
Is Forest Road 98 to Blue Bird Mesa in New Mexico unpaved?
Usa, north-america
8.85 km
2,824 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, somewhere in Sandoval County, headed up to Blue Bird Mesa. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a proper mountain pass topping out at 9,265 feet!
The road in is Forest Road 98, and it's a beauty, but heads up – it's all unpaved. You'll want a 4x4 for sure, though if the weather's been kind, a high-clearance vehicle *might* just make it. This little adventure is only about 5.5 miles long, winding north-south through the Santa Fe National Forest until you hit Forest Road 20 again.
The views? Unreal. You're headed to Blue Bird Overlook, after all. Keep your eyes peeled too because you might spot deer, elk, turkeys, or some other awesome wildlife hanging out along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8.85 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,824 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhy is San José del Pacífico famous?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Sierra Sur mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, heading to the tiny village of San José del Pacífico, perched way up at 2500m (that's over 8,200ft!). This place is famous for its mind-blowing cloudscapes and, ahem, *special* mushrooms. The road to get there? It's all about the *Carretera de Puchutla*! Buckle up because this isn't your average highway. We're talking 125 km (77 miles) of seriously twisty, narrow, paved road that climbs like crazy. You'll be going from Copalita in the south all the way up to Barranca Larga in the north. If you're planning a trip to the beaches of Zipolite and Mazunte, this road is unavoidable. Trust me, though, it's an experience. Just be prepared for some challenging driving, but the views? Totally worth it. And remember, during the rainy season from June to September, San José becomes a hub for those seeking spiritual experiences. Just sayin'.
easyA paved road to the top of Whiteface Mountain in New York
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: cruising up the highest paved road in all of New York! We're talking Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway (aka NY 431), just outside Wilmington in Essex County. This isn't your average Sunday drive. This 8-mile stretch is a total climb, taking you up to a whopping 4,599 feet. Built back in '35, it’s a toll road that’s open from June to October, so plan your trip accordingly! The road is paved, but get ready for some seriously steep sections. We're talking gradients maxing out at 11%! You'll gain 3,562 feet in elevation, averaging over 8% grade, so your car will definitely feel it. Give yourself at least 15 minutes to reach the top, but honestly, you'll want to budget way more time. The views are insane! As you snake through the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness, each viewpoint is more breathtaking than the last. The final five miles are particularly epic, with the landscape morphing into an alpine wonderland. Once you reach the parking lot (the road's end), you can hike or catch an elevator to the very top. And trust me, you'll want to! Up there, you'll find a castle built of stone, a restaurant, and a gift shop, plus 360-degree panoramic views that stretch for hundreds of miles. On a clear day, you can spot the Green Mountains of Vermont, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and even the skyscrapers of Montreal! Seriously, this is a drive (and a view) you won't forget.
hardSpruce Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer spot for you: Spruce Mountain in Wyoming's Albany County. We're talking serious altitude here, a whopping 10,009 feet above sea level! You'll find this beauty nestled within the Medicine Bow National Forest, accessible via French Creek Road (aka Forest Road 500). Now, heads up, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road – it's a gravelly 4WD track that'll put your skills to the test. Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather! This road is a no-go when things get gnarly. We're talking potential avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, not to mention the ever-present risk of icy patches. Expect it to be a bit rocky and muddy, too. Be prepared for some serious altitude adjustments, folks. While summer days can be a pleasant 70 degrees, nights (and those afternoon thunderstorms!) can send temps plummeting to a chilly 30. And don't forget the wind – it's a regular visitor up here. But the views? Totally worth it! Plus, there's a lookout tower at the summit just waiting for you.
moderateRoad Trip Guide: Conquering Mount Edith Cavell
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, so you HAVE to check out the road to Mount Edith Cavell, hidden away in Alberta's Jasper National Park! This peak was named after a super brave WWI nurse, which already gives it a cool backstory. The road itself is about 14 km from the old parkway, Highway 93A, and winds its way up to a parking lot with incredible views. It's paved the whole way (phew!), but be warned, it's called Cavell Road for a reason! It's a pretty steep climb gaining 551 meters, with some sections hitting a 12% gradient. Expect a twisty, narrow ride with some seriously tight switchbacks. Honestly, leave the trailers and big RVs (over 7m) at home – there's a drop-off point at the start just for that. Because it's nestled so high in the Rockies, this beauty is usually snowed in from mid-October to mid-June. But when it's open? Think sub-alpine forests, stunning scenery, and views for days. Give yourself about 30 minutes to cruise to the parking lot, but you'll want to stop and soak it all in!