
How challenging is the road to Nevado de Colima?
Mexico, north-america
23.4 km
3,991 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk about conquering Nevado de Colima in Jalisco, Mexico! This beast of a mountain tops out at nearly 13,100 feet, and the road to get there? Forget about it! We're talking seriously steep climbs β some spots hit a 12% gradient, so you NEED a 4x4 for this mission.
The road kicks off from Carretera Estatal el Grullo-Ciudad Guzman and it's about 14.5 miles of pure, unadulterated challenge, racking up over 7,200 feet of elevation gain. Expect mainly gravel and rock β this ain't no Sunday drive. Picture this: you, your trusty 4x4, surrounded by insane Nevado de Colima National Park views, inching your way up what feels like a barely-there mule track. Seriously, it gets narrow and if it's been raining? Muddy and slippery are understatements. Be warned, tourist access is often limited to a gate around 11,500 feet, so those comm towers at the very top may remain out of reach! Built originally to service those towers, this route will test your mettle!
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 23.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,991 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow long is Fern Lake Road in Rocky Mountain NP?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado? Awesome choice! Fern Lake Road is a must-do if you're looking for a scenic little detour. This 2.7-mile jaunt winds its way through Larimer County, starting paved but turning to dirt at the Cub Lake trailhead. Weaving along the north side of the gorgeous Moraine Park meadows, itβs a pretty tight squeeze in spots, especially the last 0.7 miles. It's basically a one-lane track to the Fern Lake Trailhead parking lot. Speaking of parking, it's seriously limited (think 15-20 cars, max!). Hit the Hiker Shuttle to avoid a headache and a ticket (seriously, don't park on the roadside β it damages the environment!). The road tops out at 8,149 feet, and the very end portion is usually closed during the winter months. Basically, stunning views with a touch of adventure!
moderateCan you drive to Sugarloaf Peak in NV?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Want to escape into the wild beauty of Nevada? Then you NEED to check out Sugarloaf Peak! This bad boy sits right on the border of Esmeralda and Mineral counties, topping out at a cool 9,078 feet. Getting there is half the fun (and half the challenge!). The road is an old mining route, totally unpaved, and seriously rugged. We're talking 4x4 territory, folks. Leave your sedan at home! You'll find the start of the 5.8-mile dirt track off of U.S. Route 6, aka the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, in the southwestern part of Nevada. As you climb into Inyo National Forest, keep your eyes peeled for old mining ruins scattered along the route. Back in the day, this area was all about silver, gold, and mercury. Now it's all about the views!
moderateWhere is Devil Peak?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Devil Peak, or Signal Peak as some call it, is a real hidden gem nestled in southern Mariposa County, California, practically chilling in Yosemite's backyard. The road to the top? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of situation. We're talking a super rocky path, but hey, at least it's wide! You'll absolutely need a high-clearance vehicle to make it. From Tenmile Grade Road, it's about a * miles climb, gaining a serious * feet in elevation β that's an average grade of *%. And the views? Totally worth it! Plus, at the very top, you'll find the Signal Peak Lookout, one of the few fire lookout towers still in operation. It started way back in 1900, and the current version dates back to 1951. Pretty cool, right? Word of caution, though: Sierra National Forest access means this road is generally a no-go in the winter months. So plan accordingly!
moderateWhere is Galena Summit?
πΊπΈ Usa
Cruising through Idaho and looking for a memorable drive? Then point your wheels toward Galena Summit! This high-altitude pass clocks in at a cool 8,727 feet (2,660m) and sits pretty in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. You'll find this gem in the northwest corner of Blaine County. The road, State Highway 75 (aka the Sawtooth Scenic Byway), is completely paved, but don't let that fool you β it's a pretty steep climb in sections with some twisty turns. This north-south route stretches for 78 miles (125km) between Stanley and Bellevue, offering incredible panoramic mountain views along the way. It's considered one of Idaho's most iconic drives. While usually open year-round, winter can throw a wrench in the works with snow and potential closures. So be sure to check conditions before you go. This pass definitely lives up to its location high in the Boulder Mountains! Make sure to stop at the Bethine and Frank Church Overlook, just west of the summit. The views from here, especially near sunrise or sunset, are simply stunning. Keep an eye out for wildlife, too β you never know what you might see!