Where is Old Maverick Road?

Where is Old Maverick Road?

Usa, north-america

Length

20.27 km

Elevation

457 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Old Maverick Road: your shortcut to desert magic in Big Bend National Park, Texas! This isn't your average highway – it's a 12.6-mile dirt track slicing through the park's western side, connecting Maverick Junction and the legendary Santa Elena Canyon.

Think of it as Big Bend's "easiest" off-road adventure, but don't let that fool you. After a rain, those washes can get gnarly! Low-clearance vehicles and RVs should definitely sit this one out. If you're in something sturdy, take it slow and watch out for rough patches and sneaky blind corners.

The reward? Unforgettable views of the Terlingua Creek badlands and those epic Santa Elena Canyon cliffs soaring 1,500 feet high. Budget about an hour for the drive, but honestly, you'll want to linger. There's history lurking around every bend, scenic overlooks begging for photos, and the grand finale: Santa Elena Canyon itself. Trust me, that observation point and the hiking trail into the canyon are worth every second. Just keep an eye on the weather – this road can flood fast!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
20.27 km
Max Elevation
457 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Going-to-the-Sun Roadmoderate

Going-to-the-Sun Road

🇺🇸 United States

# Going-to-the-Sun Road: Montana's Most Spectacular Mountain Drive Want to experience one of America's most jaw-dropping road trips? The Going-to-the-Sun Road is an 80-kilometer stretch of pure Rocky Mountain magic that cuts straight through Glacier National Park, with the Continental Divide at Logan Pass (2,026 m) marking its dramatic high point. Built over eleven grueling years and finally finished in 1932, this highway is basically a masterclass in impossible engineering—seriously, it was such a feat that it earned National Historic Landmark status in 1985. Fair warning: it's the *only* road crossing the park, so if you want to experience these glacially carved landscapes, this is it. The journey itself is absolutely wild. Starting from the gorgeous shores of Lake McDonald on the west side, you'll wind through thick cedar-hemlock forests, past cascading waterfalls, and along some genuinely nerve-wracking narrow ledges that hug sheer cliff faces. The Garden Wall section? That's where things get *really* intense—the road was literally carved directly into a near-vertical cliff, offering those heart-pounding valley views that'll make your stomach flip. Once you reach Logan Pass, you're treated to sprawling alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers in July, plus mountain goats casually hanging out near the visitor center. The descent on the eastern side opens up into gorgeous glacial lakes and wild, wind-shaped terrain. Before you go, know the rules: any vehicles over 6.4 meters long or 2.4 meters wide (mirrors included) are banned from certain sections. The road only opens mid-June to mid-October depending on snowmelt, and yes, you'll need a reservation these days because literally everyone wants to drive this thing. Can't blame them.

Siskiyou Summit in Oregon is one of the more perilous sections of Interstate 5extreme

Siskiyou Summit in Oregon is one of the more perilous sections of Interstate 5

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Let's talk about Siskiyou Summit, a seriously epic mountain pass hanging out in Jackson County, Oregon. We're talking 4,310 feet above sea level, so get ready for some views! Just a hop, skip, and a jump (well, about 4 miles) from the California border, you'll find this beauty nestled in the Siskiyou Mountains. You'll be cruising on Interstate 5 (aka the Pacific Highway), and this pass is the king of the hill when it comes to elevation on that route. This north-south stretch of road is right in the heart of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. You'll be rolling from Medford, Oregon, down to Yreka, California – a 51.1-mile journey. Now, heads up – things get a little spicy here. Depending on which way you're going, you'll either be gaining or losing a whopping 2,300 feet in just 6 miles thanks to some pretty steep 6% grades. That northbound section from Milepost 18? Yeah, that's a 6% downhill grade, dropping 2,000 feet in under 10 km. The descent can be especially tricky, particularly when fog rolls in and visibility drops to near zero. And get this – despite the challenges, around 13,000 trucks use this route *every single day*. Keep in mind: you're in the mountains! Altitude and crazy weather are always in play. Its location near the Pacific combined with its elevation and winding curves can bring heavy snowfall and freezing rain, sometimes forcing road closures during the winter. Snow is common from November to April, and the road can be shut down for days during severe weather, and sometimes even when the weather seems fine. During winter, expect snow and ice on the road. Definitely avoid driving at night or early morning during these months, and keep an ear on the radio for weather and road condition updates. It’s a road trip to remember (if you plan ahead)!

Why is it called Cordova Pass?moderate

Why is it called Cordova Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Cordova Pass! This hidden gem sits high in Colorado's Huerfano County, clocking in at a whopping 11,248 feet above sea level. The pass got its name from Jose De Jesus Cordova, a local legend from way back when. Originally built in 1934 and formerly known as Apishapa Pass, this unpaved road stretches between Gulnare and the highway over Cuchara Pass, offering stunning views in San Isabel National Forest, right by the Spanish Peaks Wilderness. Now, about the drive: most vehicles can handle it, but watch out for ruts and sneaky potholes, especially if you're not in a high-clearance ride. If rain or snow threatens, 4WD is your friend! From Cuchara Pass (FR364), it’s rock and dirt, and not recommended for RVs or long trailers. Heading east? County Road 46 gets a bit rough until you hit the south end of the National Forest. Keep in mind, this route is usually snowed in from mid-November to late May. But when it's open, the views are so worth it! You'll also find a parking area with facilities. Don't miss the Cordova Arch (aka Apishapa Arch) on the eastern side – a seriously cool monument built right through the Spanish Peaks' igneous rock dikes. All in all, it's a super scenic drive!

Where is North La Veta Pass?moderate

Where is North La Veta Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because North La Veta Pass in Colorado is calling your name! Perched way up high at 9,413 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this beauty straddles Costilla and Huerfano counties in south-central Colorado. Forget white-knuckle gravel roads, this pass, also known as New La Veta Pass, is smooth sailing on good ol' U.S. Highway 160. Think of it as the chill alternative to the older, more challenging pass to the south. This is THE way to cruise through this part of the mountain range now. While the road is well-maintained and lacks crazy hairpin turns, remember you're carving through serious mountain territory! The views are stunning, but if you're not a fan of heights, maybe tackle this 48-mile stretch from Fort Garland to Walsenburg during the day. Those steep drop-offs can be a little intense!