
Where is Canelo Pass?
Usa, north-america
28.48 km
1,667 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna explore a totally off-the-beaten-path gem in Arizona? Check out Canelo Pass! This high-altitude beauty tops out at 5,469 feet, nestled in Santa Cruz County, not far from the Mexican border.
You'll find it southeast of Tucson, tucked between the Canelo Hills and the northern Huachuca Mountains. And the name? "Canelo" means cinnamon-colored in Spanish – fitting, right?
Now, here's the real deal: the entire route is unpaved. We're talking Forest Road 799, also known as Canelo Pass Road. A high-clearance vehicle is a must! The road gets seriously steep in places, with gradients hitting a max of 19% - that's pretty intense!
The pass stretches for about 17.7 miles (28.48km), running from the ghost town of Canelo down south to Duquesne Road. Prepare for some seriously stunning scenery as you wind through grasslands, chaparral, and lush riparian areas. Just remember: you're out in the boonies here, so pack accordingly and get ready for an unforgettable (and slightly bumpy!) ride.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 28.48 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,667 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Amasa Back Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Amasa Back Trail, one of Moab's classic rides, sits southwest of town in eastern Utah. This 4.3-mile unpaved adventure is a real climb, gaining over 1,000 feet in elevation with some seriously tough spots. Known as the Cliffhanger Safari Route, it winds up from Kane Creek near the Colorado River, taking you onto a rocky outcrop almost completely surrounded by the river. Expect incredible views, especially at the end, but be warned: this trail is no joke. Rollovers are a real risk if you get too aggressive, and one ledge road is especially nerve-wracking. From start to finish, it's obstacle after obstacle, with technical challenges that'll test even experienced riders. Strong intermediates can tackle it, but be prepared to walk some of the gnarlier climbs. Jeeps churn up slippery, undercut ledges and chunky rocks, making approaches tricky. Recent maintenance added some dirt, but it's washing away fast, leaving mostly rock. The real kicker? A narrow spot with a 3-foot drop into a loose, boulder-strewn runout. Keep an eye out for petroglyphs and signs of early travelers as you cross sandstone ledges, sand, dirt, and the occasional stretch of fairly smooth slickrock.
hardForest Road 1950
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Forest Road 1950 in northern New Mexico's Taos and Colfax counties. This baby's a gravel road that climbs way, way up – topping out at 10,062 feet! We're talking some of the highest roads in the whole state. Expect a few steep stretches to keep things interesting, and while it's usually open year-round, Mother Nature sometimes throws a wintery tantrum and closes it down. Be prepared for tough weather! On the bright side, there are campgrounds dotted along the route for chill breaks or an overnight stay. Get ready for some incredible scenery as you climb!
hardWhere is La Manga Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! La Manga Pass in Colorado is calling your name! Situated high up in Conejos County, you'll find yourself cruising at a cool 10,249 feet above sea level. Where to find it? Head to southern Colorado, practically hugging the New Mexico border. You can't miss it! The good news? This beauty is paved, smooth as butter since way back in '54. Just follow State Highway 17 (SH 17). Get ready for a decent drive, because the pass stretches for about 47 miles, running from Antonito, Colorado, all the way down towards Chama, New Mexico. Fair warning: it's a bit of a climb! We're talking an average grade of 5.5%, but be prepared for some seriously steep sections hitting almost 13%. Perched in the San Juan Mountains, La Manga Pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit dramatic in the winter. Expect possible closures during heavy snow. Still, the views are worth it!
extremeExplore the Legendary Shafer Trail Road in Utah's Canyonlands National Park
🇺🇸 Usa
# Shafer Trail Road: Utah's Most Legendary (and Gnarly) Drive Ready for one of the most jaw-dropping road trips in America? The Shafer Trail—also called Potash Road—sits right on the edge of Utah's southeastern corner, straddling the line between Grand and San Juan counties. This isn't your typical Sunday cruise, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. Stretching 19.3 miles of mostly unpaved adventure, this trail connects Island in the Sky Road to UT-279. Originally carved out by uranium miners in the mid-1900s to haul ore from the depths of the Chinle Formation, the road follows an ancient rockfall and winds through some seriously impressive Navajo Sandstone. Parts of it are literally blasted straight out of the cliff face. Here's the reality check: you'll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and serious driving skills. We're talking 16% grades, hairpin U-turns that drop off a thousand feet, and sections so narrow that only one car can squeeze through at a time. Low overhanging rocks? Watch your roof. Sharp rocks littering the path? Say hello to potential tire damage. Bring extra fuel and be ready to self-rescue if needed. Don't even think about attempting this in rain, snow, or at night. Winter conditions make it downright treacherous, and the road frequently closes due to weather. Chains are basically mandatory in winter months. But here's the payoff: you're driving through Canyonlands National Park with access to incredible sights. Ancient petroglyphs dot the landscape, natural stone arches frame your views, and those Shafer Switchbacks? Pure adrenaline-pumping magnificence. Then there's the showstopper—Thelma and Louise Point, where that famous movie scene was filmed. Standing 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, you'll understand why this spot is one of the most photographed vistas on the planet. The panorama of sculpted canyons and buttes will leave you speechless. This road has become so iconic that it's been featured in countless commercials and music videos. Fair warning: this drive demands respect, attention, and nerves of steel. But complete it? You'll have a story that'll last forever.