Sandy Wash is a bumpy road on the shore of Lake Mohave
Usa, north-america
3.46 km
30 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, off-road adventurers, listen up! Sandy Wash, nestled in Nevada's Clark County right on the edge of Lake Mohave, is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a completely unpaved 2.15-mile jaunt through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area that'll test your 4x4 skills.
The payoff? Unbeatable desert scenery and a secluded beach at the very end. But here's the kicker: near the finish line, you'll face a water crossing that can be almost three feet deep and spans a hundred feet!
Word to the wise: after it rains, this road can get seriously dicey. Fast-flowing creeks and slick mud can lead to closures, so definitely check conditions beforehand. A 4x4 is non-negotiable, and some experience behind the wheel is highly recommended. Oh, and don't forget to pack plenty of water – you'll need it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3.46 km
- Max Elevation
- 30 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardDriving the unpaved road to Inspiration Point in Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an epic Utah adventure? Let me tell you about Inspiration Point (aka Willard Mountain!) in Box Elder County. Getting to this 9,412-foot summit is no joke, but the views are SO worth it. We're talking about Willard Peak Road (FR20084), a 14-mile dirt track that climbs a hefty 4,200 feet from Mantua. That's an average gradient of 5.57%, so buckle up! This isn't a Sunday drive; it's bumpy, dusty, and rocky, heavily used, and totally requires a 4x4. Seriously, leave the compact car at home. Even with a Jeep or truck, you'll be crawling at 5-15 mph, carefully maneuvering around those big, exposed rocks. Oh, and keep an eye out for rattlesnakes! This road is usually open from July to October, because the snow gets crazy deep up there. Plus, the summit is super popular, especially from late May to September, and again in October, so expect company. But those views? Unbelievable! From the top, you can see from Salt Lake through the Wasatch Front to Huntsville and into Cache Valley. On a clear day, you might even spot Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming. Plus, there are cool old mines to explore, like the Eldorado Mine below Willard Peak. Trust me, the panoramic vistas are absolutely unforgettable!
moderateWhere is Cerro Vista?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in northern New Mexico, right on the edge of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, deep in the Carson National Forest. You're about to tackle Cerro Vista, a seriously high peak! The road? Oh, it's a total dirt track. 4x4 is a must, trust me. It's about 14.3 miles from start to finish, climbing over 3,458 feet. That's a pretty consistent climb, with an average gradient of around 4.6%. And heads up, usually, this road is not accessible during winter. But the views? Totally worth the bumpy ride!
hardHow to get to Crystal Lake in Colorado by car?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Crystal Lake in central Colorado is calling your name, but this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a high-altitude adventure in Summit County, reaching a staggering 11,712 feet above sea level! You'll find this gem tucked away in the Mosquito Range of the Rockies. Co Road 2, a gravel and rocky path off Colorado State Highway 9, is your route. Seriously, a 4x4 is a must for this trek! Fair warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect the road to be closed from October to June due to snow. And even in summer, altitude sickness and crazy weather can be real issues. The road tops out at nearly 12,000 feet. If you've got respiratory or heart problems, this one's best admired from afar. But if you're prepared, the views from the top are absolutely unreal.
hardOrtiz Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ever heard of Ortiz Peak in Taos County, New Mexico? This bad boy sits way up high at 11,230 feet! Seriously, it's one of the highest drives you can do in the whole state. Heads up, though: the road to the top is a real gravel grinder – think rocks and rugged terrain. Winter? Forget about it, totally impassable. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is a must. And if you get queasy looking down, this might not be your cup of tea either – it's STEEP. But the views? Totally worth the white knuckles!