NM 15 Road, a hazardous drive in the winter
Usa, north-america
70.48 km
2,272 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! New Mexico State Road 15 is calling your name, a seriously stunning stretch of asphalt that carves its way through the Gila National Forest. Think incredible views, but be warned – this baby's got curves. We're talking enough twists and turns to make even the most seasoned traveler reach for the ginger ale!
Clocking in at around 44 miles, this paved road winds from Silver City up to Cliff Dweller Canyon. Keep an eye out, because some parts get a little narrow. You'll climb to a peak of around 7,454 feet, so the views are absolutely worth it.
Word to the wise: daylight is your friend here, especially because winter driving can be tricky. Snow is gorgeous, but it melts during the day and then turns into sneaky ice patches when the sun dips. And always check the weather forecast before you head out – snowstorms can definitely put a temporary halt to your adventure. Trust me, you don't want to get stuck!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 70.48 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,272 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
easyChristmas Tree Pass is an enjoyable drive through the desert of Nevada
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Christmas Tree Pass in Nevada! This isn't your typical Vegas experience. We're talking about a 16.3-mile dirt road (NPS Road 20) snaking through the Newberry Mountains, hitting a peak of 3,969 feet. Find it by heading outside Laughlin off NV-163 or coming from Searchlight on US-93. The views are seriously amazing – classic Nevada desert landscapes giving way to mountain scenery. You'll be cruising through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area so there are hiking and rock scrambling opportunities along the way! The road's generally in good shape but watch out for some steep and rough patches, especially on the east side just below the summit. High clearance is helpful in spots. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes! The real highlight? The pass is named for *the* Christmas Tree – a local tradition of decorating a tree along the route with ornaments. Plus, don't miss Grapevine Canyon! Seriously cool ancient rock art is etched into the granite boulders. Allocate about an hour to drive, not including stops, along this route sacred to Native American tribes.
hardThe road to the summit of Mount Fowlkes
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, stargazers and road trippers, listen up! Wanna touch the cosmos? Then head to Mount Fowlkes in Jeff Davis County, Texas! At 6,660 feet, you're practically in space. This peak is home to the renowned McDonald Observatory—a real treat for science buffs. The road up, also known as Texas State Highway Spur 77, is a short but sweet 1.5-mile climb from TX-118. Don't let the short distance fool you. You'll gain 446 feet in elevation! Expect some steep sections, with an average gradient of 5.64% and a maximum of 11.4%—enough to make your engine work! But trust me, the views from the top are totally worth the huffing and puffing. Get ready for some unforgettable scenery and maybe even a glimpse of the universe!
hardBean Hill
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Bean Hill in southwestern Utah! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a gnarly, high-altitude climb up to 9,091 feet! The road is gravel and pretty rocky, and can get downright treacherous in spots. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 for this one. And definitely only tackle it when it's dry! Weather up here changes in a heartbeat and closures happen. So check conditions *before* you even think about heading out. Wet or dark? Forget about it. This road's a stunner, and the views from the top are killer, but be smart and be prepared!
hardLovell Summit
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Lovell Summit in Nevada's Clark County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a 6,807-foot climb into the La Madre Mountain Wilderness and Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. The road, also known as Forest Service Road 45536 (Lovell Canyon Summit Road), is a backcountry connector between Lovell and Trout Canyons. Forget smooth asphalt; you'll be dealing with gravel, rocks, and a seriously bumpy ride. Think remote – prepare for limited traffic, zero inhabitants, and patchy cell service at best. A 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's pretty much essential, especially since winter likes to hang around here. Expect constant twists, turns, and narrow passages that will test your driving skills. It's steep too – some sections hit a gradient of almost 11%. Not a super technical trail, but be aware it gets pretty soft and potentially icy during the colder months. The scenery, though? Totally worth the white knuckles!