Mount Bigelow
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,571 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through the Santa Catalina Mountains in southern Arizona, right? You're aiming for Mount Bigelow, a beast of a peak standing tall at 8,434 feet.
The road up, E Bigelow Road, is where things get interesting. Forget smooth asphalt – we're talking proper gravel and rocks here. Think Coronado National Forest vibes and total winter shutdown. If you're not comfy with unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. Trust me, you'll want a 4x4 for this adventure! Oh, and did I mention it's pretty steep? Heights aren't your friend on this climb.
But hey, the payoff is HUGE. At the top, you’re greeted by a lookout tower (hello, history!), loads of cool communication gear, and even an astronomy observatory. Perfect for soaking up those panoramic views after a white-knuckle drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,571 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateIslip Saddle
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: cruising along the Angeles Crest Highway (that's State Route 2, for those playing at home) in the Angeles National Forest, California. You're in San Bernardino County, climbing to a sweet 6,680 feet above sea level at the Islip Saddle. This paved ribbon of road, named after some dude named George Islip from Canada, is a total dream to drive. Get ready for some incredible views as you wind your way through the mountains!
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!
hardWhere is Colorado Mines Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in central Colorado, smack-dab in the Arapaho National Forest, and you're itching for a serious dose of altitude. Colorado Mines Peak is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about one of the highest roads in Colorado, topping out at a cool 12,506 feet. The whole reason it's called Colorado Mines Peak is because the Colorado School of Mines has a weather station chilling at the summit. Now, the road itself? It's a 2-mile (3.21 km) unpaved service road—Colorado Mines Peak Road—with some super-long switchbacks and a steep grade averaging 11.7%. Expect an elevation gain of 1,250ft (381m). Heads up, though: private vehicles aren't allowed! Plus, being in the heart of Colorado, this road is usually buried under snow during the winter, so plan your trip for later in the season when things have thawed out. Once you reach the top, yeah, there are a bunch of communication towers and equipment (think 1950s vibes). But honestly, who cares when you're surrounded by unbelievable views in every single direction?
hardWenatchee Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Wenatchee Mountain in central Washington State, a beast of a peak topping out at 6,755 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll be climbing high above the Mission Ridge Ski Resort, and trust me, the views from the lookout near the summit are worth the trek. But here's the thing: this road is a gravelly, rocky, bumpy ride that demands respect. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically mandatory. Expect steep climbs and a road that's slow going. We're talking ruts, rocks, and potentially tricky conditions. Keep an eye on the weather too - thunderstorms can quickly turn this road into a 4x4-only situation, or even make it impassable! And be prepared for some serious wind at the top – it can really whip up there. Basically, this road is a challenging climb, but with stunning panoramic views that make it an unforgettable adventure. Just be prepared! Also, the road is typically closed from October to June, weather permitting.