
Where is Glendora Mountain Road?
Usa, north-america
34.76 km
1,383 m
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an epic ride on Glendora Mountain Road (GMR), a local favorite that winds through the San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties, just a stone's throw from downtown LA in the Angeles National Forest!
This completely paved beauty stretches for about 21.6 miles, connecting Glendora in the San Gabriel Valley to Mount Baldy.
GMR packs a punch with some seriously steep sections, boasting gradients up to 10%! But don't worry, the road's generally in great shape, dodging major snowfall and ice most of the year. Expect smooth tarmac, but hold on tight for those blind turns! Just a heads-up: keep an eye on the lane divider line, as you never know who's coming the other way.
You'll want to set aside about an hour to cruise the whole thing without stopping, but trust me, you'll *want* to stop. The mountain views are seriously jaw-dropping, making it an awesome drive or an even better motorcycle ride. Plenty of turnouts let you soak it all in.
Weekends can get a bit crazy with bikes and cyclists, so for a smoother experience, aim for a weekday morning when the traffic's lighter. Be aware some drivers treat it like a racetrack.
Perched high in the San Gabriel Mountains, GMR hits a peak of around 4,537 feet. Being at that elevation means it's usually open year-round.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 34.76 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,383 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardDriving the scenic Elk Mountain Summit Drive in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Elk Mountain in Wyoming is calling your name! This beast of a peak clocks in at a whopping 11,171 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. You'll find it in Carbon County, about 7 miles from the town of Elk Mountain (named after a Sioux chief, how cool is that?). Now, here's the deal: this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. We're talking totally unpaved, so your trusty 4x4 is a must. Starting near Rattlesnake Pass, the 8-mile trek to the top is STEEP – we're talking a maximum 15% gradient in places! Get ready to climb over 3,500 feet, with an average incline of 8.41%. The views from the top? Totally worth it. You're smack-dab in the Medicine Bow Mountains. Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed in from late October until almost July, so plan your trip accordingly. Oh, and there's a radio station broadcaster (KBDY) at the summit, for some extra interesting scenery. Happy trails!
extremeHow long is the road to Cuesta del Cajón?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Cuesta del Cajón is a wild ride carved into the Sierra Madre Occidental in Chihuahua, Mexico! This part of Route 11 is way more than just a pretty drive through pine forests and crazy-deep canyons; it's a legit test for your car and your driving skills. It's a key connection, but also seriously challenging, where the stunning views are matched by how much you gotta focus on the road. This 42.9-kilometer (26.6-mile) stretch links BabÃcora and El Largo, but don't think you can just cruise through. It's a non-stop rollercoaster of steep climbs and descents through the mountains. You'll be hugging the edges of rocky canyons, so slow and steady is the name of the game. Plan ahead, because you won't find gas stations or services once you're deep in the forest. Get your brakes checked before you go – seriously, these hills will put them to the test. Use engine braking on those steep downhills to keep your brakes from fading or overheating. Driving here is technical. There are hairpin turns you'll need to nail perfectly. Some are so tight that long vehicles or trucks might struggle, especially with oncoming traffic. The road surface is kinda rough – erosion and tree roots can cause potholes to pop up out of nowhere. Watch out for overgrown trees and brush! They can scratch your car and block your view on corners. And in the canyon areas, rockfalls and gravel are super common, making the road slippery even when it's dry. If you've got a 4x4, you'll be glad to have the extra traction on those steep corners. Beyond the twists and turns, there are steep drop-offs without guardrails and local animals wandering around. If you're planning to check out Cascada el Salto or the Cuarenta Casas ruins, those side roads are often unpaved and you'll definitely need a high-clearance 4x4. Using low-range gears will help you climb those steep sections without losing control. The weather in the Chihuahua highlands is wild. In winter, expect heavy frosts and snow that can shut down the road. Black ice is a major hazard, especially in shady spots. In the summer rainy season, landslides and mudflows can block the road with debris.
hardWhere is Narbona Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to northwestern New Mexico? You HAVE to check out Narbona Pass (formerly Washington Pass) in San Juan County! This road, also known as Indian Service Route 32 or NM134, climbs to a whopping 8,721 feet above sea level in the Chuska Mountains. The pass is fully paved, so no need for a heavy-duty vehicle, but hold on tight! This 18-mile stretch between Crystal and Sheep Springs is seriously winding and narrow in places, plus there are some pretty steep parts. Take your time, especially if the weather isn't cooperating. Good news, though: it's usually open year-round. Of course, being so high up, it can get dicey in winter and close temporarily if a storm rolls through. But seriously, the views? Amazing! You're driving through an area rich in history, with ties to both Native American cultures and early settlers. Definitely worth the drive if you're in the area.
easyThe road to Dallas Divide in Colorado provides stunning views in Autumn
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! We're heading to Dallas Divide in southwest Colorado, nestled right in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. This beauty sits high, I'm talking 8,999 feet above sea level, right on the border of San Miguel and Ouray counties. Fun fact: it's named after some Vice President guy from way back when. But the real story is this pass, first carved out in 1880, which was a lifeline for early explorers. Now, State Highway 62 is your path to the top. It's a smooth, paved ride stretching just over 23 miles from Placerville to Ridgway. And don't worry about killer climbs – the grades are mellow, averaging around 4%, so most vehicles can handle it year-round. But the real reason to come is the views! You'll catch glimpses of charming towns like Ridgway and Telluride. Seriously, landscape photographers, this is your dream spot, especially in autumn when the colors explode. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you.