
Where is South Baldy?
Usa, north-america
20.59 km
3,288 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride to South Baldy in central New Mexico's Cibola National Forest! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about one of the highest roads in the state, topping out at a lung-busting 10,789 feet above sea level.
The view from the top, where you'll find the Langmuir Laboratory and Magdalena Ridge Observatory, is totally worth it – seriously breathtaking. But getting there? That's another story.
The summit road clocks in at almost 13 miles of rocky, single-lane, near-vertical, slope-hugging fun. It's STEEP in places, so don't expect to fly up those ramps. While a rugged sedan *might* make it with some careful driving, a four-wheel drive is your best bet, even in summer. Oh, and did I mention that this road is typically impassable in winter? Yeah, that's a no-go. But hey, if you're up for an adventure with a view, South Baldy is calling your name! Just remember to pack your nerve.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 20.59 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,288 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeAn Explorer's Guide to Boriana Mine in Arizona
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a wild one for you: Boriana Mine Road! This off-the-beaten-path trail is tucked away in the northwestern corner of Arizona, near Yucca, and leads to the historic Boriana Mine in the Hualapai Mountains. First things first: you NEED a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle for this adventure. Trust me on this one. Boriana Mine Road clocks in at around 15.2 miles (24.46km) starting from Alamo Road, and it's a proper climb! We're talking about an elevation gain of 3,631 feet (1,107 meters). The average gradient is around 4.52%, but be prepared for sections that ramp up to a butt-clenching 17%! The road starts out innocently enough with gravel, but quickly transforms into a narrow, rocky shelf road with switchbacks that might make your palms sweat, especially if you're not a seasoned off-roader. A word of caution: Arizona weather can be unpredictable. Monsoons can cause washouts and leave large rocks in the road. This is a no-go in snow or ice. And remember, desert heat can be brutal in the summer. So why bother? Because this route is a blast! You'll be rewarded with stunning views, a sense of adventure, and a peek into Arizona's mining history. Just be careful out there, keep your eyes peeled, and enjoy the ride!
hardWhere is Bruin Point?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're chasing Utah's biggest peaks, Bruin Point is calling your name. Perched high up at 10,193 feet, this summit offers views that'll make your jaw drop. You'll find it tucked away in Utah, and while the top's a bit crowded with communication gear, that means the road is generally in decent shape. Now, about that road... it's called Wild Horse Road, and it's a 10-mile dirt track that'll keep you on your toes. Think rocky terrain and a pretty steep climb. You're looking at gaining over 3,000 feet in elevation, so expect an average gradient of 6%. I'd recommend a high-clearance vehicle for this one, and 4x4 wouldn't hurt, especially when heading back down. The road is narrow and winding, and meeting oncoming traffic can be a bit of a squeeze. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Get ready for some epic scenery!
moderateWickiup Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Wickiup Pass! Nestled high in Utah's Garfield County, this beast of a pass tops out at a cool 9,255 feet. We're talking about BLM 14635, a road that laughs in the face of pavement. Seriously, it's rough, rocky, steep, and a true test of your off-road skills. Expect a windy, twisty, single-lane experience where you'll be VERY grateful for that 4WD with high clearance. Winter? Forget about it. Wet conditions? Hard pass. Heights aren't your thing? Maybe skip this one. But if you're brave enough to tackle it, Wickiup Pass carves right through the stunning Henry Mountains. Word to the wise: Mother Nature's got a wicked sense of humor up here. Expect high winds, sudden weather changes, and even snow in summer! Basically, pack for anything and everything, and get ready for an unforgettable ride. (Pic & video credit: AtomicGeo)
moderatePetes Hole Reservoir
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Petes Hole Reservoir! This hidden gem sits way up high in central Utah's Sanpete County, chilling at a cool 8,917 feet above sea level in the heart of the Wasatch Plateau. Getting there is part of the fun (or the challenge, depending on your rig and your mood!). Forest Road 0005, your trusty route in, is a gravel road that likes to keep things interesting. Expect rocky sections, tippy spots, and plenty of bumps along the way. The road climbs quickly, throwing in some switchbacks to keep you on your toes. And be warned: winter has a serious grip up here, so you're likely only looking at a summer window to tackle this adventure safely. But the views? Totally worth it.