Cerro Rubio

Cerro Rubio

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

3,002 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just tackled Cerro Rubio, a beast of a peak in the Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking 9,849 feet above sea level, people!

The road up? Think gravel, think rocks, think "maybe I should have brought a tank." Seriously, this is strictly a 4x4 kinda trip, and only when it's bone dry. The weather here is a total wildcard, shifting from sunny to OMG-where-did-the-world-go in minutes. Closures are common, so check before you go.

And a word to the wise: if you're not friends with high altitudes, maybe skip this one. The air is thin, the wind howls like a banshee year-round, and it can be brutal. But, oh man, the views! If you're up for a challenge and are properly prepared, the scenery is absolutely worth it. Just remember to breathe and take it slow!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
3,002 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in north-america

Is the road to Bill Moore Lake in Colorado unpaved?hard

Is the road to Bill Moore Lake in Colorado unpaved?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so you HAVE to check out Bill Moore Lake in Colorado! This alpine beauty sits way up high at 11,368 feet in Clear Creek County. The road? It's Forest Service Road 183.1, and it's a total adventure. We're talking unpaved, super rocky, and seriously steep. Think epic views as you climb, but also loose dirt and small rocks that'll test your driving skills. If it's wet, forget about it unless you're prepared. A 4x4 with high clearance is a MUST. The fun starts from the historic town of Empire, and it's about 6 miles to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you — you'll climb over 2,700 feet! That's an average grade of 8.5%, so buckle up! Heads up: this road is SEASONAL. It's in the Arapaho National Forest, so expect snow to close it down in winter. Usually, it's good to go from late spring through fall. Is it worth the bumpy ride? ABSOLUTELY! You're right on the edge of the James Peak Wilderness Area. Much of the route winds through a dense pine forest. At the top, there's a big parking lot and access to trails and even the historical Conqueror Mine. Seriously, pack a picnic, explore, and make a weekend of it. The scenery is unreal.

How long is Boulder Mountain Pass?extreme

How long is Boulder Mountain Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trip fans, listen up! We're heading to Boulder Mountain Pass in Utah's Garfield County, and let me tell you, it's a stunner! We're talking serious altitude here – 9,606 feet above sea level! This fully paved beauty stretches for about 29 miles between Boulder and Grover, making it the highest point along that stretch of road. Built way back in the '20s, this route is packed with history! Now, don't think it's just a leisurely cruise. There are some seriously steep sections, with grades hitting up to 8% in places. Keep that engine purring! The road's open all year, but be warned: winter storms can shut things down until the plows do their magic. Also, heads up, cell service is spotty (or nonexistent!) in these remote parts. Plus, expect some tight curves and narrow shoulders along the way. But trust me, the views are worth it!

Where is Wheeler Peak?extreme

Where is Wheeler Peak?

🇺🇸 Usa

Cruising up to Wheeler Peak in eastern Nevada's Great Basin National Park is an experience! This road, aptly named Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, stretches for about 12 miles from Nevada Highway 488, taking you all the way up to the Summit Trailhead near a campground and parking area. You'll top out at an impressive 10,180 feet above sea level! The road itself is paved, but be warned: it's narrow, twisty, and steep! We're talking a 7% maximum gradient in places! Due to the winding nature, passing is illegal along the entire route, and the speed limit is a chill 35 mph to account for wildlife and the road's narrowness. Also, larger vehicles beware, vehicles and trailers over 24 feet aren't allowed past the Upper Lehman Creek Campground. Plan for about 2 hours just for the drive so you can soak in the views. As you climb over 3,000 feet, prepare for incredible panoramic vistas of pine forests, the desert below, and even sparkling lakes. The ecosystem changes dramatically as you ascend, like traveling from Nevada to the Yukon! Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer, marmots, coyotes, and jackrabbits along the way. Heads up: this high-altitude route is typically snowed in from November until late June or early July, so plan your visit accordingly! The road isn't plowed above 7800 feet.

How long is the Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway?hard

How long is the Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Utah's Manti-La Sal National Forest, right on the edge of the Dark Canyon Wilderness, just south of Canyonlands National Park. You're on the Elk Ridge Road Scenic Backway, a 48-mile mix of dirt and gravel that’ll test your ride (and maybe your nerves a little!). Starting about 25 miles west of Blanding, near the junction of Utah Highways 95 and 275, this route climbs through the iconic "Bears Ears," topping out at a cool 8,700 feet on Elk Ridge. The views? Epic! We're talking Canyonlands National Park, Dark Canyon Wilderness Area, Monument Valley, and Bears Ears National Monument all in one glorious panorama, ending at Utah Highway 211 (SR-211). Keep in mind, this beauty is best tackled between June and October. High-clearance vehicles are your friend here, and AWD or 4WD might be a lifesaver. Rain or winter weather? This road becomes a no-go. There are also narrow sections where you might have to play nice and let another vehicle pass. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of the Henry and La Sal Mountains, plus all those canyons, are postcard-perfect. Just be prepared for a 4-hour (ish) drive, depending on the road’s mood. After a rainstorm, creek crossings can get intense, and mud can get slick, possibly leading to closures. And remember, there aren’t any facilities out there, so pack accordingly!