Why was the road to Baldy Mountain built?
Usa, north-america
12.8 km
3,714 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to check out Baldy Mountain in New Mexico's Colfax County. This isn't just any peak; we're talking serious altitude – 12,185 feet!
The road to the summit (also known as Baldy Peak, Mount Baldy, or Old Baldy) has a cool backstory. It's an old mining road carved into the Cimarron Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, leftover from the days of copper, gold, and silver booms. Near the top, you can even explore the remnants of the Mystic Lode copper mine!
The adventure kicks off just north of Elizabethtown on NM-38. From there, it’s about 8 miles of pure unpaved, mountainous bliss. Get ready for a climb, though; we're talking a 3,500+ foot elevation gain!
Word to the wise: This road's a beast! Typically snowed in and closed until July (sometimes even later!). It’s narrow, windy, and demands your full attention, especially with limited spots to pass. If you're brave enough, tackle the 17 hairpin turns that are calling your name! You’ll definitely want a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance. Plus, keep an eye on the sky – this area gets some seriously intense monsoon season action with rain, hail, and lightning. But if you're prepared, the views are absolutely worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 12.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,714 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardThe Wild Road to Toro Peak in CA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving an off-the-beaten-path thrill in Southern California, you NEED to check out Toro Peak. This beauty sits way up high in the San Bernardino National Forest, clocking in at 8,710 feet above sea level. The way up is Santa Rosa Road (7S02), a 12.7-mile dirt track that'll put your ride to the test. Forget your low-rider – high clearance is a MUST, and honestly, you'll be thanking your lucky stars for 4-wheel drive. This road gets seriously bumpy, especially on the final stretch, which is steep, loose, and rocky. The road snakes up the Santa Rosa Mountain Range with grades hitting a punchy 13% in places. Be warned: they sometimes close it down due to fire danger or bad weather. It climbs 4,124 vertical feet from the paved CA-74, so expect some serious elevation gain. Watch out for narrow sections and keep an eye out for other adventurers. The road can be closed due to snow in winter. The views from the top, where you'll find a microwave relay station, are totally worth the effort!
moderateHow long is the Talimena Scenic Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the Talimena Scenic Drive, a totally paved 54-mile roller coaster of a road that straddles the Oklahoma/Arkansas border right through the Ouachita Mountains! Starting near Talihina, Oklahoma, and winding its way to Mena, Arkansas, this scenic byway (part Oklahoma State Highway 1, part Arkansas Highway 88) was built back in '69 specifically for the views. Speaking of views, this isn't a boring highway. Think winding two-lane road with sharp curves and some seriously steep inclines – we're talking grades of up to 13%! It cuts right through the Ouachita National Forest, so be prepared for a bit of wilderness. You can tackle this road year-round, just be extra careful of icy conditions during winter. Honestly, any bad weather can make the drive a bit stressful, so peek at the forecast before you head out. Thunderstorms can pop up fast and create foggy conditions on the mountain, and keep an eye out for the occasional snake! But all that's worth it for the natural beauty, historic sites, and charming towns you'll find along the way. The route boasts incredible mountain vistas, forested peaks, and sparkling lakes and streams, especially gorgeous when the leaves change in the fall or the spring foliage bursts. You might even catch a view above the clouds! Without stops, you could technically cruise the whole thing in about 2 hours, but that's no fun! With 22 scenic overlooks, you're definitely going to want to budget more time. Fall is the busiest time, with leaf-peepers coming in droves. Spring and summer are great too, and if you're up for it, a rainy day can offer a mystical, secluded experience.
hardWhere is the Lost Coast Scenic Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: the Lost Coast Scenic Drive, aka Mattole Road. Tucked away in Humboldt County, California, this 65-mile stretch is the real deal when it comes to raw, untamed beauty. We're talking hidden beaches, towering redwoods, and the highest coastal mountains in the continental US. Seriously epic! The road itself? Mostly paved, but don't expect a smooth ride the whole way. There are a few short unpaved sections to keep things interesting. Plus, it climbs to a max elevation of 2,434 feet, so expect some steep stretches. Word to the wise: skip it if it's raining or dark. Cell service is basically nonexistent, and you'll definitely encounter potholes and maybe even some partially washed-out areas. Oh, and this is earthquake country, so keep an eye out for tsunami warnings. The road is mostly two lanes, but they can be super narrow with lots of curves and switchbacks. But trust me, it's all worth it for those incredible ocean views! Give yourself about two hours to soak it all in. You're cruising along the longest undeveloped shoreline in California, according to National Geographic. It’s been named one of the most scenic drives in the whole USA. This is a drive you won't forget!
moderateDriving an old mining road to Mount Lincoln in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're cruising through central Colorado, you NEED to check out Mount Lincoln. We're talking serious altitude here, folks – this old mining road climbs to a whopping 14,097 feet! That makes it one of the highest roads in the entire USA, nestled in the Pike National Forest. Word has it, they named this peak after President Lincoln just to poke fun at the Democrats who named the nearby Mount Democrat. Talk about mountain politics! The Mt. Lincoln Road (also known as Crest Drive) is a super rugged, unpaved track winding through the Mosquito Range. It used to be an old wagon road that went past Quartzville and all the way to the Present Help mine near the summit. Now, a word of warning: This road is NO JOKE. It's on private land and definitely closed during the winter – often until July! You'll need a 4x4 SUV with decent clearance to even think about tackling it. The surface is rough, and there will be clearance issues! But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with incredible hiking, fishing, and stunning views. Plus, you can explore the remnants of old mines near the top. It's a chance to witness history combined with breathtaking landscapes. Trust me, it's an unforgettable Colorado experience!