Bobcat Pass is a high mountain road in New Mexico

Bobcat Pass is a high mountain road in New Mexico

Usa, north-america

Length

46.99 km

Elevation

2,995 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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

Share this road

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

Dettah Ice Road is a cold highway in the Northwest Territorieshard

Dettah Ice Road is a cold highway in the Northwest Territories

🇨🇦 Canada

Ready for a unique winter adventure? Head to Canada's Northwest Territories and cruise the Dettah Ice Road! Located in the North Slave Region, this incredible seasonal route connects Yellowknife to the charming community of Dettah, cutting straight across the frozen expanse of Great Slave Lake. Clocking in at just 6.4 km (4 miles), it's a quick trip, but the experience is unforgettable. Imagine driving on a road made entirely of ice! When the ice reaches a meter (42 inches) thick, it's strong enough to support fully loaded trucks weighing over 40 metric tons. Keep in mind that this icy highway is rebuilt every year and open only during the coldest months, typically from late December to early April, though the exact dates can vary. Pay attention to posted speed limits, which are there for your safety, and be aware that some sections can be rough. Maximum vehicle weight is 40,000 kg. The short, scenic journey across Yellowknife Bay takes around 15-20 minutes if you drive straight through. But don't rush! There's a convenient pull-out spot about halfway along the ice road where you can stop, soak in the stunning winter scenery, and maybe even try some winter activities. Snap some incredible photos on this accessible and beautiful ice road, a true tourist magnet. Just remember, it's illegal to drive on the ice until it's officially open! During the summer, the alternative is a 27km drive via the Ingraham Trail, an all-weather track.

Where is Bald Mountain Pass?easy

Where is Bald Mountain Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Bald Mountain Pass in Utah is calling your name! This epic stretch of pavement, also known as State Route 150, is rumored to be the highest paved road in the entire state. Where do you find this gem? Straddling Summit and Duchesne counties in northeastern Utah, it's your gateway to the western Uinta Mountains. Clocking in at 77.2 miles (124.24km) from Kamas, Utah, all the way to Evanston, Wyoming, this road is a serious climb, topping out at a whopping 10,734 feet (3.272m) above sea level! Heads up: Mother Nature dictates the open season here. Typically, you can hit this road from Memorial Day weekend until early November, but keep an eye on the weather. Snow can linger *late*! But let me tell you, the views are SO worth it. Prepare for your jaw to drop as you ascend. The summit offers insane panoramic vistas. You'll get a crystal-clear shot of Mirror Lake and a bunch of other sparkling lakes dotted around the Uintas. And the mountain peaks? Majestic doesn't even begin to cover it. Bald Mountain Pass is THE overlook for the High Uintas – trust me, you want to see this!

Burr Trail is an unforgettable scenic drive in Utahhard

Burr Trail is an unforgettable scenic drive in Utah

🇺🇸 Usa

# The Burr Trail: Utah's Stunning Backroad Adventure If you're looking for one of the most breathtaking drives in Utah, the Burr Trail Scenic Backway is absolutely worth the detour. This 66-mile gem winds through the heart of some seriously stunning landscape, connecting Bullfrog (at the northern tip of Lake Powell via Highway 276) to the charming mountain town of Boulder on Utah Scenic Byway 12. Here's what to expect: The road is a mix of paved sections and graded dirt—fully paved from Boulder to Capitol Reef's western boundary, then it transitions to a rougher gravel road through the park. Fair warning: those gravel stretches can get washboarded and choppy in spots. Traffic is practically nonexistent, which is part of the magic. **The catch?** Weather is your real concern here. From spring through fall in dry conditions, any passenger car can handle it just fine. But throw rain into the equation, and even 4WD vehicles might get stuck. Flash floods can materialize out of nowhere, turning canyons into raging torrents in seconds. Check with rangers before you go, and always fill up on gas beforehand (Bullfrog, Ticaboo, or Boulder are your options). The highlight? The Burr Trail Switchbacks are legitimately intense—a steep series of hairpins that climb 800 feet in just half a mile over the Waterpocket Fold. It's testing, but totally doable if you're prepared. Plan 2.5 to 3 hours for the drive itself, but honestly, you'll want way more time. The scenery—painted rock formations, the Henry Mountains, those incredible red Circle Cliffs, and Long Canyon—practically demands you stop constantly. Plus, there are killer hikes like The Gulch, The Circle Cliffs, and the Waterpocket Fold waiting for you. Pack plenty of water, don't count on cell service, and skip the RV. Spring and fall offer the best conditions, though winter days are mild too. Summer? Scorching. With dispersed camping scattered throughout, you can make this an epic multi-day adventure through some of Utah's most extraordinary terrain.

Lolo Pass on Montana-Idaho border: curves next 99 mileseasy

Lolo Pass on Montana-Idaho border: curves next 99 miles

🇺🇸 Usa

Lolo Pass, straddling the Montana and Idaho border, is a must-drive at 5,242 feet above sea level. This 134-mile stretch of Highway 12 (aka the Lewis and Clark Highway) from Lolo, Montana, to Kooskia, Idaho, carves its way through the stunning Bitterroot Range in the northern Rockies. Get ready for a wild ride! This fully paved road is famous for its endless curves (you've probably seen the "Curves next 99 miles" sign!). While the road surface is excellent and traffic is usually light, don't get complacent. With few guardrails and services, plus some seriously sharp turns that sneak up on you, it demands your full attention. The speed limit hovers around 50 mph, and passing opportunities are limited, so settle in and enjoy the ride. Give yourself around 3 hours to soak it all in. Expect breathtaking scenery, from lush meadows to towering mountain peaks and dense forests. You're basically retracing the steps of Lewis and Clark as you wind through this gorgeous part of the Rocky Mountains. This high mountain road is located in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest and was completed in 1962.