Driving the challenging NM-567 road in New Mexico
Usa, north-america
18.82 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for State Road 567 in northern New Mexico! Just north of Albuquerque, in the mountains of southwestern Taos County, this little 11.7-mile gem packs a punch.
Starting south of Tres Piedras off U.S. Route 285 and winding its way north to NM 570 near Pilar, be prepared for some serious curves and climbs. Most of the road is paved, but there's a short section of gravel to keep things interesting.
And when I say climbs, I mean it! This baby hits a 12% gradient in spots, with hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat. The road can feel super narrow at times, so keep your eyes peeled.
Open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. This isn't a road you want to tackle in the dark, rain, or snow. But on a clear day? The views are incredible!
Where is it?
Driving the challenging NM-567 road in New Mexico is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 34.8940, -96.1055
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 18.82 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 34.8940, -96.1055
Related Roads in north-america
easyHow long is Tremont Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey, fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Tremont Road, a sweet little escape tucked away in Blount County, Tennessee, inside the gorgeous Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This north-south route clocks in at about 5.1 miles (8.20km), taking you from Laurel Creek Road up to the Middle Prong Trail Trailhead. The first couple of miles? Easy peasy. That's Tremont Road, smooth pavement that leads right up to the Great Smoky Mountains Institute from Little River Road near Walker Valley. Then, things get a little more rustic. You'll hit Upper Tremont Road, a 3.1-mile (4.98km) gravel stretch that follows an old railroad bed. This section starts at the Institute and winds its way to the Middle Prong Trail Trailhead. Seriously, this drive is a total hidden gem in the northwestern part of the park. It's incredibly scenic and feels like you're miles from civilization. The views are absolutely breathtaking, especially when the leaves change color in the fall. If you're looking for a tranquil escape from the touristy spots, Tremont Road is calling your name!
moderateA beautiful road with lots of historical sights to Hancock Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Hancock Pass in Colorado is calling your name. Perched way up at 12,145 feet, this isn't just a drive, it's a trip back in time, loaded with mining history and jaw-dropping scenery. Seriously, it's one of Colorado's highest roads! You'll find it straddling Chaffee and Gunnison counties, right in western Colorado. Picture this: you're cruising along a totally unpaved path (Forest Road 839 to the south, Forest Road 299 to the north), originally carved out back in the 1880s for mining. The road starts out pretty mellow, following an old railroad grade, but don't get too comfy! Once you peel off the rail grade, things get a bit more challenging – rocky, slow going, but still manageable in a sturdy SUV with some grit. Skid plates? Definitely a plus. The road narrows, and bam, you're above the treeline! Heads up, though – Mother Nature calls the shots here. Usually, you can't even THINK about tackling this pass from late October to late June/early July (snow, duh!). And even then, keep an eye out – snow can stick around well into July. Don't even try it if there's snow. This epic 16.8-mile stretch runs from the ghost town of St. Elmo to Pitkin. Once you make it, you'll find plenty of room to park and soak it all in. Trust me, the views are insane, and they somehow get even better on the other side. You're in a high alpine wonderland, so pack smart – supplies, water, and warm clothes, even if it seems warm down below.
hardWhere is Clear Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to southwestern Colorado, near Silverton, for an adventure? Clear Lake needs to be on your list, but listen up, this ain't your Sunday drive! We're talking about Forest Road 815 – Clear Lake Road – and it's a 4.4-mile unpaved, rocky climb from Forest Road 585 near South Mineral Campground. First off, the lake sits way up high at almost 12,000 feet in the San Juan National Forest, so the views are insane. But getting there? You'll absolutely need a high-clearance, preferably 4x4 vehicle. This road is NARROW, like seriously narrow, with some incredibly steep sections (up to 16% gradient!) and hairpin switchbacks. Oh, and did I mention the drop-offs? Yeah, they're pretty epic…and potentially terrifying if you're not used to this kind of thing. The road climbs over 2,000 feet, so be prepared for an average gradient of over 9%! The road's usually open from late May to late November. Along the way, keep an eye out for signs of old mining operations. But really, the big draw is the scenery – wildflowers galore and waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides. Once you reach the top, there's designated parking, so please use it. The turquoise water of the alpine lake is totally worth the white-knuckle drive. Just be warned, this route is steep! It’s a hairy ascent to a magical, rewarding spot.
hardDriving the road to Eddy Gulch Lookout atop Klamath Peak in CA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Klamath Peak in Northern California's Klamath National Forest is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a serious off-road experience to a sky-high summit sitting at 6,519 feet. The road to the top? Pure, unadulterated dirt. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer this one. Your reward at the peak is the Eddy Gulch Lookout, a fire tower with a cool history—it was once the post of Hallie Morse Daggett, the first female fire observer hired by the U.S. Forest Service! It’s still used today. Eddy Gulch Lookout Road winds up from Sawyers Bar along the North Fork Salmon River. Clocking in at just over 18 miles, you'll climb a whopping 4,343 feet. Be prepared for a steep climb with constant twists and turns. The views? Totally worth it!