
Is Forest Road 98 to Blue Bird Mesa in New Mexico unpaved?
Usa, north-america
8.85 km
2,824 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, somewhere in Sandoval County, headed up to Blue Bird Mesa. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a proper mountain pass topping out at 9,265 feet!
The road in is Forest Road 98, and it's a beauty, but heads up – it's all unpaved. You'll want a 4x4 for sure, though if the weather's been kind, a high-clearance vehicle *might* just make it. This little adventure is only about 5.5 miles long, winding north-south through the Santa Fe National Forest until you hit Forest Road 20 again.
The views? Unreal. You're headed to Blue Bird Overlook, after all. Keep your eyes peeled too because you might spot deer, elk, turkeys, or some other awesome wildlife hanging out along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8.85 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,824 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Arizona Snowbowl?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Arizona Snowbowl? Awesome choice! This ski resort sits way up high, at a whopping 9,553 feet in Coconino County. You'll find it nestled about 12 miles outside of Flagstaff, right in the heart of the Coconino National Forest. The drive up is totally paved – smooth sailing on Snow Bowl Road! But hold on, it's not a boring cruise. Get ready for a climb! Over 7 miles (that's about 11.2 km), you'll gain a hefty 671 meters in elevation. Expect some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 11%. The average incline is around 6%, so keep that in mind. But trust me, the views from the top are absolutely worth it!
hardTuktoyaktuk Winter Road closed permanently on April 2017
🇨🇦 Canada
Imagine driving across a frozen river and ocean! The Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road was a real thing in Canada's Northwest Territories, stretching 177km (109 miles) from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk. Talk about an off-the-beaten-path adventure! Part of the legendary Dempster Highway, this icy marvel was one of the world's most northern roads. For a few months each winter (December to March), when the Mackenzie River Delta froze solid, it transformed into a highway of ice. The rest of the year, Tuktoyaktuk was only accessible by plane or boat. While it was open, it was a vital supply route, servicing gas hydrate fields and remote outposts. Picture convoys of trucks hauling fuel, equipment, and supplies across the frozen landscape! The road wasn't for the faint of heart. The ice, though about 8 feet thick, was riddled with cracks and ridges. Inuvik's freezing temperatures, hovering between -7°C and -17°C during the day, made for an icy ride. Sadly, this iconic ice road closed for good on April 29, 2017. It was replaced by the all-weather Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway.
extremeWhere is Lemoigne Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure-seekers! I'm talking about Lemoigne Canyon Road, deep in Death Valley National Park in eastern-central California. This ain't your average Sunday drive! First off, you're gonna need a serious 4x4 with high clearance. Seriously. This 4.2-mile stretch is infamous for its massive washouts, relentless rocks, and generally unforgiving terrain. We're talking ruts, gullies, the whole shebang. Trust me, you'll be crawling along. The road starts off Highway 178, about 6 miles south of Stovepipe Wells. You'll eventually reach a barrier after about 4.2 miles, but parking or camping spots will appear before then. Don't even THINK about trying to take your standard car past the barrier! Expect a slow crawl – think a few hours to conquer this 4.2-mile beast. But, despite the bone-jarring ride, you’ll find yourself surrounded by stark, beautiful desert scenery, so it's worth the trek. The canyon itself, named after a French mining engineer, is steeped in history (lead-zinc-silver deposits, anyone?). Beyond the barrier, the old road transforms into a hiking trail leading further into the canyon, where you can explore on foot. Just remember to be prepared for a serious challenge!
moderateBlack Canyon Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through Arizona and find yourself near the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, you HAVE to check out Black Canyon Road. This isn't your average paved highway – we're talking about a 15.5-mile gravel track that really takes you off the beaten path. Now, a regular car *might* make it, but I highly recommend something with a bit of clearance for peace of mind. Think slow and steady wins the race here; you'll want to take your time to soak up the scenery anyway! Be ready for a bit of washboarding and the occasional rut, but nothing too crazy if you're careful. Even though it feels like you're in the middle of nowhere, you're surprisingly close to civilization. Get ready for some incredible views – this drive is a real feast for the eyes!