Travel guide to the top of Almagre Mountain South
Usa, north-america
10.5 km
3,771 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Just west of Colorado Springs lies Almagre Mountain South, a.k.a. Mt. Baldy, topping out at a whopping 12,372 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget pavement; we're talking Forest Service Road 379, a rugged, unmaintained dirt track – think rocks, ruts, and washouts galore! Word is it's an old wagon trail.
You'll need a trusty 4x4 to conquer this beast. Be warned, a gate blocks the very final stretch. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. You'll be gazing out over the Sangre de Cristos and even the Sawatch range. The climb is a serious workout, rising 1,585 feet over 6.5 miles from Forest Service Road 376. That's a pretty consistent uphill grind, so get ready for it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 10.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,771 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardProvidence Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Providence Peak! This insane climb tops out at a whopping 9,609 feet in northern Utah's Cache County. You'll find it nestled in the Bear River Mountains, and the road up, Forest Road 042 (Logan Peak Road), is NOT for the faint of heart. We're talking brand-spanking-new gravel that's rocky, tippy, and downright bumpy in spots. Plus, prepare for some seriously narrow sections with terrifying drop-offs. Seriously, bring your 4x4 and leave your fear of heights at home. This trail gets STEEP. Heads up: this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. Even in summer, be prepared for potential snow. Up here, the weather can change in a heartbeat, and the wind is NO joke. It can be brutal, even on a sunny day, but trust me, the views from the top are SO worth battling the elements. You'll be gawking at Providence Canyon, the surrounding Cache Valley, and the south side of Logan Peak. This drive is an absolute adrenaline rush, with views that will blow your mind. Seriously, this is one road trip you'll want to document with a million photos – unforgettable!
hardItalian Pass, a Most Tricky Scenic Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Italian Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.584m (11,758ft) above the sea level, located in Gunnison County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, within the Gunnison National Forest, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Italian Creek Road FR759. The road is muddy sometimes and impassable from September to July. 4WD vehicle with high clearance required. It passes through an area that had a lot of mining activity. Along its way you will pass by the overgrown Last Hope Mine. There are a few remains here. To your left is the road leading to the summit of American Flag Mountain The road is pretty steep. Starting from Co Rd 742, the ascent is 11.42km (7.1 miles) long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 586 meters and the average gradient is 5.13%. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateOscura Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever heard of Oscura Peak in New Mexico? This bad boy tops out at a whopping 8,628 feet! You'll find it nestled in the Oscura Mountains, deep in Socorro County. Now, before you pack your bags, there's a catch. The road up, Wsmr S Rte 331, is all gravel, which sounds cool and rugged, right? Well, hold your horses! This isn't your average scenic drive. This is a military area, and civilian vehicles are strictly off-limits. So, while the views are probably epic, you’ll have to admire this peak from afar. Bummer, I know!
moderateSmoky Mountain Road is a beautiful exciting drive in Utah
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving a seriously off-the-grid experience, the Smoky Mountain Scenic Backway in southern Utah is calling your name. Deep in Kane County, you'll find this wild ride cutting through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 124km (77.4 mile) rocky dirt trail (BLM330 and NP-230) running north to south from Escalante (Scenic Byway 12) to Big Water (Highway 89). Remember, it's a one-way trip! High-clearance 4WD is non-negotiable. Seriously, don't even think about attempting this in your sedan. And for the love of all that is outdoorsy, avoid this road when it's wet! There are sections that turn into quicksand nightmares. Set aside about five to six hours for this beauty, and get ready for some serious solitude and scenery. Expect views for days: Lake Powell, the Navajo Mountains, and the Kaiparowits Plateau will leave you breathless. The road peaks at 2,160m (7,086ft) above sea level. Weather here is no joke, with temperatures ranging from moderate in the spring and fall to scorching in the summer and frigid in the winter. This high clearance track is truly rough and wild. Be warned: this road is not maintained, crosses numerous washes that can become impassable after rain, and is seriously remote. Bring plenty of water, food, and at least one spare tire (two is even better). Check your vehicle before you go. Oh, and did I mention Kelly's Grade? This thrilling five-mile stretch of switchbacks climbs 1200 feet up the side of the cliffs on the edge of the Kaiparowits Plateau. From the top, the views are epic! But those signs warning “impassible when wet?” They're not kidding. Ultimately, the Smoky Mountain Scenic Backway is all about disconnecting and embracing the rugged beauty of the Utah wilderness. Just remember to be prepared, be cautious, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.