
Parkview Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,442 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk Parkview Mountain in Colorado! This peak sits pretty at 11,292 feet in Jackson County, nestled in the Rabbit Ears Range. Getting to the top is a real off-road experience – think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps! A 4x4 is a must, and be prepared for some seriously steep sections. Heads up: this route is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. Also, keep an eye on the weather, 'cause thunderstorms can turn the road into a real mess fast. The views from the summit are absolutely worth it, especially from the historic fire lookout. Built way back in 1916, it's been restored and stands as a testament to a bygone era. Fun fact: it used to be one of the highest fire lookouts in the whole country!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,442 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Scotch Creek Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright adventure junkies, let's talk Scotch Creek Pass! Nestled way up high on the border of Dolores and San Juan counties in southwest Colorado's San Juan National Forest, this beauty sits at a whopping 10,570 feet. The road to get there? Forest Road 550, also known as the Old Scotch Creek Toll Road or Pinkerton Trail. Forget smooth sailing – we're talking incredibly rough terrain! This is a real off-road challenge. The climb up from Forest Road 578 is a 4.3-mile grind, gaining 1,315 feet in elevation. That's an average grade of almost 6%, so get ready for a workout for your rig. Heads up: This road is usually snowed in from late October all the way until late June or early July. Summer is your window to tackle this one! The views from the top are incredible, making it all worth the bumpy ride.
hardThe horrendous road to Nevado de Colima
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Nevado de Colima in Jalisco, Mexico, and let me tell you, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a climb to a whopping 3,991 meters (13,093 feet) above sea level! This road is not for the faint of heart. Forget your low-riders – you'll need a serious 4x4 to conquer this beast. Expect some seriously steep sections, clocking in at around 12%. Imagine a rugged, rocky path that feels more like a mule track than a road in places. It's about one-and-a-half lanes wide and turns into a muddy slip-n-slide after a rain shower. The entire route is gravel and rock, nestled inside the stunning Nevado de Colima National Park. Fair warning: most folks only make it to the locked gate around 11,500 feet due to the extreme conditions. Originally built to service communication towers way up top, this road demands a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD. Starting from Carretera Estatal el Grullo-Ciudad Guzman, the adventure spans 23.4 km (14.54 miles) with a massive elevation gain of 2,214 meters! Expect an average gradient of around 9.46%, but remember those sections hitting 12%? This road delivers incredible views if you have the nerve and the vehicle to get there.
easyHow long is Gold Butte Back Country Byway in NV?
🇺🇸 Usa
Craving a desert escape? The Gold Butte Back Country Byway in Nevada's Clark County is calling your name! This 62-mile dirt road adventure starts south of Mesquite off NV 170 and winds its way south to the historic Gold Butte mining town. The first 24 miles are a breeze on a paved road, perfect for any car. After Devil's Throat, you'll find a well-maintained gravel section that's also passenger-car friendly. But hold on, adventure seekers! Heading west from Devil's Throat, things get real with a lightly maintained dirt road that begs for a high-clearance, 2WD or 4WD vehicle. Seriously, for the full experience, a high-clearance 4x4 is your best bet. But is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be plunged into some of Southern Nevada’s most stunning desert landscapes. Think open desert vistas leading to Whitney Pocket, a hidden gem of red and white sandstone formations. Keep heading south and you'll hit iconic spots like Gold Butte Townsite and Devil's Throat, all surrounded by unbelievable scenery. Camping and hiking? You bet! Keep your eyes peeled for desert critters, ancient petroglyphs, curious sinkholes, and those incredible red and white sandstone formations. Now, a word of caution: this is a seriously remote area. We're talking vast, desolate desert. There are ZERO services out here – no restrooms, water, gas, or food. You need to be totally self-sufficient. Pack more than you think you'll need, just in case. A BLM Ranger patrols the area, but it’s a huge place, so be prepared to survive on your own for a day or two. When to go? March and April are prime time, with dazzling wildflower displays. After May, it gets HOT. Avoid visiting between June and mid-September unless you're a lizard.
hardHow long is Desert View Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising in northern Arizona, inside Coconino County, you'll find Desert View Drive—your ticket to some seriously breathtaking Grand Canyon views! This fully paved road, part of Arizona State Route 64, stretches 23 miles from just east of Grand Canyon Village all the way to Desert View Services Area and the park's East Entrance. Don't let the name fool you; this isn't just another desert drive. It's a front-row seat to the Grand Canyon's majesty. Rising to 7,509 feet, it's generally open year-round. As you wind through the ponderosa pines, you'll catch glimpses of the canyon, but the real showstoppers are the signed overlooks. Pull over, park, and prepare to be amazed as you gaze out over the rim. This drive was designed back in 1931 to make the canyon accessible by car, and it definitely delivers on the views! Hugging the South Rim, this route is dotted with scenic pullouts and viewpoints, each one more incredible than the last, offering panoramic views of both the canyon and the Colorado River. Plus, there's parking at every viewpoint! Perfect for families or anyone who wants to experience the Grand Canyon without a huge hike. Without stops, the drive takes about 25-30 minutes. But, trust me, you'll want to plan 3-4 hours to soak it all in. You'll find six developed viewpoints, four picnic areas, and five unmarked pullouts along the way. Just remember, the Grand Canyon shuttle buses don't run on Desert View Drive, so you'll be driving yourself. Stock up on snacks and water and get ready for an unforgettable ride!