Where is Aztec Peak?
Usa, north-america
160.9 km
2,361 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Aztec Peak in Arizona's Gila County! This beauty tops out at 7,746 feet in the Tonto National Forest, the highest point in the Sierra Anchas.
Heads up, the road to the top, Forest Service Road 487, is all unpaved, kicking off from the Arizona 288-Globe Young Highway.
Keep in mind, this route usually shuts down from mid-December to the end of March due to snow, but it's all weather-dependent, so check conditions before you go!
Now for the nitty-gritty: you'll need a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle for this one. Past the waterfall, FR 487 gets steep, narrow, and a tad nerve-wracking if you're not a fan of heights. The final stretch is a single-track forest road that's both steep and a bit rocky. If you're lucky and the gate's open, you can drive all the way to the summit!
A word of caution: this area has naturally occurring uranium and radium-266. Translation: low-level radiation. Seriously, DO NOT go into any of the mines; some have radiation levels so high, they'd recommend evacuating the area!
But here's the payoff: the views! Perched at the top is a fire lookout built in '56, and the 360-degree panorama is breathtaking. You'll see for over 100 miles in every direction. Tucked in the Salome Wilderness, it's a view you won't forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 160.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,361 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardReward Mine: a risky drive into an abandoned mine in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Ever dreamed of driving through a real mine? Head to Inyo County, California, and you might just get your chance! Tucked away at the foot of the Inyo Mountains, between Independence and Lone Pine, lies the Reward Mine (aka Brown Monster Mine), a sprawling relic from the late 1800s gold and lead rush. This place is massive, with eight interconnected levels stretching over 500 feet! The main tunnel is so huge, rumor has it you can drive a 4x4 right through it. You'll find the mine just east of the Manzanar Historical Monument, a somber but important WWII internment camp definitely worth a visit. Now, for the adventurous drivers: the trail leading to the mine entrance is steep and rocky, definitely requiring 4WD, good clearance, and excellent off-road tires. Once inside, the terrain mellows out to soft dirt, and you can supposedly drive over a quarter mile into the earth. The main tunnel itself can fit multiple vehicles! A word of serious caution: this mine is showing its age, and collapses are a real risk. This is earthquake country, so a cave-in could happen anytime. Driving in alone is not recommended, and extreme caution is a must. Even though it's tempting, driving into the depths of the mine is a dangerous and risky adventure. Despite the risk, the reward is driving into a real mine, something very few get to experience.
moderateNorris Canyon Road is a scenic drive in Yellowstone NP
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Norris Canyon Road! This beauty winds through the heart of Yellowstone, way up high in Wyoming. We're talking serious elevation, folks—over 7,500 feet the whole time and topping out over 8,200! This fully paved, 11.5-mile stretch connects Norris Geyser Basin with the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, making it a super handy shortcut. Just be warned, it's a bit of a climb! Some sections hit a 10% grade, so your car will get a workout. Think of it as a scenic detour between the Grand Loop Road and Canyon Village! You'll find the turnoff for Virginia Cascade Drive along the way. Heads up, though: cell service is spotty at best up here. Keep in mind that Old Man Winter shuts this road down for the season, so plan your trip accordingly. It's all about the views, the crisp mountain air, and that feeling of being utterly immersed in Yellowstone's wild beauty.
hardIs Port Mahon Road in Delaware paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising down Port Mahon Road in Delaware's Kent County is like stepping into a nature documentary. This 3.7-mile stretch hugs the coastline near the Mahon River mouth and is a haven for wildlife lovers. Now, heads up: this isn't your typical smooth ride. You'll find yourself mostly on unpaved ground, with patches of busted-up asphalt thrown in for good measure. And watch out for those potholes towards the end – some are real monsters! Storms can wreak havoc here, and high tide with heavy rain? Forget about it, you might be wading through water. Still, most cars can handle it, so don't let that deter you. Starting from Little Creek (Delaware Route 9), the road winds its way to what's left of an old, bustling port – think fish factories and piers of yesteryear. But the real draw? The birdwatching! Park the car, launch a boat, and get ready for some serious avian action. This place is legendary among birders, especially in late May when the horseshoe crabs are spawning, drawing in migratory shorebirds by the thousands. Keep your eyes peeled for rails, marsh sparrows, and some seriously impressive raptors – especially during the winter months. Trust me, this road is worth the adventure!
hardWhere is Brian Head Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around Iron County, Utah, and you're craving some serious altitude, you HAVE to check out the road up to Brian Head Peak. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads in the whole state, clocking in way above sea level. You'll find this gem north of Cedar Breaks National Monument, nestled in Dixie National Forest, in the southwestern corner of Utah. Be warned, though, the air is thin up here, so take it easy and don't stand up too fast! What awaits you at the summit? An old-school Forest Service lookout – it feels like stepping back in time! On a clear day, the views stretch on forever. Now, the road itself is an adventure. It's unpaved, a little rough and bumpy, but totally doable in a regular car. Just make sure your brakes are in tip-top shape, because there are some seriously steep drop-offs with no guardrails! This road was built the old fashioned way, using some heavy machinery but with the aid of horses. Just be mindful as you navigate the winding paths that skirt the edge of the mountain. How long is this epic climb? The unpaved section stretches for only a few miles from the main paved road, but it packs a punch. You'll gain serious elevation, making for a pretty steep gradient in some spots. Heads up, this road is typically open from late spring/early summer through fall, depending on the snow. So, if you're planning a winter trip, you might have to wait for the thaw.