Oso Ridge
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,660 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure in New Mexico's Cibola County, Oso Ridge is calling your name. This bad boy tops out at 8,727 feet, so be prepared for some serious altitude.
Now, let's be real: the road to the top (Forest Service 187A) is *not* for the faint of heart. We're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and plenty of "tippy" moments. Think of it as a rugged massage for your 4x4 – because, trust me, you'll need one! This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, and you'll want some off-roading experience under your belt. Mother Nature usually shuts this route down from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. Your reward for conquering this beast? Stunning views from the summit and a cool fire lookout tower that's been standing tall since 1965.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,660 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeCarnero Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk about Carnero Pass! Nestled way up in Saguache County, Colorado, this bad boy tops out at a cool 10,171 feet. You'll find it chilling within the Rio Grande National Forest. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a gravel 4WD track (County Road 41 G, if you're mapping it). Seriously, watch the weather! This road isn't messing around. Avalanches, serious snow, and landslides are real possibilities, plus icy patches love to pop up. Expect some rocky and muddy bits along the way. But hey, if you're up for it, the views are totally worth the white-knuckle ride!
hardUltimate 4wd destination: Clear Lake in San Juan NF
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Clear Lake! Picture this: an alpine turquoise dream shimmering at almost 12,000 feet high, nestled in Colorado's San Juan County. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. You'll find this gem tucked away in the San Juan National Forest, just west of the cool little town of Silverton, south of South Lookout Peak. The road to the lake? Forget pavement! It's a wild, rocky ride known as Forest Road 815 (Clear Lake Road). From Forest Road 585, near South Mineral Campground, it's a relatively short 4.4 miles, but don't let the distance fool you. You'll absolutely need a high-clearance vehicle, and 4x4 is highly recommended. Think narrow, steep, and hairpin turns that'll test your skills. Oh, and did I mention the seriously steep drop-offs? Beginners beware! Plenty of designated parking at the top though, so don't even think about parking on the grass. Open seasonally, from late spring to late fall, this high-altitude road is a stunner. You'll pass old mining relics along the way, but the real draw is the incredible scenery, wildflowers, and waterfalls. It's a bit of a white-knuckle climb to that magical lake above, but trust me, the views are worth every sweaty palm and craned neck. And yeah, that road gets steep! We're talking gradients up to 16% in sections. You'll climb over 2,000 feet from Forest Road 585, with an average gradient of over 9%.
moderateWhere is La Salle Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Let's talk La Salle Pass in Park County, Colorado. This beauty tops out at 9,753 feet above sea level and is named after some old-time miner. The road stretches for about 6.1 miles, winding from Forest Road 44.2A to County Road 31. Expect an unpaved surface with a few muddy sections and some mild rocky spots—high clearance is definitely your friend here. You’ll cruise near the Spinney Mountain Reservoir. Get ready for some killer views!
moderateTrail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the USA
🇺🇸 Usa
Colorado's Trail Ridge Road, snaking through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, is a must-do! This 48-mile (77 km) stretch of U.S. Highway 34, weaving between Estes Park and Grand Lake, offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Continental Divide. It's famed as the highest continuous paved road in the USA, reaching a dizzying 12,209 ft (3,721 m) above sea level. The road itself is in great shape and fully paved, but be prepared for some switchbacks and steep drop-offs – though honestly, it's not as hair-raising as some other Colorado mountain routes. The speed limit is nice and low. Keep in mind this route is typically closed during winter and can stay shut well into spring/early summer depending on the snow. Also, you'll need access to Rocky Mountain National Park to drive it. Conditions can change rapidly, especially in the shoulder seasons. The name comes from the old trails native people used to cross the Rockies. Building this amazing road started back in 1929, and it was finished by 1932, with the steepest bits at a manageable 7% gradient. Plan at least half a day for the trip, longer if you can swing it. This route is super popular and can get crowded, especially during holidays and on summer weekends between 9 am and 3 pm. Take your time, soak in the views from the many overlooks, and watch out for tourists who might be a little unsure of themselves on the road! It’s a truly remarkable driving experience!