Where is Black Mesa in Colorado?

Where is Black Mesa in Colorado?

Usa, north-america

Length

3.21 km

Elevation

3,427 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! There's this insane road in southwestern Colorado, up in Dolores County, that you absolutely HAVE to check out. We're talking Black Mesa, sitting pretty at a whopping 11,243 feet! Just a heads up, though – it's not the same Black Mesa you might've heard about in Oklahoma.

This road is a total beast thanks to its steep climb. Think dramatic, mesa-style scenery with those rugged, worn-away rock layers that make for some epic photos.

Heads up: leave your low-riders at home, because we're talking unpaved the whole way. Forest Service Road 452 (FR 452) is the name of the game here. It's only about 2 miles from Road 52 to the top, but it’ll feel like way longer.

Important note: this beauty is seasonal. Usually, you can only access it from late spring to late fall. Winter? Forget about it. Deep snow makes it a no-go from around late October to early May.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
3.21 km
Max Elevation
3,427 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

How long is Pacific Rim Highway?hard

How long is Pacific Rim Highway?

🇨🇦 Canada

Get ready for an epic road trip on the Pacific Rim Highway! This incredible 127-kilometer (78-mile) stretch of Highway 4 carves its way across Vancouver Island, linking Port Alberni in the Alberni Valley to the charming fishing village of Tofino. It's the lifeline for the region, keeping goods moving, communities connected, and tourists stoked. Since 1972, the whole road has been paved, so no need for a monster truck! The drive itself takes about 2 to 3 hours non-stop, but trust me, you'll want to pull over. Prepare for mind-blowing scenery as you cruise from the island's central mountains to the Pacific coast. Think ancient forests, jagged mountain ranges, and shimmering lakes. It's like driving through a postcard! Summer is the busy season, but winter has its own charm, even if some spots are closed. Now, fair warning, this beauty comes with a bit of a challenge. This route snakes through the island’s mountainous interior, so expect a steep and twisty ride, and the shoulders can be pretty narrow. Rainy months can get super wet between Sproat Lake and the coast, and flooding can happen, too.

Is Hwy 40 in Alberta paved?easy

Is Hwy 40 in Alberta paved?

🇨🇦 Canada

Highway 40 in Alberta? Oh, you HAVE to drive it! This epic road, also called the Bighorn Highway or Kananaskis Trail, stretches for 1,021 km (634 miles) from Coleman, nestled in the southwest Alberta Rockies, all the way up to Grande Prairie in the northwest. Now, here's the thing: it's a mix of paved and gravel, so be prepared for a bit of everything. And keep an eye on road closures – winter weather can shut it down, especially between Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and Hwy 541 (usually closed December 1 to June 14). But trust me, the views are worth it! This road winds through the Canadian Rockies, peaking at a whopping 2,217m (7,273ft). That's the highest highway elevation in the whole country! You'll be cruising near the treeline, where you might even spot some lingering snow in summer. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – bears, elk, moose, mountain goats, coyotes... it's a nature lover's paradise! Seriously, if you want a scenic day trip to explore Canada and southern Alberta, this is it. Breathtaking views guaranteed!

Is Dinkey Creek Road Paved?moderate

Is Dinkey Creek Road Paved?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trippers, listen up! Dinkey Creek Road in central California is your ticket to stunning Sierra National Forest scenery. Is it paved? Yes, mostly, though it gets a bit narrow in places. Keep your eyes peeled for black bears -- this is their territory, so secure your snacks! You'll definitely want to pack a camera for this 13.5-mile gem, stretching from Highway 168 up to Dinkey Creek. Heads up: you're going off-grid here, so don't count on cell service. You'll climb up to 6,538 feet above sea level, so be prepared for some awesome views. Get ready for a memorable adventure!

How long is Grey Creek Pass?extreme

How long is Grey Creek Pass?

🇨🇦 Canada

Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about Grey Creek Pass in beautiful British Columbia. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a seriously scenic, seriously rugged route that tops out at a cool 2,083 meters (6,833 feet). The Gray Creek Forest Service Road is a 53.6 km (33.3 miles) unpaved beast stretching from Gray Creek to St Marys River Road. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one! Built in the 80s and opened in 1990, it's typically closed from late October to late June/early July thanks to snow. Now, "difficult" might be an understatement. Expect a rough ride, narrow paths, and some steep climbs hitting 16%. Gear down and take it easy. Watch those brakes, too! While some say any vehicle can handle it, high clearance is a plus. When it's wet, it gets seriously slippery. Curves galore, no emergency services, and logging trucks to watch out for. Plus, rain can lead to washouts, so be careful out there. This isn't a shortcut; it's all about soaking up those Kootenay views!