Where is Saddle Mountain Road?
Usa, north-america
18.18 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Saddle Mountain Road in Arizona is calling your name!
This isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. You'll wind your way around the bizarrely beautiful Saddle Mountain, a volcanic wonder in south-central Arizona, west of
. Think dramatic scenery and a real sense of getting away from it all. Rockhounds, listen up: fire agate and chalcedony are rumored to be hiding on the north side!
The loop itself clocks in at about 11.3 miles (18.18 km), but don't let the short distance fool you. This baby is challenging! Expect washouts, rocks galore, and the kind of remoteness that demands respect. We're talking careful wheel placement and a definite need for a high-clearance 4WD vehicle *and* an experienced driver.
But is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is off the charts, making it an epic day trip (or even a weekend adventure!). Just keep an eye on the weather.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 18.18 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is the highest fire lookout in North America?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Nevada, cruising "The Loneliest Road in America," and you decide to take a little detour. This isn't just any detour; it's a climb up to Fairview Peak, nestled high in the Clan Alpine Mountains. Fairview Peak stands tall at 8,307 feet, home to radio equipment and the highest fire lookout in North America – a cool little stone hut that's been around since way back in 1912. The views from the top? Absolutely epic! Now, getting up there is an adventure in itself. The road’s unpaved and pretty steep in sections. We're talking about a nine and a half mile stretch of dirt that gains over 4,000 feet in elevation. A 4x4 is a must here. Oh, and a little history tidbit: back in '54, this area got rocked by a couple of major earthquakes, leaving some noticeable scars on the landscape. Luckily, nobody was hurt, thanks to its remote location. So, if you're up for a rugged drive with killer views, Fairview Peak is calling your name!
moderateWhere is Kingman Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, let's talk Kingman Pass! You'll find this beauty nestled in the northwestern corner of Wyoming, chilling at a seriously high elevation. The pass is named after Lieutenant Dan Christie Kingman, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers legend who tamed this tricky stretch of road. Speaking of the road, it's been paved smooth since the 40s, so your ride will be comfy. The route stretches about 53.5 miles between Gardiner, Montana and West Yellowstone – buckle up for the adventure! Expect gorgeous scenery. The road's got lots of twists and turns. Just a heads up: this pass is usually closed from December through April, buried under snow in Yellowstone National Park.
moderateMorelos Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the remote town of Morelos in Chihuahua, buckle up for one wild ride! Seriously, this place was so cut off, they only got electricity a hot minute ago. Forget easy access; this town is tucked deep in the rugged Sierra Madre mountains, making even building a road here a Herculean task. Now, about that road... it's a long, unpaved rollercoaster of gravel and potential peril. Think plunging into canyons, navigating drug plantation territory (yikes!), and battling the elements with mudslides and flash floods. Oh, and keep an eye out for the local wildlife! But hold on, because this insane route comes with a major perk: mind-blowing scenery. We're talking epic, sprawling canyons that rival even the Grand Canyon or Copper Canyon! This road is a true test of your driving mettle, pushing your skills (and your vehicle's guts) to the absolute limit. Starting near Batopilas at a humble 570 meters above sea level, you'll climb, climb, climb through hairpin turns to the town of Buenavista at a whopping 2400 meters. That's an elevation change of over 1800 meters in less than 20 kilometers! After cruising along a mesa near Los Chiqueros for about 20 kilometers, you'll plunge down to Polanco (1400 masl) and then descend even further into the San Miguel canyon to 410 masl in just 30 kilometers! Finally cross the river and ascend again to 1140 masl to end at Morelos sitting at 580 meters above sea level. So, are you brave enough to tackle this beast?
hardWhere is Lockes Gap located?
🇺🇸 Usa
Deep in Jeff Davis County, Texas, lies Lockes Gap, a high mountain pass topping out at way over feet above sea level. Think West Texas desert meets seriously high altitude—we're talking one of the highest drivable points in the Lone Star State! You'll find this hidden gem tucked into the Davis Mountains. This volcanic range is home to the famous McDonald Observatory. The pass itself clings to the slopes of Mount Locke, giving you insane views over the surrounding desert. Imagine high-altitude grasslands and rugged rocks—it's a total change from those flat Texas plains. Okay, the road to the top isn't paved. We're talking loose gravel and packed dirt. The average slope is chill, around 3.66%, but a 4x4 is a MUST . This area is remote, and flash floods happen, so be prepared. Heads up: a lot of the land is private or used for research, so the road is often closed . The adventure starts where it branches off the scenic TX-118. From there, it's just over miles to the summit, climbing feet. It's a short trip, but there's nothing out here, so pack your supplies! Make sure your ride is solid and bring tons of water, because West Texas heat is no joke. Spring and Fall are the sweet spots to visit the Davis Mountains. Unlike most of Texas, it can get super cold and snowy in winter, making the unpaved road a slick nightmare. Summer brings crazy thunderstorms that can turn the road into a mud pit instantly. Check the weather in Fort Davis before you go. Keep an eye out for wildlife and be aware that cell service is basically non-existent once you leave the main highway. We're talking mountain lions, javelinas, and rattlesnakes, so watch where you step. The road is narrow with no guardrails, so stay focused on the road.