Where is Boriana Mine?
Usa, north-america
24.46 km
1,711 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, so you're itching for an off-road adventure? Let me tell you about the Boriana Mine Road in Arizona's Mohave County! Picture this: you're east of Yucca, ready to climb up to 5,613 feet above sea level.
This isn't your Sunday drive. Boriana Mine Road clocks in at around 15.2 miles of pure, unadulterated unpaved fun. It begins with gravel, lulling you into a false sense of security before it morphs into a narrow, rocky shelf road that will test your driving skills.
You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle and four-wheel drive is a must. Some spots are really steep, like, up to a 17% gradient! Plus, you're gaining over 3,600 feet in elevation, so get ready for some serious climbs. And the views? Epic!
Keep an eye on the weather. This road isn't friendly in snow or ice. Summer heat can also be brutal. Monsoon season can bring washouts and new rockfalls.
But if you're prepared, Boriana Mine Road is an unforgettable adventure. Just remember, it's a relic of a tungsten mining operation that operated between 1915 and 1980, with its heyday from 1915 to 1918 when it was vital to the World War I effort. It was Arizona's biggest tungsten mine. The main output was tungsten but it also produced copper and gold.
As with any abandoned mine, watch your step!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 24.46 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,711 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Coyote Flat?
🇺🇸 Usa
Coyote Flat, nestled high in California's Inyo National Forest, is a must-see for adventurous travelers. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though! We're talking a 16-mile unpaved journey starting near Bishop, climbing to a lofty 10,042 feet. Built back in the '40s as a mining road, Coyote Valley Road is best tackled in a high-clearance 4x4. Expect steep, rocky, and sometimes sandy terrain as you wind through pine forests and canyons. Keep in mind, this area is usually snowed in from late October until late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly. And come prepared—there are no services or water sources up there! But the views? Totally worth it! Think grazing deer, glimpses of Palisade Glacier, and maybe even a coyote, bear, or mountain lion sighting if you're lucky (or unlucky, depending on your perspective!). Don't forget your mosquito repellent if you're visiting in the summer!
easyPennock Pass is a great drive in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Pennock Pass! This high-altitude gem sits at 9,163 feet in Larimer County, Colorado, and it’s a real treat. The route, also known as Larimer County Road 44H or Buckhorn Road, stretches for about 28.5 miles between Pingree Park Road and Masonville. The road's generally in good shape, so most vehicles can make it, but be warned: after rain or snow, you'll definitely want 4WD or AWD. Beefy tires (32mm or wider) are also a smart move. The climb is steady, with long, sweeping switchbacks leading to the top. The lower section has some old pavement peeking through a layer of loose gravel and a few tight turns. As you climb, it transitions to mostly gravel and eventually dirt. Watch out for some steep sections that max out around a 9% gradient! Nestled in the Roosevelt National Forest, Pennock Pass offers epic views of the Mummy Range and Stormy Peaks. It's usually closed from December to mid-June due to snow, so plan your trip accordingly. You might even find a fallen tree or two blocking your path! Overall, it's a twisty, well-maintained dirt road that’s perfect for hitting the trails or just enjoying a scenic drive through the woods.
hardDarley Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Darley Mountain in Colorado's Ouray County is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking serious elevation – almost 13,113 feet high! Nestled in the stunning San Juan mountains, the old mining road to get you there is a zig-zagging beast of rocks and gravel, and currently closed to motorized vehicles.. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance if that ever changes, and even then, your window of opportunity is super narrow – think late August if you're lucky. Keep an eye out for remnants of the area's mining past as you climb. Be prepared for some serious wind – it's pretty much a constant up there, so hold onto your hats (and your doors!). Even in summer, snow's not out of the question. The reward? Unbelievable panoramic views of the entire San Juan Range. Seriously, the payoff is worth the effort.
hardHow long is the W Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! Just north of Chattanooga, Tennessee, lies the legendary W Road, a 3.2-mile paved ribbon of fun that twists between East Brow Road and Mountain Creek Road. Why "W"? Because this baby’s got switchbacks galore! After a gentle start, things get wild near the top with turns bending back on themselves almost 180 degrees. Seriously, you might catch a glimpse of your own taillights! Built way back in 1892, this road has seen some upgrades over the years, but the design? Still the same challenging curves it always was. Speaking of challenges, this isn’t a Sunday drive. We're talking seriously steep sections (up to 17.6% grade!), so you need your wits about you. Cut those corners too tight, and you'll be scraping your undercarriage, too wide, and you'll be in the opposite lane. Heads up, big rig drivers: this one's not for you. Vehicles over 22 feet and trailers are a no-go. Trust me, you do not want to get stuck up there! So, if you're looking for a thrilling (and slightly intimidating) drive with some amazing views, buckle up and take on the W Road!