How long is Camp Bird Road?
Usa, north-america
8.2 km
3,000 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure on Camp Bird Road, a stunner hidden away southwest of Ouray County, Colorado! This unpaved beauty, also known as County Road 361, stretches for 5.1 miles of pure, compact dirt goodness from Ouray (right off the Million Dollar Highway) up to the historic Camp Bird Mine.
Speaking of Ouray, it's a seriously cool town with roots in the silver and gold rush days. Camp Bird Mine itself is a legend, having churned out over a million ounces of gold since the 1800s!
Now, fair warning: This isn't your average Sunday drive. While the first few miles are pretty chill, things get progressively more "interesting." Think bumpy shelf roads that eventually morph into a moderate 4WD challenge. You'll definitely want some ground clearance, and a 4WD is your best bet. Low-clearance 2WDs? Probably best to skip this one.
The higher you climb, the narrower the road gets, making passing a real pain. Be prepared for potential traffic jams on summer weekends. Plus, keep an eye out for some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 16%! You'll climb to a whopping 9,842 feet above sea level.
But trust me, the views are SO worth it! Just maybe leave your fear of heights at home for this trip.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,000 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Lakeview Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a quirky road trip on the Road to Nowhere, near Bryson City, North Carolina! Tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this isn't just a drive; it's a journey into history and maybe a little bit of the paranormal! Where does this road actually go? Lakeview Drive winds along Fontana Lake's northern edge inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, close to the Tennessee border. Both sections offer access to hiking trails and stunning views of the mountains and lake. How long is it? The Road to Nowhere clocks in at 6.5 miles, broken into two parts. The first bit is a short 0.7 miles near Fontana Dam. The second, longer stretch runs 5.8 miles until... well, you'll see. Is it paved? Yep, it's fully paved, making it fine for cars and a challenging workout for cyclists. But heads up, it's curvy, so pay attention behind the wheel! What's the story? Back in the '40s, residents had to move to make way for Fontana Lake. The government promised a road, Lakeview Drive, to reconnect folks and access cemeteries. They started building in the '60s, but stopped in '71 because of environmental issues, unstable rock, and cost. Now, there's a six-mile stretch ending at a tunnel! Why "Road to Nowhere?" That name comes from its unfinished state. The eastern section dead-ends at a 1,200-foot tunnel. It's a remote, isolated place with a bit of a spooky vibe. What's so scenic? Lakeview Drive boasts several viewpoints, like the Fontana Lake Overlook, plus access to the Noland Creek Trails. Get ready for creekside views, mountain vistas, and a whole lot of peace and quiet. Perfect for photos! What trails can I hike? The road gives you access to: Noland Creek Trail North and South: Hike along the creek for forest and water views. The South Trail is a one-mile loop to Fontana Lake. Goldmine Loop Trail: A loop connecting to Lakeshore Trail. Forney Creek Trail: Follows where the road was supposed to go, linking both segments and offering campsites. So, what's at the end? The eastern segment ends at a long tunnel, only accessible on foot. Bring a flashlight – it's dark in there! The other side leads to more hiking trails. Why does everyone think it's haunted? The Road to Nowhere is known for paranormal activity. The tunnel is super eerie at night—cold wind, echoing voices, and total darkness. Its isolation, the tunnel, and the backstory make it a hotspot for ghost hunters! Why is it important? It's a reminder of the past: communities displaced, environmental concerns, and broken promises. In 2010, Swain County got $52 million instead of the road, officially ending the 1943 agreement. Can I drive or bike it? The paved road is good for cars and a challenging bike ride. Cyclists love the curves and views, especially in the fall. You can also fish for trout along Noland Creek or just relax at an overlook. Anything else I should know? Prepare for a remote, winding drive. Drive carefully due to curves and drop-offs. Bring flashlights for the tunnel, and note that some trails are strenuous. Weather changes fast in the mountains, so check the forecast!
moderateHow long is Carretera Federal 95D?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Let's talk about Mexico's Carretera Federal 95D. This baby snakes for about 47 miles south of Mexico City through some seriously stunning mountain and valley scenery. But don't let the views totally distract you, because this road is a wild ride! You'll climb to a whopping 10,072 feet above sea level before plummeting down to 5,249 feet as you roll into Cuernavaca. Word on the street is that it has a reputation for being one of the trickiest highways around, thanks to one particularly nasty hairpin turn called "Nuevo Leon 20". So, keep your eyes on the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
hardWhere is Mount Taylor?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for an adventure? Let's talk Mount Taylor in New Mexico! This dormant volcano hangs out in Cibola County, and at 11,289 feet, it's one of the highest points you can drive to in the state. The views? Unreal. You start in these gorgeous aspen groves, then BAM! Desert vistas stretching all the way to Arizona. The mountain itself has a cool history. It used to be called "little onion" back in Spanish days, but got renamed after President Zachary Taylor. Plus, it's super important to the local Zuni and Navajo communities, who see it as a sacred place. Now, about the road... It's about 5.77 miles to the top, and it climbs like crazy, with a pretty steep average gradient. Here's the deal: you'll want a 4-wheel-drive for this one, especially if it's wet. The last few miles are pretty rocky, and you might need to throw it in low gear. Even though a regular car *can* make it, expect some scratches from branches because the road gets narrow in spots. Heads up: this drive is really best in the summer. Being so high up, Mount Taylor gets hammered with snow and ice during the colder months. Even early or late in the season, you could still run into some icy patches, so be prepared. Oh, and watch out for afternoon thunderstorms – you don't want to be caught on those open slopes when the lightning starts!
moderateWhere is Galena Summit?
🇺🇸 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 – 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 – you never know what you might see!