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
moderateLewis and Clark Highway
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the Lewis and Clark Highway in Skamania County, Washington! This paved beauty serves up some seriously vast vistas and an exhilarating driving experience you won't forget. Think twisting and turning roads with constant, incredible views – it's a photographer's dream. Follow in the footsteps of legends on this unforgettable road trip tracing the famous expedition. This scenic byway, part of Washington State Route 14 (SR-14), hugs the Washington side of the Columbia River. Just a heads up, this road gets a little busier on weekends and during holidays. Completed in 1915, it's a leisurely drive with plenty of places to stop and soak it all in. Get ready for some serious natural beauty!
extremeHow difficult is the road to Mineral Hill (NF-202)?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Mineral Hill (NF-202) in Idaho County, Idaho – smack-dab in the north-central part of the state. This isn't just a drive; it's a time machine back to the wild gold rush days in the Gospel Hump Wilderness. Forget manicured landscapes – this is raw, untamed backcountry. The road stretches a grueling distance from the paved road to the peak, a proper 4x4 challenge mixing steep rock climbs, boulder fields, and mud. You'll be white-knuckling it over Orogrande Summit (7,270 feet), navigating crazy curves on NF-202 where passing another vehicle is a serious test of your spatial awareness. And did I mention the "road" itself? Think 1- to 2-foot vertical steps that demand serious technical skills. This route is definitely better suited for OHVs than your average SUV. Expect some steep climbs; we're talking gradients up to 14% in places! Off-road veterans with high-clearance rigs only, please. Now, for the "fun" part: hazards. Avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and sneaky ice patches – Mineral Hill throws everything it has at you, especially in late spring. Check the weather before you go, and maybe pack a guardian angel. But, oh, the views! You'll be rewarded with two pristine alpine lakes near the pass, shining like jewels amidst the rugged terrain. Plus, you're driving through history. This area used to be bustling with mining towns, now reclaimed by nature. And get this: modern-day miners are still working some of those old claims. So, if you're looking for a remote, off-the-grid adventure steeped in history and heart-stopping driving, Mineral Hill needs to be on your list. Just remember to pack extra supplies and your A-game. This is one high road that doesn't mess around!
hardWhere is Yvonne Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Yvonne Pass! This beast of a road sits way up high in southwestern Colorado, straddling the border between Hinsdale and San Juan counties, south of the legendary US 550. We're talking serious altitude here! Views from the top? Absolutely mind-blowing! Now, let's be real: this isn't your Sunday drive. The whole thing is unpaved and seriously rugged. You'll NEED a high-clearance 4x4 with a short wheelbase to even think about tackling this. We're talking crazy steep sections, with grades hitting a wild 20% in places. The pass stretches for about 4.2 miles, climbing over 2,200 feet. That gives you an average gradient of around 10%, but those steeper pitches will have you gripping the wheel! And a heads up: like many of Colorado's high-altitude roads, Yvonne Pass is typically closed from late October until late June or early July, thanks to the snow. Plan your trip accordingly!
extremeWhere is Scanlon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Scanlon Road in southern Nevada is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking 20 miles of pure, unadulterated adventure near the historic Gold Butte townsite and the Scanlon Ferry Colorado River Crossing. Now, let's be real – this road earns its reputation. The last stretch? Super narrow, super rocky, and honestly, might be better explored on foot. That final climb gains a whopping 1,040 feet in just over a mile. Think of it as a StairMaster from hell, but with way better views. The northern parts *might* be doable in a 2WD high-clearance vehicle, but trust me, you'll want 4WD as you head south. Expect washed-out sections and plenty of sand. But here's the kicker: you're heading into one seriously isolated area. We're talking zero services. No restrooms, no water, no gas, no food – nada. You need to be 100% self-reliant and come prepared for anything. Pack extra everything, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, and make sure your tires have some serious sidewall protection. But for those who crave the off-the-grid experience and breathtaking scenery, Scanlon Road is an unforgettable ride. Just remember to tread carefully!