
Union Mountain
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,755 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Union Mountain in Colorado's Summit County is calling your name! This beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 12,319 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest drives.
Located inside the White River National Forest, the "road" to the summit is actually more of a rugged chairlift access trail. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of bumpiness. Basically, you'll be bouncing around like crazy! This isn't a Sunday drive, folks.
Winter has a serious hold on this place, so your window of opportunity is pretty much mid-summer. This trail is definitely for experienced off-roaders only. If you're not comfortable on steep, unpaved mountain roads, steer clear. You'll need a 4x4 with serious ground clearance to even attempt this, and a healthy dose of bravery wouldn't hurt either. Oh, and did I mention it's steep? And if it's wet, expect some seriously muddy conditions. But hey, the views? Totally worth it if you're up for the challenge!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,755 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow long is Carretera Federal 95D?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Let's talk about Mexico's Carretera Federal 95D. This baby snakes for about 47 miles south of Mexico City through some seriously stunning mountain and valley scenery. But don't let the views totally distract you, because this road is a wild ride! You'll climb to a whopping 10,072 feet above sea level before plummeting down to 5,249 feet as you roll into Cuernavaca. Word on the street is that it has a reputation for being one of the trickiest highways around, thanks to one particularly nasty hairpin turn called "Nuevo Leon 20". So, keep your eyes on the road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
easyThings to Know Before Driving Emerald Lake Road in BC
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Emerald Lake in British Columbia's Yoho National Park! This place is seriously stunning, and getting there is half the fun. Just a quick hop – 3 km – west of Field, you'll find this gem nestled in the Rockies, not far from the Alberta border. Emerald Lake Road is your ticket in, and it's paved the whole way, so no need to worry about bumpy gravel. The road winds for about 9.1 km (or 5.65 miles) from the Trans-Canada Highway, with massive mountain views the entire time. Emerald Lake itself is the biggest of Yoho's lakes, and the color is unreal. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, too! The road is open all year, but pro tip: once you leave the highway, kiss your cell service goodbye! You are going off grid! Just soak it all in and enjoy the peace and quiet of this incredible place.
moderateWhere is the Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road! This epic 20-mile off-road escapade carves its way through the heart of Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California, revealing some of the park's most mind-blowing scenery. You'll find the trailhead just south of the Cottonwood Visitor Center. From there, you'll rumble along Smoke Tree Wash before plunging into the depths of Pinkham Canyon, eventually spitting you out onto a service road that connects to I-10. Or, for the truly adventurous, keep going and tackle Thermal Canyon Road! Now, a word of warning: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking soft sand, rocky flood plains, and seriously remote territory. A high-clearance, 4-wheel-drive vehicle is an absolute must, along with emergency supplies and some solid off-roading experience. This route is strictly for experienced drivers, so leave the sedan at home! Before you head out, pop into the visitor center for the latest intel on road and weather conditions. Trust me; you'll want to be prepared for anything out here!
easyHow long is Camino Rivera del Pilón?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Camino Rivera del Pilón, a totally epic road trip that straddles Nuevo León and Coahuila, Mexico. It's about 75 km of pure driving bliss, linking the charming towns of Rayones and Casillas. And get this – you're gonna be scaling some serious heights! We're talking about a route that gives you access to the legendary Cerro San Rafael, which is the highest point in Coahuila at a whopping 3,710 meters above sea level! The best part? It's all smooth sailing thanks to a full paving job back in 2018. But wait, there's more! The views are absolutely insane. Think turquoise waters of the Pilon (or Casillas) river snaking through stunning canyons, lush flora, and mountain vistas that will blow your mind. You'll be gazing at giants like El Cuahuilon (3530 masl), El Tecolote (3480 masl), Minillas Peak, La Bandera (2750 masl), and, of course, the majestic San Rafael (3710 masl). And you'll be soaking it all in from a sweet vantage point of about 1350 masl. Trust me, this is one scenic road you absolutely don't want to miss!