
Driving to Mackinaw Lake is not a piece of cake
Usa, north-america
19 km
3,295 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're up for a serious off-road adventure? Check out Mackinaw Lake in northwest Colorado, chilling at a cool 10,810 feet in the Flat Tops Wilderness.
The road in, Forest Road 613, is a 12-mile unpaved beast starting from County Road 39 (Derby Mesa Loop). Forget smooth cruising—we're talking rocky sections, serious trail riding, and maybe even some mud, water, and creek crossings to spice things up!
Keep in mind, this is a high-altitude paradise, so the window to visit is tight, usually summer only. Expect snow to linger well into June or even July. Seriously, don't underestimate this drive. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 with low range and know your limits. Drive as far as you're comfortable—the views are incredible, but getting stuck is a real possibility!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 19 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,295 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateExploring Canada by Train: A Journey of Scenic Beauty and Cultural Richness
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up for the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana's Glacier National Park! This beauty stretches for 50 miles, climbing to a breathtaking 6,646 feet at Logan Pass. The views? Seriously stunning. Think massive glaciers, pristine alpine lakes, and forests that go on forever. Keep your camera handy, because you'll want to snap a pic at every turn. Now, a heads-up: this road can be a bit of a nail-biter. It's narrow in places, with hairpin turns and steep drop-offs. Plus, it's only open for a short window each year, usually from late June/early July to mid-October, depending on the snow. So, plan accordingly! But trust me, the scenery is so worth it. Just take your time, drive carefully, and soak it all in. You won't regret it!
hardWhere is Aztec Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Aztec Peak in Arizona's Gila County! This beauty tops out at 7,746 feet in the Tonto National Forest, the highest point in the Sierra Anchas. Heads up, the road to the top, Forest Service Road 487, is all unpaved, kicking off from the Arizona 288-Globe Young Highway. Keep in mind, this route usually shuts down from mid-December to the end of March due to snow, but it's all weather-dependent, so check conditions before you go! Now for the nitty-gritty: you'll need a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle for this one. Past the waterfall, FR 487 gets steep, narrow, and a tad nerve-wracking if you're not a fan of heights. The final stretch is a single-track forest road that's both steep and a bit rocky. If you're lucky and the gate's open, you can drive all the way to the summit! A word of caution: this area has naturally occurring uranium and radium-266. Translation: low-level radiation. Seriously, DO NOT go into any of the mines; some have radiation levels so high, they'd recommend evacuating the area! But here's the payoff: the views! Perched at the top is a fire lookout built in '56, and the 360-degree panorama is breathtaking. You'll see for over 100 miles in every direction. Tucked in the Salome Wilderness, it's a view you won't forget!
moderateIs the road to Rainy Pass paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Rainy Pass is calling your name! Perched high in Washington's North Cascades, right on the Chelan-Okanogan county line, this baby tops out at a cool 4,875 feet. The whole shebang is paved, so no need for the monster truck – just cruise along State Route 20, aka the North Cascades Highway. FYI, this is the northernmost way to cut across the Cascade Mountains in Washington. We're talking a solid 65 miles (104km) of pure driving bliss, from Diablo all the way to Winthrop. Picture this: stunning mountain scenery as you wind your way through the North Cascades National Park. Now, a heads up: Old Man Winter throws a serious tantrum up here. We're talking avalanche central. Seriously, this stretch is known for having a ton of avalanche paths. Usually, the highway shuts down sometime between late November and early December, and doesn't reopen until sometime between April and early May, between Ross Dam Trailhead and Silver Star Creek. So, plan your trip accordingly!
hardWhy was the road to Baldy Mountain built?
🇺🇸 Usa
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!