Infrastructure and Environmental Risk Factors
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're heading up to Bear Lake in Colorado. It's all paved, so no off-roading needed, but the views? Absolutely stunning.
Or, how about tackling the Carlsbad Caverns switchbacks in New Mexico? This one's a bit more intense—we're talking a seriously steep 20-degree grade! Hold on tight, it's a wild ride.
Want more? Come check out some spectacular roads across the globe!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Hurrah Pass in Moab?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the Chicken Corners Trail, a wild ride near Moab, Utah! This 14.8-mile unpaved adventure starts from Kane Creek Canyon Road and winds its way to Fielder Natural Arch. We're talking about a route that straddles San Juan and Grand counties, taking you to a max elevation of 4,793 feet. The road shadows the Colorado River, climbing to the pass (the high point) and then descending to incredible views. For most of the route, a high-clearance SUV should be fine, but the last few miles definitely demand 4x4 capability – things get rough! Expect some seriously exposed sections that'll have you peering straight into canyons – totally worth the adrenaline rush, though. The views from Hurrah Pass are incredible. You can see the Colorado River, the Potash Evaporation ponds, Dead Horse Point, and Canyonlands National Park! You can usually tackle this trail year-round, but late spring and fall are ideal – summer can get scorching. Go early for the best light and to dodge the crowds. Trust me, this drive along the Colorado River is a must-do!
extremeWhere is Twin Peaks South?
🇺🇸 Usa
Twin Peaks South, nestled in the heart of Idaho's Salmon-Challis National Forest, is a real gem for adventure seekers. Perched on the border of Custer and Lemhi counties, this peak hits an elevation of 3,154m (10,347ft), making it one of Idaho's highest roads. The journey? It’s all unpaved, baby! Forest Road 090, as it's called, is a rough and ready track to the summit. Think super narrow with about 17 hairpin turns that'll have you gripping the wheel. The drop-offs? Let's just say there's not much room for error! 4WD isn't essential, but you'll definitely want high clearance to tackle this one. From Forest Road 086, it's a 3.54km (2.2 miles) climb with a steep average gradient of nearly 12% and an elevation gain of 423 meters. Expect this road to be snowed in from late October to late June/early July. Plus, the area's prone to flash floods, so stay aware of the weather! But trust me, the views from the top are more than worth it. You get this insane panorama of the whole region. Plus, the summit is home to the Twin Peaks Fire Lookout, the highest active fire lookout in the Pacific Northwest! The original was built way back in 1913, but the current structure dates to 1964. It's an iconic spot!
hardLake Isabelle
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Lake Isabelle in Colorado is calling your name! Nestled way up high in Lake County, this stunner sits at a whopping 11,873 feet above sea level. We're talking serious elevation! This isn't your Sunday drive kinda road, though. Expect a gravelly, rocky, and bumpy ride that will test your skills. Think proper 4x4 vehicle is a must. Basically, if unpaved mountain roads make you sweat, maybe sit this one out. And definitely don't even think about it in the winter - it's completely impassable! But for experienced off-roaders? This is your playground. The trail is steep and the scenery? Unbelievable! Just be warned, it's not for the faint of heart (heights-wise) and if it's been raining, that mud can get pretty intense. But if you're up for the challenge, Lake Isabelle will reward you with views you won't soon forget.
moderateWhere are the Gilman tunnels?
🇺🇸 Usa
Tucked away in northern New Mexico’s Jemez Mountains, in the USA, the Gilman Tunnels, blasted out of the rock in the 1920s, were originally used for a logging railroad and are quite high. The tunnels have been the filming locations of many Hollywood hits. Where are the Gilman tunnels? The tunnels, also known as Jemez tunnels, are located near the town of Jemez Springs, in Sandoval County (New Mexico), on the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest. Can you drive through Gilman tunnels? The road through the tunnels is called State Highway 485. The winding road is entirely paved but very narrow with sharp and blind curves. This road has an excellent surface, grades are moderate, and traffic is very light (heavier on summer weekends). On the far side of the tunnels, the road turns into the gravel Forest Service Road 376. Not recommended for passenger vehicles. Are Gilman Tunnels open? This road is usually closed due to snow and poor road conditions from Dec 15 to April 15. Snow often remains in the area until late April or early May until the spring and summer heat dries things out. It can be closed due to falling rocks and debris anytime. No phone reception out there. Why were the Gilman tunnels built? The route was part of the former Santa Fe Northwestern Railway (SFNW). It was used in the early 1900s to haul lumber from the Jemez. The railroad never fully recovered from the Great Wall Street Crash of 1929 and ceased operations in 1941 following flood damage from the Guadalupe River. The railway was eventually retired, which allowed the tunnels to be converted into one of New Mexico’s most photogenic and interesting stretches of road. They were named after William H. Gilman (one-time CEO of the SFNW Rail Road). Is the road through Gilman tunnels worth it? This is a remarkable road trip. Remember to bring your camera. It’s a two old large stone logging rail tunnel perched high above the Guadalupe River, offering stunning views of the box canyon and Jemez . After the second tunnel, you will find a beautiful waterfall and many rocks to climb around and rest on. This beautiful loop drive from the Elk Mountain Lodge is a must-do. This roadside attraction offers stunning views, both of the tunnels themselves and also of the beautiful box canyon and the Guadalupe River below. The Gilman Tunnels were used in the filming of at least three Hollywood movies: 3:10 to Yuma (2007), The Lone Ranger (2013), and The Scorch Trials (2015). Slumgullion Pass is the steepest paved maintained road in Colorado Beautiful turnouts and scary gradients on the road to Teton Pass in Wyoming Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.