Forest Road 1950
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,067 m
hard
Year-round
Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Forest Road 1950 in northern New Mexico's Taos and Colfax counties. This baby's a gravel road that climbs way, way up – topping out at 10,062 feet! We're talking some of the highest roads in the whole state. Expect a few steep stretches to keep things interesting, and while it's usually open year-round, Mother Nature sometimes throws a wintery tantrum and closes it down. Be prepared for tough weather! On the bright side, there are campgrounds dotted along the route for chill breaks or an overnight stay. Get ready for some incredible scenery as you climb!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,067 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Lulu Pass in Montana?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Ever heard of Lulu Pass in Montana? This beauty sits way up high in Park County at a cool 9,872 feet! We're talking about one of Montana's highest roads, nestled north of Cooke City in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Heads up: the road to the top is all dirt, baby! This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive—it's an old mining road that's pretty rough and steep. You're gonna want a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle for this one. How long is the climb? About 5.2 miles from US-212. Not too bad, right? Just remember, this high up in the Beartooths, things get snowy. You probably can't get through from November to May. The weather can change on a dime, so pack for anything. So, is it worth the trek? Totally! You'll find some cool old mining ruins near the top, but the real prize is the view. Get ready for unreal, breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and meadows stretching out below you. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you!
extremeEspinazo del Diablo is a Mexican Thrilling and Challenging Mountain Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Espinazo del Diablo, or the Devil's Backbone, is a legendary mountain road in Mexico linking Mazatlan and Durango. This road is famous for its intense hairpin turns and switchbacks. Hugging the western side of the Sierra Madre Occidental, the Devil's Backbone peaks at 2,440 meters (8,005ft). Picture this: you're on Kilometer 168 of Mexican Federal Highway 40, perched between two crazy-deep ravines! For about 10 km, you'll be treated to unreal views of the Sierra Madre Occidental, topping out at 2,744m (9,002ft). That stretch of highway is super narrow and twisty—we're talking around 2,000 curves! This road is maintained well, but those curves are tight, and some trucks need the entire road to navigate them. You'll wind up and down through insane scenery, around sharp bends, and alongside some major drop-offs. Winter brings ice, so be careful! The road cuts through mountains and deep ravines, with some sections featuring big banks on one side and cliffs on the other. There have been reports of assaults and robberies in the area, so be aware. Filling up the gas tank is highly recommended. The road can have rough asphalt and rocks, all at that high elevation around 2,000 meters. Fog is common, wild animals roam around, and accidents happen. That afternoon fog can be a real challenge. Locals say the devil can be seen in the impressive ravines. Legend has it that when the Archangel Michael tossed the devil out of heaven, his backbone formed the Sierra Madres! This road has a rep for accidents. Historically, it’s a remote area, which has led to drug-related crime. But hey, the scenery of the Sierra Madre Occidental is amazing! Expect a slow pace– this road is so twisty, it can take 7-8 hours to cross at an average speed of 20 mph or less. In 2013, the scenic Mexico 40D bypassed it, with 115 bridges and 61 tunnels!
moderateMcClure Pass is one of the steepest paved roads of Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for McClure Pass! This beauty sits way up high in Colorado, clocking in at a cool 8,795 feet above sea level. You'll find it straddling Pitkin and Gunnison counties in western Colorado. We're talking about Highway 133 – also known as the West Elk Loop Scenic Byway. The entire route is paved, stretching about 50 miles from Carbondale down to Somerset. It got a major upgrade back in '47, so you know it’s a classic. Get ready for some serious climbs! The Carbondale side throws a 9% gradient your way, and Somerset isn't far behind with an 8% grade. Hold on to your hats! The pass is usually open year-round, but winter can bring heavy snow and closures. Avalanche risk is a real thing, so pay attention to warnings. Near the top, there’s a park area with an overlook to soak in the views. Trust me, you’ll want to stop and snap some pics of those stunning Rockies!
moderateUtah State Route 44
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along UT-44 in northern Utah, smack-dab in the Ashley National Forest, and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area is putting on a show just for you. This paved road twists and turns for about 28 miles (around 34 minutes of driving time), revealing some seriously dramatic geological formations. Seriously, the views are unreal! My photos don't even scratch the surface. Just imagine: You start near the tiny town of Manila, practically on the Wyoming border, and wind your way south to Red Canyon on US-191. Heads up, though: this road climbs! You'll reach a lofty 7,621 feet above sea level, so it's definitely a steep one. UT-44 is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter—it can get temporarily closed if things get too wild. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!