Where is Picuris Peak?
Usa, north-america
11.3 km
3,280 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're in northern New Mexico, gazing up at Picuris Peak, a seriously impressive 10,761 feet high! This isn't just any mountain, it's one of the highest roads in the whole state! There's some gear and stuff up at the top.
The road to the peak, the Picuris Peak Trail, is a 7-mile gravel grinder. You'll earn every single view, especially those panoramic shots of the Sangre de Cristo Range. Because of its elevation, access is mainly during the warmer months. Think sun, not snow!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,280 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeSteel Pass is a truly outstanding 4wd adventure in Death Valley
🇺🇸 Usa
Steel Pass, sitting pretty at 5,134 feet in California's Inyo County, is not for the faint of heart! This off-road adventure, also known as Steele Pass, winds through the remote and rugged heart of Death Valley National Park. Steel Pass Road is entirely unpaved and gets progressively rockier as you near the summit. This 45.8-mile stretch runs north to south from Eureka Valley Road to Saline Valley Road (southbound is generally easier). Considered one of Death Valley's most challenging backcountry routes, expect narrow sections, silt beds, ever-changing washes and canyons! High-clearance 4WD is an absolute must. Longer wheelbase vehicles might find it extra tricky. You'll need to be able to navigate narrow, sharp dry falls – sidewall tire damage is common, so pack a few spares! The road can be impassable after heavy rains. Waterfalls in Dedeckera Canyon require some real skill, and the Saline Valley wash has some tight, rocky turns. Make sure you have enough gas, too, as there's no cell service here. The drive can take anywhere from 2.5 to 3 hours non-stop. Always check the Death Valley National Park website for the latest road conditions due to frequent flooding. It is best traveled with more than one vehicle. Get ready for an epic adventure!
easyHow long is the Energy Loop: Huntington-Eccles Scenic Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for the Energy Loop: Huntington-Eccles Scenic Byway in central Utah! This paved beauty clocks in at 86 miles (138 km) and is practically the only paved path you'll find winding across the Wasatch Plateau. You'll cruise from Fairview to Huntington (southeast) and then up to Colton (northeast) via SR-31, and a mix of SR 31/264/96 on the northern portion of the loop. Nestled within the Manti-La Sal National Forest, this scenic byway peaks at a cool 9,799ft (2.987m) above sea level in the Wasatch Mountains. Keep an eye on the calendar, though – snow and weather can definitely play a role in when this road is open. Expect about 2-3 hours of driving time if you're just trying to get from point A to point B, but trust me, you'll want to stop. This area is a haven for hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping, and the views? Absolutely stunning, no matter the season. Plus, there are interpretive signs dotted along the way, giving you the lowdown on the area's history and nature. Get ready for an unforgettable Utah adventure!
moderateA memorable road trip to Bear Lake in Huerfano County
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Check out Bear Lake in Colorado's Huerfano County! This alpine gem sits way up high at 10,505 feet in the San Isabel National Forest. Heads up: you'll NEED a 4x4 to get there. County Road 422 (aka FSR422) is a totally unpaved, rugged climb. Starting from the paved CO-12, it's about 5.2 miles to the top, which sits at a lofty 10,636 feet. When to go? Aim for late June or July through October, because snow usually blocks the road the rest of the year. Trust me, the views of the Culebra Mountain Range are worth the trip. The road is STEEP, too, with some sections hitting an 11% grade. In those 5.2 miles, you'll climb over 1200 feet! It's an average gradient of 4.52%, so prepare for a slow and steady crawl to the top.
hardWhere is Vinegar Hill?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride up Vinegar Hill in eastern Oregon's Umatilla National Forest! This beast of a mountain road clocks in at over 8,200 feet, making it one of the highest in the state. Starting near the old ghost town of Austin, you'll be tackling Forest Service Road 2010 (aka Vincent Creek Road). The first 6 miles are generally maintained, but after that, things get real. Expect a totally unpaved surface, so this is where you might want to park your sedan. The remaining 4 miles to the top demand 4WD! This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You're looking at some seriously steep grades, topping out at a butt-clenching 15% in spots! From bottom to top, you'll climb about 3,600 feet in just 10 miles, averaging a pretty intense incline. Keep an eye out for snow blocking the path until around late June. But trust me, the views from the summit are worth every bump and grind!