
Where is Pinal Peak?
Usa, north-america
26.07 km
2,397 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Pinal Peak in southern Arizona! This bad boy tops out at nearly 7,900 feet in the Pinal Mountains, a little south of Globe, and the views are totally worth the trek. You'll spot a bunch of radio towers clinging to the summit from miles away – it's not exactly a hidden gem, but definitely a local favorite. The Forest Service has a few campgrounds nearby if you want to make a weekend of it.
Now, the road up is a 16-mile dirt track that’s pretty steep, gaining over 4,200 feet from Pinal. We're talking an average gradient of almost 5%! You'll definitely want to hit this one during the day – nighttime driving? Nah. And winter? Forget about it, unless you're packing serious snow gear. A high-clearance vehicle is a must (think SUV or truck), but you probably won’t need four-wheel drive unless the weather turns sour. Always check conditions before you head out – back roads can be unpredictable!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 26.07 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,397 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardTake the Scenic Route and Discover Sinclair Pass in BC
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Sinclair Pass in beautiful British Columbia, Canada! Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, inside Kootenay National Park, this paved beauty, aka Highway 93, clocks in at about 63 kilometers (or 39 miles) stretching between Radium Hot Springs and Vermilion Crossing. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. Get ready for some serious climbing! The road gets STEEP, with grades hitting up to 11% in sections. It's a two-lane highway that winds its way up to 1,486 meters (4,875 feet) above sea level. Oh, and pro tip: keep an eye out! This area is known for avalanches and rock slides, so always be aware of your surroundings. Despite the hazards, the views are absolutely breathtaking. So buckle up and get ready to experience some epic mountain scenery!
easyHow to Get By Car to Skilak Lake in Alaska?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska, heading towards the ridiculously clear waters of Skilak Lake. You're about to drive the historic Skilak Lake Loop Road, the first ever built on the peninsula way back in '47! This mostly gravel route clocks in at about 19 miles, and you can hop on from Sterling Highway around mile markers 58 or 75.2. Seriously, any car can handle this road! It winds through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, giving you access to the lake, fed by the mighty Kenai River. You'll be sharing the road with anglers and sightseers heading for fishing spots, campgrounds, and trailheads. Speaking of, there are two campgrounds right on the lake. While you *can* fish from shore, a boat is the way to go! Keep an eye out for bears, though; this is their turf. Trust me, this area is a wildlife viewing paradise, complete with stunning views of lakes and glaciers. Slow down and keep your eyes peeled for bears, eagles, wolves, caribou, coyotes, lynx, beavers and moose! Drive slowly, especially early or late in the day, to spot more wildlife and avoid the crowds. Make sure you stop at the scenic overlooks for some truly epic photos. The lake is huge: 15 miles long and four miles wide!
hardWhere is Brown Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on Brown Mountain Road, tucked away east of the summit in southwestern Colorado! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking serious altitude here, reaching some of the highest points in the state. Think of it as the Million Dollar Highway's adventurous cousin. Now, heads up: the road to the top is unpaved, so 4x4 is a must. The views from the summit? Totally worth it! Plus, you'll be cruising past cool old mining relics along the way. This epic route clocks in at roughly 7 miles, kicking off from U.S. 550. Keep in mind, this road's usually closed until later in the season. The weather up there can flip on a dime, and snow conditions can be super unpredictable, so always stay alert!
hardWhen was Ruta Tepehuana built?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Ruta Tepehuana (Camino a Huzamota) is located in Durango, Mexico. This road is known for being windy, narrow, and potentially hazardous, offering views of the Sierra Madre mountains and canyons. Elevations range from 2,700 meters above sea level to the canyon's bottom at 500-0 meters. When was Ruta Tepehuana built? The road was inaugurated in 2014 and became a fully operational paved road by 2016. It passes through five different biomes: painted desert, cactus desert, pine forest, oak forest, and tropical jungle. How long is Ruta Tepehuana? Spanning 288 km (178 miles), this steep road connects Durango city with the area near Jesus María in Nayarit. How’s driving Ruta Tepehuana? The road's first section includes a mountain pass and a canyon pass. Starting at 1,430 meters above sea level in Mezquital, Durango, it rises to 2,490 meters, offering views of the Mezquital valley and canyons. It then descends to Temoaya town at 1,300 meters and further to the Mezquital River at 1,090 meters. After crossing the river, the road climbs to 2,540 meters, with views of the Mezquital canyon, pine forests, cactus deserts, and oak forests. The next segment descends to Huazamota, starting from Llano Grande at 2,300 meters and moving through a pine forest stretch up to 2,700 meters. Owned by the indigenous Tepehuan people, the road then descends from Mesa de las Milpas community at 2,600 meters to 600 meters in San Antonio de Padua over less than 35 kilometers. This descent passes through pine and oak forests, tropical forests, and cactus-laden canyon areas. After San Juan Peyotan, there is a junction where Mexico 23 meets Mexico 44, offering views of the Sierra Madre Mountains. In either direction, the road offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre Mountains, either towards Is Ruta Tepehuana dangerous? You might see only one or two vehicles per hour, but many pedestrians, mainly indigenous people. The area is known for drug trafficking and has a high risk of kidnappings or extortion. The road features sharp turns and challenging curves. Speeds rarely exceed 40 mph and are often closer to 30 mph. Some areas lack signals and road paint, complicating night driving. Potholes and Falling Rocks: Potholes are common, especially near mountain cuts, and falling rocks are a hazard. Pedestrians and Guardrails: Pedestrians sometimes walk in the middle of the road. Some areas lack guardrails beside canyons. Driving at night is not recommended due to sharp turns and frequent fog. The route has steep and extended downhill sections, which can overheat brakes. Engine braking is essential to prevent brake failure. The elevation changes by a combined total of 4,000 meters. Sparse throughout most of the route. Road suggested by: Eblem Torres Cumbres de Maltrata is a dangerous Mexican road A challenging 4x4 road to Cerro Potosí, one of the Mexico's highest peaks Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.