Driving the epic unpaved road to Baldy Mountain in Colfax County
Usa, north-america
12.8 km
3,714 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you’re in Colfax County, New Mexico, and craving a seriously epic drive, you NEED to check out Baldy Mountain (also called Baldy Peak, Mount Baldy, or Old Baldy by the locals). At a whopping 12,185 feet, this peak delivers views that’ll make your jaw drop.
This isn't your average Sunday drive though; this 7.95-mile unpaved road used to be an old mining route, so keep an eye out for relics of the past! Starting near Elizabethtown, off NM-38, you'll climb over 3,500 feet. That means an average grade of over 8%, and hold on tight, because there are 17 hairpin turns to conquer!
A high-clearance 4x4 is an absolute MUST for this trek. Speaking of treks, don’t even THINK about attempting this during the winter – the snow is no joke, and the road often stays closed well into July. Summer brings its own challenges, too. Monsoon season can unleash some serious rain, hail, and lightning. But if you brave it, the views are absolutely worth it!
Where is it?
Driving the epic unpaved road to Baldy Mountain in Colfax County is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.5320, -104.8605
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 12.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,714 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.5320, -104.8605
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhere is Clinton Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Deep in Passaic County, New Jersey, lies Clinton Road, whispered to be the scariest stretch of asphalt in America. Forget your GPS; this place is off Route 23 in West Milford and feels totally cut off from civilization. Clocking in at 10 miles, this paved road feels much longer when you're actually on it. People who’ve braved it talk about it like it's a one-way ticket "to hell," sprinkled with mysterious disappearances, UFO sightings, and the occasional ghostly encounter. You know, just your typical Sunday drive… not! Clinton Road winds and twists, clinging to the edges of dark bodies of water. It's infamous for its paranormal vibes—ghosts, weird creatures, and those creepy legends of witches, Satanists, and the KKK holding meetings in the shadows. The worst part? It's not just one ghost looking for trouble; it's a whole collection of spooky stories all rolled into one road. And then there's the Cross Castle, or what's left of it. Built in 1905, it burned down only 14 years later. Now, the spooky stone walls are a popular hangout for those dark congregations we mentioned. Keep an eye out near the Clinton Reservoir where you will find a bridge near Dead Man's Curve. Legend says if you toss a coin off one of the bridges, the ghost of a boy will appear. Supposedly, he's a pretty chill ghost, more likely to return your coin than steal your soul. Still, maybe bring a backup plan, just in case.
hardGeorge Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're looking for a killer off-road experience in Utah, you HAVE to check out George Peak in Box Elder County. We're talking a legit mountain pass soaring to a whopping 9,606 feet within the Raft River Mountains. Now, fair warning, this isn't a Sunday cruise. Forest Road 009 is gravel, rocky, and can get pretty wild with some seriously tippy and bumpy sections. Basically, it's a 4x4-only zone for experienced drivers. Seriously, if unpaved roads aren't your jam, or heights make you sweat, maybe skip this one. The trail is steep, and if it's wet, expect a muddy, challenging ride. But for those who dare, the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking and worth every bump along the way! Just remember, winter makes it a no-go, so plan accordingly.
moderateWhen was Cayo Coco Causeway built?
🌍 Cuba
Hey adventurers! Ever dreamt of driving *on* the ocean? Head to Cuba's northeastern coast and cruise the Cayo Coco Pedraplen – a wild 27km (17-mile) causeway stretching from the mainland near Morón all the way to the tropical paradise of Cayo Coco. Built back in 1988, this incredible road, also called Pedraplen Cayo Coco, took just over a year to construct with a wall of stones. The causeway is entirely paved, 8 meters wide, and 2.66 meters high over ocean level. As you glide along, with the endless blue stretching out on either side, you'll feel like you're driving on water. Keep your eyes peeled for incredible views, but also be aware of the weather, as this area is known for typhoons and hurricanes. Trust me, the scenery is worth it!
moderateHistory: Military Base to Bio-Security Fortress
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: a mysterious island lurking just off the coast of Long Island’s North Fork, called Plum Island. Sounds idyllic, right? Wrong. This place is seriously off-limits. We're talking Fort Knox levels of security. Why the big deal? Well, beneath the surface of this small island lies a network of paved roads, a relic of its past as a military fort. But these roads aren't for leisurely drives. They're exclusively for accessing the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC), a top-secret research facility. Think high-containment labs studying scary animal diseases. Getting anywhere near these roads is a no-go. No public access, no private vehicles, nada. We're talking federal law enforcement and serious security. The reason isn’t treacherous terrain or hidden dangers, but a bio-containment and national security protocol. Every move is monitored, every person decontaminated. This isn’t your average scenic route. It's a network of roads existing solely within a high-security quarantine zone. The primary danger isn't a sharp turn or a steep drop, but something microscopic. So, while the scenery might be intriguing, this is one road trip you'll only experience in your imagination.