Forest Road 564
Usa, north-america
19.79 km
3.1 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Forest Road 564 in the heart of Colorado's San Juan Mountains! This beauty sits way up high in Montezuma County, and when I say high, I mean *high*. We're talking the *entire* road hovers above 10,000 feet!
It's about 12.3 miles of pure, unadulterated gravel goodness (with some seriously narrow bits thrown in for extra fun). Be warned: things get steep and rocky in places. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's your best friend. Speaking of friends, winter weather is *not* your friend here - this road doesn't get plowed.
The peak elevation hits a breathtaking 10,961 feet. But here's the thing: the San Juans are notorious for crazy summer thunderstorms and lightning. The weather can turn on a dime, so keep an eye on the sky! Despite the potential hazards, the views are absolutely incredible.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19.79 km
- Max Elevation
- 3.1 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is the road to New York Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the White River National Forest, Eagle County, Colorado, about to tackle an old mining road up to New York Mountain, high in the Northern Sawatch Range. We're talking serious altitude here. The adventure starts near Fulford, a quirky little ghost town that’s the gateway to the real backcountry. From there, it's Forest Road 418 (FR-418) all the way. Think Colorado high-country at its finest: alpine meadows giving way to rocky terrain as this old road snakes its way up. Keep an eye out for the three old miner's cabins hanging on near the top – relics from a time when this place was buzzing with activity. Now, let's be real: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. FR-418 is unpaved and seriously rugged. We're talking ruts, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps. A decent 4x4 is your best friend here, and high clearance? Non-negotiable. There are a couple of spots where you'll be thanking your lucky stars you didn't bring the family sedan. And those eight hairpin turns? Get ready to work that steering wheel! The road is only 5 miles long, but you'll climb 1,266 feet. Don't let the numbers fool you; that thin mountain air will have your engine working overtime, and those technical spots will have you crawling. It's slow going, but trust me, the views of the Sawatch Range from the top are worth every bump and bruise. Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed in from October to June. Even in summer, the weather can be WILD. Afternoon thunderstorms can turn the dirt into a slick mess, and the temperature can plummet faster than you can say "hypothermia." Always, ALWAYS check the local reports before you head up. And be prepared for anything once you get up there.
moderateWhere Is Birch Creek Historic Ranch?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna escape to a truly wild corner of Oregon? I'm talking about Birch Creek Historic Ranch in the southeast corner of Lake Owyhee State Park, a place so special it was preserved to protect its spot on the Owyhee River. Getting there? Buckle up! The road is an adventure in itself. Think steep, bumpy sections and three rocky creek crossings that'll test your driving skills. Seriously, don't even think about attempting this after rain or snow, as the road will be treacherous. What kind of wheels do you need? A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive beast is highly recommended. The road can be pretty gnarly, and trailers? Keep 'em short because space is limited. Oh, and remember, road conditions can change on a dime out here, so stay alert! The payoff? Epic! Blowout Reservoir Road is about 26 miles of pure, unadulterated backcountry bliss to the ranch. You'll climb around 2,300 feet, giving you an average gradient of around 1.7%, and views that'll blow your mind. Trust me; the bumpy ride is worth it!
easyHow long is Valley of Fire Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for the Valley of Fire Highway! This unreal stretch of asphalt winds right through Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada's oldest state park, in the northeast corner of Clark County. Think of it as the park's main artery, a 23.3-mile ribbon of pavement that links I-15 (near the old Crystal townsite) to NV-169, running east to west. The road's a bit bumpy with plenty of twists and turns, but who cares when the scenery is this epic? This drive is a photographer's dream, drenched in vibrant red sandstone formations that practically glow in the sunlight. Seriously, if you're a fan of the color red, this might just be your favorite road ever. Prepare for some elevation gain too, as you climb up to 3,061 feet above sea level. The views along the way are breathtaking, with glimpses of crazy rock formations and even parts of Lake Mead in the distance. Make sure to stop at the Seven Sisters Vista and Elephant Rock Vista for prime photo ops. And for a taste of history, take a hike on the one-mile Petroglyph Canyon Trail to see ancient Native American cave drawings. This route is so special, it earned the title of Nevada Scenic Byway back in 1995. Trust me, this is a road trip you won't forget!
hardWhere is Scotch Creek Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright adventure junkies, let's talk Scotch Creek Pass! Nestled way up high on the border of Dolores and San Juan counties in southwest Colorado's San Juan National Forest, this beauty sits at a whopping 10,570 feet. The road to get there? Forest Road 550, also known as the Old Scotch Creek Toll Road or Pinkerton Trail. Forget smooth sailing – we're talking incredibly rough terrain! This is a real off-road challenge. The climb up from Forest Road 578 is a 4.3-mile grind, gaining 1,315 feet in elevation. That's an average grade of almost 6%, so get ready for a workout for your rig. Heads up: This road is usually snowed in from late October all the way until late June or early July. Summer is your window to tackle this one! The views from the top are incredible, making it all worth the bumpy ride.