its way through San Juan, Hinsdale, and Ouray counties, connecting the charming towns of Lake City, Ouray, and Silverton. Originally Native American trails, these paths were transformed into mining routes back in the 1800s. Now, they're your gateway to some of the most breathtaking views in the state. Heads up: you'll need a high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle with a short wheelbase to tackle the two 12,000-foot passes – Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass. Passenger cars, RVs, and trailers? Not recommended. The loop usually opens from late May/early June to late October, snow permitting. Budget about 4-6 hours for the drive (without stops, but who can resist?). You'll be navigating narrow sections, hairpin turns, rocky terrain, and some serious drop-offs. Remember, uphill traffic has the right-of-way, and blind curves demand your full attention. But the scenery? Absolutely worth it! Picture yourself surrounded by sweeping mountain views, exploring abandoned mining towns (seven ghost towns!), and snapping unbelievable photos. Hike or bike the trails, find your perfect campsite, and soak up the solitude. Just be sure to fill up your gas tank and pack extra food and water. This is one adventure you won't forget!
hardWhere is Lake Emma in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Colorado? Let me tell you about Lake Emma. Or, rather, the *site* of Lake Emma, high up in San Juan County. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about County Road 25, also known as Sunnyside Mine Road. Forget pavement, this is a rugged, unpaved mine road that climbs to a whopping 12,496 feet above sea level! Passenger cars can *usually* handle it, but be warned: after a rough winter, it can get seriously rutted. Summer is definitely the best time to go. Here's the deal: Lake Emma used to be a lake, but back in '78, mining operations caused a massive collapse, draining the whole thing into the Sunnyside Mine below. Crazy, right? The road itself starts near the ghost town of Eureka (County Road 2) and it's a 3.6-mile climb. Don't let the short distance fool you, though. You'll be gaining 2,500 feet in elevation, making for a pretty steep average gradient of 13%. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. You're in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, surrounded by some of the tallest peaks in South Park. Just remember, this is a high-altitude adventure. Be prepared for a bumpy ride and some seriously stunning views!
hardMonument Hill
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Monument Hill in southwest Montana is calling your name. We're talking about a summit sitting pretty at 9,465 feet in the Gravelly Range. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Forest Road #290, aka Gravelly Range Road, is a rugged gravel track that gets rocky, bumpy, and downright tippy in spots. Definitely not for the faint of heart! Think 4x4 is optional? Think again. This baby is STEEP, and wet weather turns the whole thing into a muddy slip-n-slide. Winter? Forget about it, totally impassable. But here's the payoff: jaw-dropping views for days. If you're an experienced off-roader craving a challenge and aren't afraid of heights, Monument Hill will deliver. Just remember, respect the mountain!