Cave Lake
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,713 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Cave Lake in south-central Colorado’s Chaffee County is calling your name. This ain't your Sunday drive. We're talking a real deal high-altitude experience, topping out at a whopping 12,181 feet! Seriously, this is one of the highest roads in the entire state.
Picture this: rocky, gravel roads winding through the majestic Rocky Mountains. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to conquer this beast. Trust me, you don't want to get stuck. And speaking of beasts, winter makes this road completely impassable, so plan accordingly.
Now, for the faint of heart, be warned: this trail is steep! Expect hairpin turns that will test your driving skills (and maybe your nerves). Oh, and heights? Yeah, they're a thing here. But the views? Totally worth it. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, keep going past the lake—a gravel road will take you even higher, up to 12,765 feet. Just a heads up: the wind can be fierce up here, year-round. And even in summer, snow isn’t out of the question. Bottom line: Cave Lake is an epic adventure for experienced drivers who aren't afraid of a little challenge!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,713 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardDare to drive the dangerous Calico Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near San Bernardino County, California, and you're craving a seriously epic off-road adventure, Calico Peak is calling your name. Nestled in the Mojave Desert's Calico Mountains, this beast tops out at 4,543 feet, and getting there is NOT for the faint of heart. We're talking about Doran Scenic Drive, although "scenic" is used loosely here. This used to be a paved road, but Mother Nature had other plans. Floods wiped it out, leaving behind gnarly canyon washes and rogue chunks of pavement that only add to the challenge. Seriously, a 4x4 with high clearance is an absolute must. Don't even think about attempting this solo, and definitely leave the oversized vehicles and stock SUVs at home. We're talking narrow passages, massive boulders, and embedded rock just waiting to shred your tires. Skid plates and differential lockers? Consider them essential gear. The climb starts from Calico Road, stretching for 5 miles with a hefty 2,388-foot elevation gain – that's an average gradient of 9.1%! But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. Once you conquer the steep inclines and nail-biting obstacles, you're rewarded with mind-blowing 360-degree views from the top. Radio towers mark the summit, and you'll be able to spot everything from Tiefort Mountain all the way to the San Bernardino Mountains and Mt. Baldy. Bring your camera, folks – you'll want to remember this one!
hardTreasure Hill
🇺🇸 Usa
Treasure Hill is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.805m (9,202ft) above the sea level, located in White Pine County, along the central eastern boundary of the U.S. state of Nevada. The peak is located within the White Pine Range range. The road to the top is very rough, tippy and bumpy at times. The road is usually impassable in winters. Great trail for experienced wheelers. The trail is narrow with few places for passing so meeting someone can be a challenge. In order to drive this road up, you need a high clearance vehicle! The trail is very steep. Wet conditions may make for tough driving along the muddy road. Navigating the Scenic Byways of Pennsylvania 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.
moderateWhere is Barney Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a real gem for you: Barney Lake! Tucked away high in the Dixie National Forest in central Utah, this hidden lake is seriously stunning. The road to get there? Let's just say your average sedan might have a *little* trouble. It's about 0.9 miles up, and while that doesn't sound like much, it's pretty steep, averaging around a 7% grade. You'll be climbing to a whopping 10,734 feet above sea level north of the lake! Heads up, though: this road is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July, so plan your trip accordingly. But trust me, the views and the tranquility of Barney Lake are SO worth the trek when the road is clear. Get ready for an unforgettable escape!
moderateTravelling through the curvy Plan de Barrancas in Sierra Madre
🇲🇽 Mexico
Craving a scenic Mexican adventure from Guadalajara to the Pacific coast hotspots like Tepic and Puerto Vallarta? Buckle up for the Plan de Barrancas roads (that's Mexico 15 and the 15D toll road). These routes wind and weave like crazy through the Sierra Madre mountains! Expect narrow, paved roads with hairpin turns that’ll test your driving skills. You'll climb to about 5,400 feet near La Venta el Astillero before dropping down to around 3,000 feet in Tepic. Word to the wise: this stretch is known for being tricky. Stay alert, watch your speed, and take those curves seriously – it’s a busy route. But hey, the views are INCREDIBLE. Think lush tropical rainforests clinging to canyon walls and dramatic mountain vistas. Plus, you’ll cruise past fields of agave (hello, tequila!) and even get a peek at the lava remnants from the Ceboruco volcano, which last erupted in the 40s. The diverse scenery is unreal, with everything from rainforest and tropical plants to oak and pine forests.