Benson Ridge
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,906 m
hard
Year-round
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!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,906 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow many miles is Mt Hamilton?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Santa Clara County? You HAVE to hit Mt. Hamilton Road! They say it’s got 365 curves – one for every day of the year! Seriously, prepare for some serious switchbacks (motion sickness pills might be a good idea!). This beauty is actually part of California State Route 130, and clocks in at around 19 miles of pure, paved driving bliss. You'll be climbing to a whopping 4,206 feet above sea level, where you'll find the Lick Observatory – the first mountaintop observatory. Cyclists love this route, so keep an eye out and share the road. Fun fact: this road was built way back in 1875–76 to haul equipment up to the observatory with horse-drawn wagons. So the grades are pretty gentle, but the road is narrow in spots and those curves are no joke. Being high up in the Diablo Range, Mt. Hamilton can get snow in the winter. It gets cooler as you climb, so pack a jacket. This mountain can be unpredictable, occasionally a cold, wet storm from the Gulf of Alaska or Canada, Mt. Hamilton gets significant snowfall. But is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY. The views of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley are breathtaking. On a clear day, you can even spot the Sierra Nevada way off in the distance. Heads up: there are no gas stations or restaurants on the road or at the summit, so fuel up and pack some snacks before you go. Mount Hamilton is 20 miles east of San Jose, and this journey has spectacular, even spine-tingling views.
moderateSouth Lake
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising up to South Lake in California's Inyo County. We're talking serious altitude here, almost 10,000 feet! This isn't just any lake; it's a high-mountain gem. The road itself is paved, so no need for a monster truck, but heads up: if you're not comfy with winding mountain roads, maybe sit this one out. Oh, and a friendly reminder: Mother Nature usually shuts this road down during the winter months. But when it's open? Get ready for some seriously stunning views!
moderateWhere is Stony Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Stony Pass, a wild ride high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado! This baby tops out at a whopping 12,618 feet, so be prepared for some serious altitude. You'll find it east of the old mining town of Silverton, and trust me, this road has history etched into every rock. Speaking of rocks, that's how it got its name! Stony Pass Road (also known as Forest Road 520 and County Road 3, or even Hamilton Pass) is 10.4 miles of unpaved, rugged terrain. Think rocky, rough, and washed out in sections. This used to be a stage and freight route back in the 1870s, a lifeline for the miners hauling silver and gold. After falling into disuse, the Forest Service revived it in the 50s. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle this one. Seriously, leave the Prius at home. The road follows the Rio Grande River for a good stretch, and there are some seriously narrow spots where you'll be praying you don't meet anyone coming the other way! Heads up: this pass is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July. But when it's open, oh man, the views are incredible. Think panoramic vistas of the Continental Divide, fields of wildflowers, gurgling creeks, and cascading waterfalls. Plus, you'll be surrounded by mining history. It's an adventure you won't forget!
extremeHow long is the road to Greenie Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Nestled high in Taos County, New Mexico, you'll find Greenie Peak, topping out at a cool 11,259 feet. Seriously, this spot boasts some killer views of snow-capped peaks. The road to the summit? It's a short but sweet 2.29 miles. Don't let the distance fool you; you'll climb 715 feet, making for an average gradient of almost 6%. Weekends and holidays? Expect company! Now, for the nitty-gritty: This road is *unpaved*. We're talking rocky, rough, and not exactly pampered. Proceed with caution, folks! It's narrow, so meeting oncoming traffic can be a bit of a dance. Summer brings loose rock to the party, while winter? Forget about it – completely impassable, often until July! Tight switchbacks will keep you on your toes, and 4x4 is an absolute must. Expect some mud puddles too. Oh, and keep an eye on that New Mexico weather – thunderstorms and lightning can roll in quick!