Where is Old Red River Pass?

Where is Old Red River Pass?

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

333 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let me tell you about Old Red River Pass in northern New Mexico! You'll find it chilling at an elevation of over

in the

, near the gorgeous

Carson National Forest

.

The payoff? Seriously stunning views of the

Red River Upper Valley

. The road itself, known as

Forest Access Road 488

(Old Red River Pass Road), is an unpaved, historic route that winds through the rugged

Sangre de Cristo Mountains

. Think steep, narrow switchbacks – definitely a ride for high-clearance vehicles!

While the grade isn't crazy intense, the road's only

one-vehicle

it's closed during the winter months.

The whole thing stretches for about

, with a total elevation gain of

Trust me, the scenery makes it all worthwhile!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
333 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

June Lake Loopeasy

June Lake Loop

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up for the June Lake Loop (aka California State Route 158)! This isn't just a drive, it's an experience. Nestled in Mono County, California, this loop whisks you away to a land of shimmering alpine lakes, majestic mountains, and scenery that’ll make your jaw drop. Clocking in at just under 16 miles, this paved road branches off U.S. Route 395 and keeps you cruising above 7,000 feet the whole way. The highest point tops out at over 7,800 feet! You'll be hugging the shores of Grant Lake, Silver Lake, Gull Lake, and June Lake, so have your camera ready. Just a heads up, this road is a no-go in winter. It's closed due to heavy snowfall and extreme weather conditions, but that’s what makes it so pristine the rest of the year. Construction started way back in 1915, so you know it's got some history too! Get ready for seriously epic views of the Eastern Sierra on this amazing two-lane highway.

Gold Camp Road is a spooky haunted spot with collapsed tunnels in Colorado Springsmoderate

Gold Camp Road is a spooky haunted spot with collapsed tunnels in Colorado Springs

🇺🇸 Usa

Looking for an adventure near Colorado Springs? Gold Camp Road is a must-do! This 32-mile trail winds its way from Colorado Springs to Victor, offering breathtaking scenery and a spooky twist. Located in Teller County, just a short drive southwest of Colorado Springs, this road boasts stunning views and a fascinating history. Originally a railroad built during the gold rush in the 1880s, it was converted into a highway in 1924. The road is a mix of paved and unpaved sections, with some parts closed to vehicles. You can drive through two tunnels, but be prepared for winding dirt and gravel roads that can get narrow and rocky. Keep an eye out for bikers and hikers! Speaking of tunnels, Gold Camp Road has some seriously spooky legends. Tunnel 3 is completely sealed off due to a collapse, fueling tales of a tragic school bus accident with no official record. People claim to hear laughter, see handprints, and even witness apparitions in the tunnels. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a history buff, Gold Camp Road is an unforgettable experience. Just be aware that others might stop in the tunnels to try to experience the paranormal, so drive carefully!

A paved road to Campbell Pass in NMmoderate

A paved road to Campbell Pass in NM

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for Campbell Pass! This beauty sits way up high in northwestern New Mexico, in McKinley County, clocking in at a cool 7,280 feet above sea level. You'll be cruising on the iconic, paved Interstate 40 – yep, part of the old Route 66! The original road here dates all the way back to 1914. This stretch is about 62.5 miles long, a straight shot east-west from Gallup to Grants. Get ready for some awesome desert scenery!

How Challenging is the Road to Sawtell Peak?extreme

How Challenging is the Road to Sawtell Peak?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Island Park, Idaho, you HAVE to check out Sawtell Peak! This epic drive takes you up Forest Road 024 (aka Sawtell Peak Road) inside the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, close to the Montana border. Think of it as a well-maintained, but steep gravel rollercoaster with tons of hairpin turns. I wouldn't advise bringing your trailer along for this one! If you're scared of heights, be warned: some sections are seriously exposed. Under normal conditions, you can tackle it in a regular car, but avoid it when things get super wet. The climb starts on US-20 and stretches for 11.5 miles to the top. In that short distance, you'll gain a whopping 3,458 feet! That's an average gradient of 5.69%, so get ready for some serious switchbacks. At the summit, you'll find a flight traffic control radar station doing its thing, but who cares about that when you've got insane views?! Speaking of which, this road is named after a rock formation that looks like a Native American chief, earning it the nickname "Chief Rains in the Face." The landscape offers mind-blowing panoramas of valleys, peaks, and local wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled! A word of caution: this area is no joke. Locals joke that there are only two seasons: Winter and July. Snowstorms can pop up out of nowhere, and even in summer, the winds can get pretty wild. The road's usually closed from November 1st to June 1st. Sure, the FAA maintains it for the radar station in winter, but with snow depths up to 25 feet and avalanche danger, it's best to avoid it. Just remember to park safely if you stop to enjoy the scenery, and watch out for other vehicles. Trust me; the views are worth every nerve-wracking turn!