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
moderateWhen Was Canal Road Built?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up road trippers, because Canal Road in Ontario is a wild ride! Picture this: you're cruising through Southern Ontario, right next to a river. Sounds idyllic, right? But hold on, because this "shortcut" between towns is anything but relaxing. Originally built to help farmers access their fields, this paved stretch is only about 6.4km long. After a major flood, they rebuilt it even closer to the water's edge — genius, right? 😉. Now, let's talk danger. This road's got a reputation! It's narrow, with the river lurking just inches away. In winter, think black ice and zero visibility. Over the years, this route has seen far too many accidents, with cars ending up in the drink. Since 2000, lives have tragically been lost. The scenery *is* pretty — if you can take your eyes off the road. Think water views and farms. They've made a few improvements, like barriers in some spots and speed display signs. But honestly, if you're not familiar with the area, maybe skip this one at night. Stay safe out there!
extremeWhere is Bountiful Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a trip to Bountiful Peak! This Utah gem sits high in the Northern Wasatch Mountains, within the Wasatch-Cache National Forest, about 6 miles north of Bountiful City. The road, known as Skyline Drive (Forest Road 008), is a 24.8-mile dirt track running from Farmington to Bountiful. It's a windy, narrow path with some seriously steep drop-offs, all nestled in a gorgeous alpine basin. While it's pretty steep, most cars should be able to make the climb, just take it slow! I wouldn't recommend taking any large vehicles, RVs, or trailers longer than 24 feet up there. The peak reaches 9,143 feet (2,787m) so weather can be a factor, especially in winter when it might be closed. But if you get the chance, the views are *totally* worth it!
hardWhere is Swanholm Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Swanholm Peak in central Idaho is calling, but this ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a climb to 8,733 feet in Elmore County, about 19 miles southeast of Lowman. So, how do you get there? Ditch the pavement! You'll be bumping along FS Road 229LO, affectionately known as Swanholm Jeep Road. From FS Road 251, it's about 3 miles to a first summit, then just a bit further (0.2 miles) to FS Road 229LO itself. This beast is only 2 miles long, but those are two seriously steep miles! Expect a super bumpy, rocky dirt track that demands a 4x4. Long wheelbase vehicles? Good luck navigating those tight switchbacks! Passing another vehicle is a real challenge, with few pull-outs. Heads up: this road is only open from about June 15 to Sept 15, buried in snow the rest of the year up in the Boise National Forest. But is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are incredible. Plus, there's an old fire lookout on the summit, built way back in 1922. It's not in use anymore, but it adds a cool historical vibe to the amazing scenery. Get ready for an adventure!
extremeA sensational road to Lobo Overlook
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You HAVE to check out Lobo Overlook in Mineral County, Colorado! Perched way up at 11,761 feet, the views of the San Juan Mountains and towards Pagosa Springs are seriously mind-blowing. Getting there is half the fun. County Road 402 winds its way up, and while it's dirt, it's usually graded pretty well – at least until you get close to the top. It can get a little bumpy near the end, but I cruised it in a little sedan without any problems. You don't need 4WD unless you're tackling it in snow, which is common from October/November on (and remember, it's not plowed!). Keep your eyes peeled for other drivers because the road gets narrow in spots, and pulling over can be tricky. Trust me, the 360-degree views are worth the white knuckles! The road itself is a blast – a twisty, turny delight with killer views of the San Juans. Just remember, you're high up, so take it easy and watch out for altitude sickness and unpredictable mountain weather, anytime of the year. "Lobo" means "wolf" in Spanish, so keep an eye out! At the summit, you'll find picnic tables, a bathroom, and a radio tower. From US-160, it's a 2.5-mile climb, gaining about 930 feet with an average gradient of 7%. Get ready for some seriously epic photos!