Where is Palo Encebado Peak?
Usa, north-america
6.9 km
3,069 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in New Mexico? Check out Palo Encebado Peak, tucked away in Taos County! This beast sits pretty high at 10,068 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, east of Taos.
Now, listen up: this isn't your Sunday drive. The 4.28-mile road (Shadow Mountain Road) up to the peak is all dirt, and it gets seriously gnarly. Think ruts, rocks, and after a good rain or snow, potentially impassable conditions. You absolutely need a 4x4 with high clearance to even think about tackling this one.
But if you're up for the challenge, the views are supposed to be epic. You'll climb 2,000 feet on an average gradient of almost 9% so you had better like steep! Just remember to check the weather and be prepared for a bumpy ride. This is one adventure you won't soon forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,069 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Webster Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Let's talk Webster Pass, a truly epic high-altitude route nestled in the heart of Colorado. You'll find it straddling Summit and Park counties, deep within the White River National Forest. This beauty, clocking in at just over 9 miles, takes you right over the Continental Divide at a staggering 12,103 feet. To get there, head toward Keystone from I-70, then hop onto Montezuma Road. Cruise through the town of Montezuma, and you'll find Webster Pass Road on your left. Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive for your sedan. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here. The road's unpaved and super narrow, with a river crossing and some seriously steep switchbacks. Trailers? Leave 'em at home. You'll need high clearance to tackle this one. Open season is generally late May to late November, but snow can linger, so late August or early September is your best bet for a snow-free run. Be warned: If it's snowy, don't even think about it. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip - it's about 45 minutes each way. At the summit, you'll meet up with the Red Cone and Handcart Gulch trails. Unless you're a pro, stick to Webster Pass for the descent – Red Cone is notoriously gnarly! But oh, the views! Think wide-open alpine terrain and stunning scenery along the Snake River. This is a ride you won't soon forget, perfect for soaking in the Colorado wilderness and connecting to other 4WD trails.
extremeIs the road to Blacktail Mountain in Montana unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're way out in southwestern Montana, south of Dillon, about to tackle Blacktail Mountain. This isn't just a drive; it's a legit wilderness experience. We're talking *remote*. Blacktail Mountain is the star of the Blacktail Range, a rugged, wide-open space teeming with elk and mule deer. Think classic Montana backcountry, managed by the BLM and Forest Service. The views? 360 degrees of pure, unadulterated beauty, stretching across the valleys to the Continental Divide. You'll feel like you've stepped back into the Old West. But heads up, this isn't a Sunday drive. The road to the top is a wild 9 miles of unpaved, rocky terrain. We're talking loose rock, deep ruts, and sections that cling to the mountainside. You absolutely, positively need a high-clearance 4x4. Seriously. And come prepared. This is a road that is not maintained. It's so remote that cell service is non-existent, and you probably won't see another soul. This is one of those "primitive roads" that will test your driving skills and your vehicle's toughness. When to go? Weather is key. Forget winter and spring; this road is buried in snow and mud. Aim for late June through September, but even then, watch out for summer thunderstorms that can turn the trail into a slippery mess. Pack extra supplies, especially water and a spare tire – those sharp rocks are notorious for punctures. But if you make it to the top? Prepare for silence, solitude, and some of the most breathtaking scenery Montana has to offer.
hardCoronado Trail Scenic Byway is the road with 460 turns in Arizona
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers! I've just conquered the legendary Coronado Trail Scenic Byway in Arizona, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride! This isn't just a road; it's an adventure carved into the southeastern Arizona landscape, near the New Mexico border, right on the edge of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Think of it as your gateway to Canyon de Chelly National Monument, with a hefty dose of adrenaline thrown in! They call it the Coronado Trail, named after that Spanish explorer who was chasing the Seven Cities of CÃbola way back when. This route used to be known as "The Devil's Highway," which should give you a hint about what's in store! Stretching for 129 miles from Springerville down to the old copper mining town of Clifton, this fully paved road is all about the twists and turns – a mind-boggling 460 of them! Seriously, it's a rollercoaster for cars! The scenery is epic, and you’ll likely have the road practically to yourself. But fair warning: this mountain road is narrow, winding, and clings to steep cliffs with little to no shoulder in many spots. Newbies might want to sit this one out. You'll climb to a breathtaking 9,383 feet above sea level, just south of Hannagan Meadow in the heavily wooded White Mountains. The views? Unforgettable! Generally, the road's open year-round, but winter, spring and fall can bring ice and snow. Pro-tip: snow isn't plowed on weekends or at night during winter, just weekdays between 8 am and 5 pm. Plan for a solid 4-5 hours of driving, but that's *without* stopping. And trust me, you'll want to stop. Snowy mountains, grassy valleys, wildlife galore, heart-pumping driving, and views that will blow your mind – this road has it all. Just remember to fill up your gas tank in Alpine. There aren't any stations along the way!
easyWhere is the abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a seriously cool and slightly spooky adventure! Just off the modern Pennsylvania Turnpike, near Breezewood, lies a 13-mile stretch of abandoned highway, a relic from the 1940s. Imagine driving (or biking, as it's now a trail!) through a piece of history swallowed by nature. This isn't your average scenic route, folks. Think crumbling pavement, graffiti art, and three seriously long, echoing tunnels bored through the Appalachian Mountains. Originally built to ease congestion, this section was bypassed back in '68 and left to the elements. The Nature Conservancy now owns it, so cars are a no-go. But cyclists and hikers can explore this surreal landscape – just bring lights and helmets, those tunnels get dark! You might even recognize it – parts of the post-apocalyptic film "The Road" were filmed here. It’s a wild ride, mixing eerie vibes with a unique sense of discovery!