
Bobcat Pass is a high mountain road in New Mexico
Usa, north-america
46.99 km
2,995 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Bobcat Pass! This beauty sits way up high in New Mexico's Carson National Forest, at a cool 9,826 feet. You'll find it straddling the Taos and Colfax County line in northern New Mexico — keep your eyes peeled for the bobcats that gave the pass its name!
NM-38, a fully paved road, is your path to the summit. Clocking in at just over 29 miles, it connects the towns of Questa and Eagle Nest with some serious elevation changes.
Prepare for a bit of a climb! The road gets steep in sections, with gradients hitting 10%. Coming from Questa, you’ve got almost 18.5 miles to ascend, gaining a whopping 3,600 feet. The average grade is around 3.7%, but there's a tough 4-mile stretch leading up to the pass (the first couple miles from Red River will really get your heart pumping). But, hey, what goes up must come down, right? Reward yourself with a stunning 13-mile cruise downhill into Eagle Nest through the Moreno Valley. It's mostly downhill, and the views are incredible!
Where is it?
Bobcat Pass is a high mountain road in New Mexico is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.8045, -96.5689
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 46.99 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,995 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.8045, -96.5689
Related Roads in north-america
extremeSunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida is one of the world's longest cable-stayed concrete bridges
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, buckle up for a ride across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, a 4.14-mile stretch of concrete and steel that soars over Tampa Bay in sunny Florida. This isn't your average overpass; it's a landmark, a four-lane section of I-275 (SR 93) and US 19 (SR 55) linking St. Pete and Terra Ceia that sees around 52,000 vehicles daily. The bridge reaches a dizzying height of 430 feet, making it one of the tallest cable-stayed concrete bridges around! The views are absolutely stunning, but if you're scared of heights, this might test your limits. But here's the thing: the "Sunshine" name is a bit deceiving. This bridge has a dark history, including a tragic accident in 1980 when a freighter collided with a support column, causing part of the bridge to collapse. On top of that, the bridge has sadly been the site of numerous suicides. As a result, there are now suicide hotline signs along the span. Be warned: during storms, high winds, or even fog, the bridge often closes. The grade is steep, and crossing feels like an endless climb to a dizzying peak. The bright yellow cables can mess with your sense of perspective. It's a toll road, so have some cash handy, and maybe a good playlist to keep your mind occupied on your trip!
easyHow to get by car to Lagunas de Zempoala?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! I just discovered the most stunning mountain lakes in Mexico. We're talking Lagunas de Zempoala, a cluster of high-altitude lakes chilling way up at 9,500 feet! These beauties straddle the border between Morelos and Mexico states, nestled inside the Lagunas de Zempoala National Park. Fed by rivers and rain, the lakes are gorgeous, but be warned: some might be a bit thirsty and even dry up during the dry season (November to May). Getting there is surprisingly easy, with a fully paved road. It's actually the main connection between cool cities like Toluca and Cuernavaca. However, heads up, it can get pretty busy with traffic on this mountainous route. The 18-mile (29km) stretch runs east-west from Tres Marías (in Morelos) to Santa Martha (in Mexico) and delivers a major dose of scenic mountain views. Trust me, you’ll want to pull over and snap some pics!
moderateWhere is Pine Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! I just discovered the coolest little detour in Big Bend National Park, Texas: Pine Canyon Road! Seriously, if you're craving breathtaking views of the Chisos Mountains, this is your jam. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a wild, unpaved route carving its way through the desert. Think loose rocks, dips, climbs, blind corners, and maybe even a dry creek crossing or two! Rain can change everything out here, so be prepared for anything. Oh, and keep an eye out for bears! You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle for this one – leave the low riders at home! And trailers? Nope, not a good idea. You might actually encounter other travelers, but that's part of the fun. Clocking in at just over 4 miles, this baby packs a punch! It ends at a parking lot that’s your gateway to the Pine Canyon Trailhead, way up at 4,816 feet. Don't let the short distance fool you—you'll climb almost 1,350 feet, with some seriously steep stretches to get your adrenaline pumping. Trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and jolt!
hardHow long is the Duffey Lake Road?
🇨🇦 Canada
Highway 99, aka Duffey Lake Road in British Columbia, Canada, is a hidden gem for road trip enthusiasts. Winding 129 km (80.1 miles) from Whistler to Lillooet, this paved beauty (since '91!) carves through the Coastal Mountains, offering views that'll stick with you. But hold on, it’s not just a pretty face! Duffey Lake Road throws some serious curves your way – think steep climbs, hairpin turns that can test even the sturdiest brakes, and dramatic drop-offs. You'll find yourself navigating single-lane bridges and keeping an eye out for potential rockfalls (it's a mountain road, after all). And while it's usually open year-round, winter can bring closures. Summer is definitely the prime time to experience this road. The payoff? Jaw-dropping scenery and a summit at 1,291m (4,235ft). Give yourself about 2 hours if you're driving straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. It's a legendary ride among motorcyclists and car lovers alike. Looking for a longer adventure? The Duffey Lake Loop is a 575 km (360 mile) circuit from Vancouver, through Pemberton, onto the Duffey Lake Road, and back down the highway. Ideally, split it over two days, or tackle it in one epic push!