London Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,695 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're looking for a real Colorado adventure? Check out London Mountain! This beast tops out at 12,122 feet in the Mosquito Range, making it one of the highest drives in the state.
County Road 696 will get you there, but be warned: it's a rocky, bumpy, gravel road that'll test your driving skills. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here—you'll need high clearance and tough tires. This old mining road is generally closed from October to June due to snow, so plan your trip accordingly. When it's open, you'll pass some cool historic mining relics.
The trail is steep, and the weather can change in a heartbeat, so keep an eye on the forecast. Oh, and if you're afraid of heights, maybe skip this one. But if you're an experienced wheeler craving breathtaking views and a challenging drive, London Mountain is calling your name!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,695 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardBuffalo Gulch Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Buffalo Gulch Road in Mariposa County, California! This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a super narrow, rugged 3.8-mile adventure that'll have your knuckles white. Think gravel, rocks, and a bumpy, tippy ride – definitely a 4x4 kind of situation. Hope you aren't afraid of heights, because this baby's got some serious exposure. And keep an eye on the sky – thunderstorms can turn this already challenging road into a four-wheel-drive nightmare or even make it totally impassable. Seriously, the twists and turns are relentless, and even seasoned drivers might find themselves tested. Up, down, left, right – it's a constant dance! The intensity level is cranked up to eleven thanks to the complete lack of guardrails and zero margin for error if you meet another vehicle. If you're not a fan of narrow mountain roads with big drop-offs, washouts, and overgrown brush, steer clear. Some sections are so narrow you'll be holding your breath! The biggest danger? Blasting around a blind corner and finding another car barreling toward you. And seriously, if you don't know how to reverse confidently, DO NOT attempt this road! It's a shortcut connecting CA-140 and Ponderosa Way, but be warned, it's steep! You'll climb 1,171 feet from CA-140, averaging a gradient of almost 6%. Get ready for a wild ride!
extremeThe Old Mexico 101: Why Drivers Once Detoured to Avoid This Mountain Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up for a ride on Mexico's Carretera Federal 101, connecting San Luis Potosí and Ciudad Victoria! Back in the day, this was *the* way to go, but let me tell you, it earned a reputation, and not exactly a good one. This old road was known for being seriously gnarly. We're talking narrow, twisty, and a real test of your driving skills. So much so, that many truck drivers avoided it like the plague, adding major miles to their trips just to stay safe. Thankfully, things have changed! In 2008, a shiny new bypass (Tamaulipas state highway 126) opened up, and it's now the go-to route for most folks. But if you're a bit of a road trip rebel, the old 101 still has something to offer. Think incredible views of the northern Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains, with a landscape that’s mostly semi-desert. It's a total classic Mexican road trip experience. Just a heads-up: even though it’s better-engineered than it used to be, you’ll still encounter some tight hairpin turns and long, steep descents as you climb from Victoria (at 320 meters above sea level) to a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,520 meters. If you’re all about safety and speed, stick to the bypass. But if you’re a history buff, an engineering geek, or just love a good mountain drive with a little bit of an edge, the old Mexico 101 is worth a look. It’s a fascinating reminder of what driving in Mexico used to be like!
moderateCrossing the historic Gandy Bridge in Florida
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising Florida? You HAVE to experience the Gandy Bridge! This stunner stretches 14,859 feet (that's 4.5 km!) across Old Tampa Bay, connecting St. Pete to Tampa with some serious coastal vibes. Also known as the Friendship Trail Bridge (though parts have been repurposed over time), this is THE way to travel on U.S. Route 92. Picture yourself gliding over the water, with the sun sparkling and the breeze in your hair. Okay, real talk: if you get nervous driving close to the water, this might be a *slight* challenge. But trust me, the views are worth it! Traffic is usually pretty smooth, except maybe during the typical rush hour madness. Originally dating back to 1924, the Gandy Bridge has quite the history, but today's version makes for a gorgeous and easy drive. Ditch the mainland and explore this unforgettable coastal route.
easyDriving the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies
🇨🇦 Canada
Get ready for the Icefields Parkway, a drive that'll blow your mind in Alberta, Western Canada! This isn't just a road; it's a front-row seat to big mountains, glaciers that have been around forever, and lakes so blue they look photoshopped. Seriously, it's one of the most scenic drives on Earth. Stretching 231 km (144 miles) through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this north-south route connects the charming alpine town of Jasper (the main hub of Jasper National Park) with the picturesque Lake Louise in Banff National Park. Imagine starting near the Great Plains and then BAM! you're surrounded by the incredible mountain scenery of Banff and Jasper National Parks. It's forest, crag, and glacier views for days! The road, known as AB-93, is all paved, mostly two lanes with passing lanes sprinkled in. Fun fact: it was built way back in 1940. You'll climb to Bow Pass at 2,088m (6,850ft) above sea level, with Sunwapta Pass close behind at 2,069m (6,788ft). The road's usually open year-round, but winter can throw curveballs with closures. Snow tires and winter skills? Probably needed from mid-October to early May. Expect temporary closures after big snowfalls (crews need time to clear everything). Always check the forecast before you head out – rain can turn into snow any time of the year. Heads up: in winter, all the facilities along the parkway are closed. Think pristine lakes, ancient glaciers, crazy wildlife, and valleys that stretch forever. You'll wind through Banff and Jasper National Parks, a landscape packed with history and natural beauty that's hard to beat. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, deer, black bears, and coyotes – wolves, grizzlies, and goats are rarer sightings. This drive is popular, so July and August can get busy (think up to 100,000 vehicles a month!). Pack a meal, fuel up in Lake Louise or Jasper, and check road conditions, especially in spring, fall, and winter. Hit the road early to dodge traffic and boost your chances of spotting wildlife. This parkway crosses high country, so conditions can change fast, and services are limited. Even in summer, bring layers! It's a minimum 3-5 hour drive without stops, but you'll want a full day (or two!) to soak it all in.