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
moderateIs the road to Whitetail Mountain in Jeff Davis County unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Texas road trip fans, listen up! If you're looking for a real adventure in Jeff Davis County, you HAVE to check out Whitetail Mountain. This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a 6.2-mile (10km) off-road odyssey that climbs to a whopping 7,270 feet (2.216m) above sea level. Forget smooth asphalt; this baby is all unpaved, so a 4x4 is definitely your best friend here. Fair warning: there's a gate, so check access before you go. But trust me, the views from the top are worth the bumpy ride. Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!
hardBenson Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna conquer a seriously epic mountain pass? Then point your wheels towards Benson Ridge in New Mexico's Otero County. We're talking about a sky-high perch at 9,534 feet within the gorgeous Lincoln National Forest. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. Forest Road 223 (aka Dark Canyon Road) is a rugged beast of gravel and rocks. Translation? You absolutely need 4x4. Plus, it's a no-go zone in winter. Heights not your thing? Maybe skip this one, because it's a pretty steep climb. But if you're game for an off-road challenge with killer views, Benson Ridge is calling your name!
extremeWhere is the Gemini Bridges trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Just north of Moab in southern Utah, you'll find the Gemini Bridges Trail, a 13-mile off-road adventure that's a must-do for the serious 4x4 enthusiast! The trail climbs from Highway 191 to Highway 313, reaching a peak elevation of 6,036 feet. Why "Gemini Bridges?" Because you'll be treated to the sight of the amazing Gemini Bridges, twin natural arches perched dramatically on the edge of Bull Canyon. (Seriously, keep an eye on everyone near the cliffs – it's a long way down!) This isn't a Sunday drive. The first mile is a steep, rocky, single-lane shelf road that demands high clearance. Think large boulders, off-camber switchbacks, and hoping you don't meet anyone coming the other way! You'll be hugging the edge, hundreds of feet up with no guardrail. The road itself is unpaved and rocky, with steep sections and patches of slickrock. 4x4 is strongly recommended, especially after rain. Expect a bumpy ride, no shade, and bring plenty of water. Despite the challenges, the views are epic! You'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of Moab Valley, the La Sal Mountains, and incredible rock formations. Plan to stop often to soak it all in. Just be prepared for company, especially on weekends, as this is a popular spot for both mountain bikers and 4x4 drivers.
moderateWhere is Snowy Range Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Wyoming Highway 130, also known as the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, and it's epic! This paved, two-lane beauty stretches for 26.2 miles between Ryan Park and Centennial, taking you to a whopping 10,859 feet above sea level. Why "Snowy Range"? Because even in summer, you’ll spot snow clinging to the high peaks – it’s pretty magical. They even used to call this the "Great Skyroad" back when it was just a wagon trail in the 1870s! It was paved in the 30s and it’s a fantastic detour from boring old I-80. Now, fair warning, this isn't a flat cruise. You'll hit some seriously steep sections, with gradients peaking around 9.5%. But trust me, the views are worth it! Plan for about an hour to drive the whole thing without stops, but honestly, you'll WANT to stop. This road is nestled in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest and it is a scenic playground, offering picnic spots, campgrounds (lakeside camping, anyone?), and incredible views of the Snowy Range Mountains. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially early and late in the day. Heads up: this road gets buried in snow during the winter. It typically shuts down around mid-November and doesn't reopen until Memorial Day weekend, give or take, depending on the snowfall. But when it's open, you’ll discover deep glacial lakes, peaceful meadows, rushing mountain streams, and, of course, those awe-inspiring mountain peaks. Don't forget your fishing rod for some trout action, or just chill by the lake. It's Wyoming at its finest.