Forest Road 1877, an epic enthralling drive
Usa, north-america
7.56 km
3,107 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, let me tell you about Forest Road 1877 in New Mexico! This isn't just any scenic drive; it's a high-altitude adventure in Taos County, tucked away in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains within the Carson National Forest.
First things first: this is a dirt road, all the way. We're talking about 4.7 miles of unpaved glory, and it's usually only open during the summer months because snow can linger well into June or even July.
Get ready for some serious elevation! You'll climb to a breathtaking 10,193 feet above sea level. Starting from Santa Barbara Road, it's a steep climb, gaining 1,722 vertical feet with an average gradient of almost 7%. Translation? You'll definitely want a 4x4 with high clearance to tackle this one.
But hey, the views from up there? Totally worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7.56 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,107 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardEstes Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Estes Mountain in central Idaho's Custer County is calling! This peak tops out at a breathtaking 9,514 feet, making it one of Idaho's highest drives. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lotta tippy moments. Winter? Forget about it – impassable is the word. Experienced off-roaders will be in heaven though! Definitely bring your 4x4, and maybe your courage, because this trail is steep, with hairpin turns aplenty. Oh, and heights? Yeah, you'll be seeing some serious drop-offs. Watch out for wet conditions that can turn the road into a muddy challenge. Keep your eyes peeled for old mines all the way to the top, remnants of the area's gold-rush history dating back to the 1800s. You'll find a parking area near the summit. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
moderateBreathtaking scenery on the road to Lemhi Pass (Idaho-Montana)
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Lemhi Pass Road, straddling the Idaho-Montana border, way up in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. We're talking 7,381 feet above sea level, nestled in the Beaverhead Mountains – Rocky Mountain views for days! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. This is a rural gravel road, a little rough around the edges. Seriously, bring a high-clearance vehicle; some sections are seriously rutted and rocky. A good spare tire is non-negotiable. And heads up: the last few miles get narrow – basically a one-lane situation. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and be ready to use those turnouts. Remember, downhill traffic usually has the right of way. The weather? Unpredictable. It can snow any time of year, and summer brings thunderstorms with lightning, strong winds, and maybe even hail. This is remote country; don’t expect any services. You might even see cattle or a moose wandering onto the road, so be alert! But the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time, surrounded by sagebrush, bunch grasses, and those classic Douglas-fir and lodgepole pine trees. This is where Lewis and Clark first spotted the Columbia River headwaters, and the historical markers at the pass really bring it to life. It's a drive that connects you to history and nature in a way you won't soon forget.
moderateWhere is Austin Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Washington state? You HAVE to check out Austin Pass! This baby sits pretty high up in the Cascades, inside the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, at 4,668 feet. You'll find it in the very northwest corner of Washington, practically waving to Canada. The drive up is totally paved on SR 542, so no need to worry about your tires. But don't get too comfy! It’s got some seriously steep parts and hairpin curves that'll keep you on your toes. The pass itself stretches for about 2.6 miles from the Mt. Baker Ski Area (Heather Meadows Base Area) all the way up to the stunning Artist Point — which, by the way, is even higher at 5,140 feet! Word to the wise: because it's so close to the Canadian border, Austin Pass is only open for a short window. Usually, you can hit it up from July until the first big snowfall, which usually happens around late September or early October. Trust me, the views are SO worth planning your trip around!
moderateWhere is Tecate Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Tecate Peak, towering over southeastern San Diego County at almost 4,000 feet! It’s right on the border with Mexico, so close you can practically wave to Tecate. What's up there? Well, you'll find communication towers doing their thing. Back in the day, there was even a lookout tower keeping watch for decades. But the real story is how sacred this peak, originally called Kuuchamaa by the local Kumeyaay people, is. They’ve revered it for centuries. Now, the drive up is an adventure. You'll be hugging the border for about a mile – seriously, sometimes you're only 50 feet away! Keep an eye out for the Border Patrol doing their rounds. The road itself? Mostly unpaved, with a few concrete patches thrown in. It's generally manageable, but heads up: there are some seriously steep drop-offs, loose rocks, and ruts to watch for, especially after it rains. The lower section is gravelly and rutted, so be ready for some bumps. Expect tight switchbacks and curves and, yes, some exposed edges. You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle for this one; 4-wheel drive is even better. The climb starts from CA-94 and stretches for about 6.5 miles, climbing nearly 2,500 feet, with an average slope of 7%. So, pack your adventurous spirit and get ready for some epic views!