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
moderatePinal de Amoles (Road Mexico 120)
🇲🇽 Mexico
Get ready for an epic adventure on Mexico 120, the Pinal de Amoles highway! This isn't just a road; it's a rollercoaster of landscapes through central Mexico, morphing from arid desert vibes to cool temperate forests and even lush tropical jungles. Imagine cruising through charming historical towns, all cobblestone streets and vibrant missions. But hold on tight – this scenic route packs a punch with hairpin curves and some seriously thrilling road segments. Picture yourself climbing from the desert at 4,900 feet, then soaring up into the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve to over 8,500 feet. And the grand finale? A dramatic plunge past Pinal de Amoles down to Jalpan de Serra at a cool 2,500 feet. Talk about views! Just keep your eyes on the road!
hardEast Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever heard of East Peak in El Dorado County, California? This bad boy clocks in at a whopping 9,491 feet above sea level, making it one of California's highest drivable points. Nestled in the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, the road up is... let's just say "rustic." We're talking rocky, gravelly goodness – a proper 4x4 playground. Word on the street is, it's actually a chairlift access trail that doubles as a service road for the nearby ski station. Now, don't go thinking this is a Sunday drive. The slope is seriously steep, with some sections hitting a crazy 30% incline. Plus, it's covered in loose stones and gets even rockier as you climb. The window to tackle this beast is super tight, usually late August. Oh, and did I mention the wind? It's practically a permanent resident up there. And even in summer, you might get a surprise visit from Jack Frost. Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold is an understatement. But hey, if you're after a challenge and some epic views, East Peak might just be your new favorite spot.
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!
moderateHow to get by car to Puerto Cancun in Baja California Sur?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the Baja California Peninsula, heading towards the hidden gem of Puerto Cancún, a sweet little fishing village right on Magdalena Bay. Forget fancy highways, this is an adventure! You'll be bumping along Carretera a Puerto Cancún, a 45.8 km (28-mile) dirt and gravel road that's pretty easy to handle, though keep an eye out for some sandy spots as you get closer to the beach. The adventure kicks off from the México 1 Road, right at the parking for Las Brisas del Desierto (grab a bite before you go!). For almost the entire 41.7 km stretch, it’s straight as an arrow with amazing mountain views. Just watch out for the local cattle enjoying the scenery, too! It's a real off-the-beaten-path experience.