Pajarito Mountain

Pajarito Mountain

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

3,158 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're in north-central New Mexico, specifically Los Alamos County, and craving a serious off-road experience, then Pajarito Mountain is calling your name! This peak punches up to a whopping 10,360 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state.

Nestled on the eastern flank of the Jemez Mountains, the road to the top is a beast – think gravel, seriously rocky, and downright treacherous in spots. You absolutely need a 4x4 to even consider this one. Keep a close eye on the weather, because things can change on a dime up there, and closures are common. Seriously, only attempt this when it's dry! A word to the wise: if you have any respiratory or heart issues, this isn't the drive for you. The altitude and extreme weather are no joke, no matter the time of year. And be prepared for wind – it’s a constant companion at these heights. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, the views are probably insane!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
3,158 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Angel Peak?hard

Where is Angel Peak?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: Angel Peak, also called Amber Peak or Angle Peak, a beast of a mountain in Nevada's Clark County, chilling near Mt. Charleston and not too far from the bright lights of Las Vegas. What's at the top? An Air Force radar station and views that will knock your socks off. Seriously, the Spring Mountains provide the perfect backdrop. Now, how do you get up there? You've got choices. Option one: Lucky Strike Road, the paved path. It's only about 3.3 miles from NV-158 (Deer Creek Road), so it's a short blast. Don't let the distance fool you, though—you'll hit some steep 9% grades. Overall, you're climbing around 528 feet, so get ready for a little workout. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, tackle Lucky Strike Mine Road. This dirt road clocks in at 13.5 miles from NV-157 (Kyle Canyon Road). It’s a real climb, gaining over 4,000 feet. It's also got some serious 9% grades. There's one section that's a real challenge, with loose rock and a steep incline, so bring a 4x4. Unless conditions are perfect, stock vehicles might want to think twice.

Black Mountain is the highest road of Kentuckymoderate

Black Mountain is the highest road of Kentucky

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're ever cruising through Kentucky, you HAVE to check out Black Mountain in Harlan County. This isn't just any hill; it's the tallest peak in the whole state, clocking in at 4,145 feet! Locals sometimes call it Katahrin's Mountain, and you'll find it chilling near the Virginia border, right by the town of Lynch. The main road up, Kentucky Route 160, is paved and winding, so get ready for some fun curves! Heads up though – it can get pretty icy in the winter. Once you hit the state line at the crest, the real adventure begins! A 1.7-mile gravel road called Black Mountain Ridge Road leads to the actual summit. The peak itself is kind of quirky – you'll find radio towers, an old fire lookout tower, and some transmitter buildings up there, plus an FAA Radar station lower down. The whole drive, stretching 19.5 miles from Cumberland, Kentucky, to Appalachia, Virginia, is gorgeous. Get ready for some killer views! Just take it slow and enjoy the ride.

Where is Crooked Creek Pass?moderate

Where is Crooked Creek Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so picture this: Crooked Creek Pass, sitting pretty at just over 10,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies. You'll find it south of Eagle and Sylvan Lake, smack-dab in the White River National Forest. We're talking about the Eagle-Thomasville Road (FSR #400), a gravel track that’s a solid 4WD adventure. Eagle County usually keeps it in decent shape up to Sylvan Lake, but trust me, you'll want that four-wheel drive. Expect a few narrow and bumpy sections, but nothing too crazy. Clocking in at around 36 miles, this north-south route links Eagle to the paved road. Keep your eyes peeled – the "summit" is just a cattle guard with a sign; blink, and you'll miss it! Oh, and a heads-up: this road is a no-go in winter due to snow. But when it's open? Get ready for some incredible views!

What is the Dempster Highway?easy

What is the Dempster Highway?

🇨🇦 Canada

Cruising through the wild Canadian Arctic, the Dempster Highway is your ticket to crossing the Arctic Circle in any season. What's the Dempster Highway? It's a road trip you won't soon forget – stunning, a little wild, and maybe a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. If escaping the crowds is your thing, this is your road. Where does it run? Starting east of Dawson City in the Yukon and winding up in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, on the Mackenzie River delta, it covers 736 km (457 mi). And the adventure doesn't stop there! As of late 2017, you can tack on another 147 km (91 miles) on NWT Highway 10 to Tuktoyaktuk – the "first all-weather road to Canada's Arctic Coast," taking you from Inuvik, through the tundra, and right to the Arctic Ocean. Note that seasonal ferry service and ice bridges are necessary to cross the Peel and Mackenzie Rivers. What's the road like? This isn't your average highway. Known as Yukon Highway 5 and Northwest Territories Highway 8, it's a well-kept gravel and crushed stone road. Conditions can be unpredictable as you carve your way through the Ogilvie and Richardson Mountains, cross the Continental Divide three times, and venture into the Arctic Circle, tracing old dog-sled routes. Expect dust in the summer, and make sure you're in a vehicle with good clearance and a spare tire. When did they build it? Construction started way back in 1959, wrapping up in 1978, and it officially opened in 1979. It follows a path used by Indigenous people for millennia and is named after Inspector William John Duncan Dempster. Is it safe? A great trip requires some planning. Pack those spare tires, do some basic vehicle checks, and bring jackets, water, and an emergency kit. Check road conditions in Dawson City or at the Klondike River Lodge before you head out. Services are sparse: you'll find gas, diesel, and repairs at Eagle Plains, Ft. McPherson, and Inuvik. Give those big trucks plenty of space, especially when it's dusty. Drive smart, stick to the 90 km/hour speed limit when you can, and be prepared for limited facilities. A full-size spare tire, extra water, and gas are a must. Traffic is light, so come prepared. In winter, add a shovel, sleeping bag, stove, matches, emergency snacks, and cold-weather gear. A satellite phone is a good idea since cell service can be spotty. When is it open? This mountain road peaks at North Fork Pass Summit, 1.328m (4,356ft) above sea level. The road is generally open from June 10 to October 14 in the summer, and December 15 to April 30 in the winter. How long does it take? You'll need at least two days for this adventure. Plan on 12 to 16 hours each way, depending on road conditions and how often you stop to soak it all in. When is the best time to go? This is an out-of-this-world experience. For summer vibes, aim for late June to early August, when you can enjoy 24-hour sunlight. For an autumn adventure, early August to early September is your window. Get ready to explore one of northern Canada's best-kept secrets: incredible scenery, vast open spaces, and untouched beauty. This remote route takes you through the Yukon, the rugged Ogilvie and Richardson Mountains, stunted spruce and alder "forests" in the Eagle Plains region, high tundra, and the Mackenzie River delta.