
Saddle Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,538 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Saddle Mountain in New Mexico's Catron County is calling your name with its epic 8,326-foot summit. You'll find this beauty tucked away inside the Gila National Forest, but fair warning: the road up is no Sunday drive.
We're talking gravel, rocks, and a seriously bumpy, tippy ride that demands a 4x4. Heads up – Mother Nature often shuts this down between October and June, so plan accordingly! The climb is STEEP, and those New Mexico thunderstorms can turn those unpaved roads into a 4-wheel-drive-only zone, or even make them totally impassable. But hey, if you make it to the top, you're rewarded with stunning views from a fire lookout tower that's been standing tall since '66. Definitely worth the effort for that ultimate off-road experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,538 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Red Mountain Number 3?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Red Mountain Number 3 in Colorado's San Juan County is calling your name! This beast of a peak clocks in at a whopping 12,900 feet, and the views? Forget about it! You're looking at a jaw-dropping panorama of endless, jagged peaks stretching in every direction. You'll find the turnoff just east of the legendary Million Dollar Highway, nestled deep within the San Juan National Forest. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. The 2.7-mile road to the top is a rugged, unpaved old mining route that demands a 4x4. Get ready for some serious climbing, with an average grade of almost 13% and some spots hitting over 20%! We're talking a 1,824-foot elevation gain in just a few miles. Keep in mind, this high-altitude haven is really only accessible during the summer months. Expect the snow to stick around until late June or even July. But trust me, once you conquer this climb and soak in those views, you'll know it was worth every bump and grind! There is also a small communication structure.
easyA drive to the top of Henness Pass in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Henness Pass, nestled high in the Sierra County of California, a hidden gem northwest of Reno, inside Tahoe National Forest. This isn’t just a drive; it’s a time machine, cutting through historic sites and ruggedly beautiful landscapes! Word has it Patrick Henness himself laid out this route back in the gold rush days, around 1849 or 1850. Back then, it was THE route from Virginia City, Nevada, to Marysville, California. Now, the road itself is an adventure. Some parts are paved (from Highway 89 to Jackson Meadows), but a big chunk is pure forest road. We’re talking mostly a high-clearance two-wheel-drive dirt road, with a few bumpy spots thrown in for good measure. It's a secluded, winding mountain road stretching about 88 to 107 miles, depending on where you jump on, climbing up to a whopping 6,938 feet! You’ll find it labeled as Henness Pass Road (Forest Road 07), linking Highway 49 through the forest until it kisses Highway 89 near Little Truckee Summit and then continues on through the Kyburz Flat area to Verdi, NV. Keep in mind this beauty is usually open from May to November. You might hit some mud or sand, but generally nothing too crazy. But hey, this is the Sierra Nevada! Snow can linger, so be prepared to turn around, pack a shovel just in case, and keep an eye on the weather, especially early in the season.
extremeCox Knoll
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Cox Knoll, a beast of a mountain pass tucked away in central Utah's Sanpete County! We're talking serious elevation here – a whopping 10,275 feet above sea level. You'll find this gem chilling within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Now, don't expect smooth sailing; this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a gravel road that gets rocky, tippy, and bumpy in sections (it's called FR0020, if you're looking for it). Definitely impassable in the winter months. This trail is seriously steep and really meant for seasoned off-roaders with 4x4s. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, or you have a fear of heights, maybe sit this one out. Oh, and if it's been raining, prepare for some seriously muddy conditions! But the views? Absolutely worth it! Just remember to take it slow, stay alert, and soak in the stunning scenery.
moderateA Scenic Drive to San Cristobal de la Barranca in Jalisco
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, so you’re near Guadalajara and itching for a seriously gorgeous drive? Head north and check out the road to San Cristóbal de la Barranca in Jalisco, Mexico! This fully paved gem, also known as Mexico 23, hugs a stunning canyon, running parallel to Mexico 54. Starting near García de La Cadena, this 44 km (27-ish miles) adventure packs a punch. Get ready for steep climbs, hairpin turns galore, and views for days! Picture this: you’re winding through a canyon in central-western Mexico, with breathtaking panoramas of towering canyon walls and lush greenery. You'll be driving through ever-changing landscapes, from semi-tropical rainforest to cacti-studded terrain. Trust me, you will want to stop and take in the view!