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
easyWhere is the Lake Crescent Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Lake Crescent Highway in Washington state, right near the Canadian border and smack-dab in Olympic National Park. This stretch of U.S. Route 101 is only about 10 glorious miles long, but trust me, it packs a scenic punch. We're talking a fully paved road that hugs the southern shoreline of Lake Crescent, a super deep (think 600+ feet!) glacial lake famous for its unbelievable blue water. Seriously, some people call it the most beautiful lake in the US, and it's easy to see why. Formerly known as the Olympic Loop Highway, this two-lane road dips right into the park, and every twist and turn reveals another postcard-worthy view. It's a must-do drive, so make sure your camera's charged and ready because you'll want to stop *a lot* to soak it all in!
extremeWhere is Radical Hill?
🇺🇸 Usa
Radical Hill? More like Radically Awesome Hill! This beast clocks in at 12,618 feet above sea level, nestled in Colorado's Summit County near Montezuma, just west of Webster Pass. Forget pavement, this 7.1-mile climb is all about conquering rocks and navigating a seriously narrow, shelf-like track. Imagine tight switchbacks that'll have you holding your breath! It's tippy, steep, and has plenty of rocky sections to keep you on your toes. We're talking aggressive stock SUVs only, folks, with experienced drivers at the wheel. Low range and skid plates? Essential. Timing is everything! Aim for late August or early September for the best chance of a snow-free adventure. Any other time, and you might be facing a winter wonderland...or a winter nightmare. The road throws a mix of rocky terrain, switchbacks, and loose climbs your way. Watch out for those extra-narrow spots and the off-camber section near the tailings pile. The final push to the top is loose, rocky, and eroded, so be prepared. Not for the faint of heart, this trail serves up steep drops and challenging terrain! But the payoff? Absolutely worth it. The summit is super flat with tons of parking to soak in the views. You'll be treated to incredible vistas of the Continental Divide, Webster Pass, Handcart Peak, and Teller Mountain. Plus, you'll stumble upon remnants of Colorado's rich mining history along the way. It's a tough climb, but the rewards are epic!
hardWhere is Thompson Peak located?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Thompson Peak in northeastern California is calling your name. This bad boy sits in Plumas National Forest, smack-dab in the Diamond Mountains, offering absolutely killer views of the Sierra Nevada and that vast Great Basin desert. Getting there is a *trip*. Forget your sedan, you'll need some serious off-road cred to conquer Forest Road 28N02A. We're talking a high-clearance vehicle minimum, but a 4x4 is *highly* encouraged – this unpaved track is narrow, rutted, and climbs steeply. Think a gain of 1,107 meters over just 15.9 km starting near Janesville off Highway 395. Yeah, that's a 6.96% average gradient – get ready to work! Up top, you'll find a fire lookout with a cool history (it was even used during WWII!), plus an eerie abandoned Cold War-era radar station. History buff bonus! The peak is named after some pioneer dude who built a cabin nearby back in the 1800s. Word to the wise: This road is a no-go in winter due to heavy snow. Aim for late spring or summer, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Bring supplies, because you're out there. But trust me, the views are worth every bump and grind along the way. Thompson Peak is a true off-road gem!
hardA very bumpy road to Cerro Pelado
🇺🇸 Usa
Cerro Pelado is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.085m (10,121ft) above the sea level, located in Sandoval County, in northern New Mexico, USA. It’s one of the highest roads of New Mexico. Nestled in the Jemez Mountains, within the Santa Fe National Forest, the road to the summit (aka Naked Hill), is totally unpaved. It’s in reasonably good shape, used regularly by the Forest Service and cell tower maintainers, though the last bit gets steeper and rockier. 4x4 vehicle required. The summit hosts the Cerro Pelado Fire Lookout, built in 1913. During fire season the tower is manned and provides great panoramic views of the area. Starting from the paved NM-4, the ascent is 19.31km (12 miles) long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 595 meters. The average gradient is 3.08%. Pic: Danny springtrap Mount Tom: Driving the Lookout Road near Bishop Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.