Brazos Summit in New Mexico: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Brazos Summit in New Mexico: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

Usa, north-america

Length

77.73 km

Elevation

3,209 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk about Brazos Summit in northern New Mexico! At a whopping 10,528 feet, this is one of the highest roads you can find in the state!

You'll find this gem in the Carson National Forest, and it's an easy cruise – fully paved as US Route 64. No white-knuckle hairpin turns or scary drop-offs here, just a smooth, steady climb with a max gradient of 7%.

Snaking through the San Juan Range (aka the Tusas Mountains), this almost 50-mile (77.73km) beauty connects Tierra Amarilla to Tres Piedras. Give yourself an hour of driving, but honestly, you'll want longer – it's THAT scenic.

If you're chasing mountain views and some serious solitude, this is your road. Picture this: miles and miles of aspen groves, making it a fall foliage paradise. Late September and early October is the sweet spot. But even in summer, it’s the perfect escape from the heat. Seriously, the aspens in autumn are like nature's own fireworks display.

Where is it?

Brazos Summit in New Mexico: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.6501, -99.3395

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
77.73 km
Max Elevation
3,209 m
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
39.6501, -99.3395

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Black Rock Reservoir?hard

Where is Black Rock Reservoir?

🇺🇸 Usa

Nestled in Fresno County, California, and bordering Kings Canyon National Park, is the seriously secluded Black Rock Reservoir. This beauty sits at a cool 4,133 feet above sea level, and getting there is half the adventure! So, how do you reach this hidden gem? From Fresno, head east on CA 180, hook onto Piedra Road, then Trimmer Springs Road until you see the split at the bridge to Balch Camp. Black Rock Road is your path, winding past the PG&E facility and onward to the reservoir. Now, a heads-up: Black Rock Road, all 11 miles of it, isn’t for the faint of heart. We're talking a super-narrow, paved road clinging to cliff faces with some serious drop-offs – like, 1,000-foot drop-offs. Think single-lane wooden bridges and practically no guardrails. Leave the RV at home, and if you're scared of heights, maybe skip this one. And watch out for falling debris from the cliffs! Being remote means no cell service. So, be prepared! It's also bear country, and raccoons are notorious food pilferers, so store your snacks properly. Mosquito repellent is a must. You can fuel up near Fresno on Highway 180, or in Prather and Shaver Lake. Want the best experience? Late winter or early spring is magic. Wildflowers explode in color, and you might catch some stunning waterfalls. The paved road ends at the reservoir itself, with a small campground ready for you. The road’s usually open year-round, but snow can shut it down, especially during winter storms. Even if it's passable, maybe skip it in snowy conditions. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Green Mountainmoderate

Green Mountain

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, fellow adventurers, listen up! If you're looking for a wild ride in Idaho County, Idaho, then Green Mountain is calling your name! This peak clocks in at a cool 7,230 feet, and getting there is half the fun. Green Mountain Road, nestled in the Nez Perce National Forest, isn't paved, so expect gravel, rocks, and a bumpy, tippy time. A high-clearance vehicle is a must! This isn't a Sunday drive; it's an adventure for seasoned off-roaders. Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. The prize at the summit is a lookout tower built way back in '56, which is still used when wildfires flare up. The views, though? Totally worth the white-knuckle drive!

Cinnamon Buttemoderate

Cinnamon Butte

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Cinnamon Butte, a volcanic cinder cone peaking at 6,423 feet, sits pretty in Douglas County, Oregon. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to conquer Forest Road 4793 to reach the top. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking mostly gravel terrain winding through the Umpqua National Forest. Think proper tires and maybe a bit of off-road swagger. Mother Nature often throws a curveball, making it a no-go zone from October to June, depending on the snow. Seasoned off-roaders will find it a blast! Newbies might want to level up their skills before tackling this one. Perched at the summit in the Cascade Range is an active lookout tower, built way back in 1955. So, get ready for some seriously stunning panoramic views that make the bumpy ride totally worth it!

Where is Secret Pass located?hard

Where is Secret Pass located?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay adventurers, listen up! I've got a hidden gem for you: Secret Pass in Arizona's Mohave County! Nestled in the Black Mountains, just west of Kingman, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking full-on Mojave Desert immersion. Where exactly? Think northwestern Arizona, chilling between Kingman and Bullhead City. You'll be carving through the southern edge of the Mount Nutt Wilderness, a land of crazy volcanic plugs and seriously rugged cliffs. Keep your eyes peeled for desert bighorn sheep – this place is their sanctuary! The best part? It’s a loop! You jump off Highway 68 and eventually pop back out onto it, making it an ideal half-day escape if you're kicking it in Kingman or Bullhead City. The whole loop clocks in at about 12.4 miles (just under 20km). Be ready for a mix of hard-packed desert, some super sandy washes, and some rocky bits that'll test your skills. Speaking of skills... this ain't a Corolla cruise. You NEED a 4WD beast with some serious ground clearance to tackle this safely. Expect some short, steep climbs and rocky "step-ups" where you’ll need to choose your path wisely. Oh, and pro tip: NEVER hit this trail if there's rain in the forecast. Flash floods are no joke in the desert – those sandy washes turn into raging rivers FAST. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes while you're out there. Cell service is basically non-existent, so don't rely on it. History buffs and rockhounds, you're in for a treat! The area is littered with old gold mines from the mining boom days. And the volcanic geology? Prime for finding chalcedony and other cool minerals on the surrounding slopes. So, pack your sense of adventure, a sturdy 4x4, and get ready to explore the real Arizona!