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
extremeHow to get by car to Badwater Basin, the lowest point of North America?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Death Valley National Park in eastern California, heading towards a spot so low, it's almost unbelievable. I'm talking about Badwater Basin, a vast salt flat sitting at a whopping 282 feet *below* sea level – the absolute bottom of the barrel in North America! The road in, Badwater Road (aka CA 178), is paved the whole way, so no need for a 4x4. You'll hop on from Furnace Creek (off CA-190) for a smooth 15.5-mile ride. It's mostly gentle, with a few short ramps kicking up to a 4% gradient. Keep an eye out for the "SEA LEVEL" sign high up on the cliffs – it really puts things into perspective, showing just how far down you are. The landscape is seriously surreal. This whole area used to be a lake, but over time, it dried up, leaving behind crazy salt formations. The name? Legend has it a thirsty traveler tried to give the water to his mule, but it was so salty, the poor thing refused to drink it! Hence, "Badwater." Now, Death Valley isn't messing around with its climate. It's one of the hottest places on earth, so come prepared. Major rainstorms can flood the valley floor, so be aware of your surroundings. If you're there in a downpour, get to higher ground pronto! And remember, cell service can be spotty, so don't rely on your phone. The drive itself takes about 30 minutes without stops, but you'll want to pull over and soak it all in. The basin itself is otherworldly. Word to the wise: it gets crowded, especially on weekends. You can see it from the parking lot, but make sure you check out Artist’s Drive along the way – more mind-blowing Death Valley scenery you won't want to miss. Trust me, Badwater Basin is a bucket-list destination!
hardWhere is Fandango Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Fandango Pass! This hidden gem sits way up in Modoc County, California, chilling at a cool 6,164 feet. You'll find it nestled in the Modoc National Forest, pretty darn close to the Oregon border, between Upper Alkali Lake and Goose Lake. History buffs, listen up: this is where the legendary Applegate and Lassen Trails meet! The road itself? It's a well-kept gravel road called Fandango Pass Road (aka County Road 9), totally doable in most cars, weather permitting, of course. Just be ready for a bit of a thrill ride, with some seriously steep climbs, squeeze-through narrow spots, and hairpin turns galore! Clocking in at just over 15 miles, this beauty winds its way from US-395 to Surprise Valley Road. So, if you're looking for a scenic detour with a side of adventure, Fandango Pass is calling your name!
hardWhere is Workman Creek Falls?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Arizona, Gila County to be exact, and you stumble upon Workman Creek Falls. This 200-foot waterfall is seriously epic, and you can practically see it from your car! Getting there is half the adventure. You'll be on Forest Service Road 487, or Workman Creek Road, a 3.2-mile unpaved stretch starting from Arizona 288-Globe Young Highway. Now, a heads up: you'll want a high-clearance vehicle for this one. It's generally 2WD-friendly when dry, but things get interesting after the lower falls. Think steep, narrow, and a little thrilling if you're not a fan of heights. Once you're past the recreation area, it climbs up to 7,746 feet! The final stretch is a single-track forest road that can get a bit rocky. If the gate's open, you can drive all the way to the top! Just keep in mind this section above the Falls Recreation Site is usually closed from December 15 to March 31, snow depending. Now, is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are insane, and the area is teeming with diverse wildlife and plant life. It's gorgeous no matter the season. Just a heads-up: this area has naturally occurring uranium and radium-266. You'll see warning signs. There was mining here in the past, but it's been shut down for decades. The big takeaway is this: DO NOT go into any of the mines! They can have some pretty high radiation levels.
easyLoop Road of Everglades in Florida: watch out for alligators
🇺🇸 Usa
Everglades National Park's Loop Road: Get ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the heart of Florida! This hidden gem, also known as County Road 94 or Big Cypress Loop Road, begins and ends along US Hwy 41. Just 40 miles from Miami, it's an easily accessible escape. Clocking in at 24 miles, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The eastern 7 miles are paved, leading to the Loop Road Environmental Education Center (perfect for a picnic!). After that, it's all gravel and dirt – raw and real. During the summer wet season (May-October), be warned: parts of the road can be underwater! High-clearance vehicles are recommended, but in dry weather, most cars can manage with a little patience and slow speeds. Watch out for potholes! The rugged appearance hints at abandoned development dreams, adding a layer of intrigue to the journey. Located within the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area, this is a slow-paced exploration. Plan for at least 1.5 hours, but trust me, you'll want to take longer. Traffic is minimal, so prepare to cruise at 20mph or less. The Loop Road snakes through Collier, Monroe, and Miami-Dade counties, showcasing a diverse range of habitats. South of the Tamiami Trail, it provides access to the national preserve's more remote areas. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially alligators – they're everywhere! This road puts you right in the heart of the action, averaging just 18 inches above the surrounding waterscape. Stop at the culverts and bridges, listen, and look closely – you never know what you'll spot. Legend has it that Al Capone had a hunting lodge here, but don't expect any gangster sightings today!