Is the Old Ore Road unpaved?
Usa, north-america
42.96 km
956 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Big Bend National Park, Texas, ready for an off-road adventure on the legendary Old Ore Road. This isn't your typical Sunday drive; it's a 26.7-mile (42.96km) trek back in time, following the old mule trails from Mexican mines.
Heads up – this is strictly 4x4 territory! We're talking high clearance and a vehicle that can handle business. Passenger cars and anything low to the ground simply won't cut it. This unpaved path is seriously rocky, with deep sand, steep climbs, and plenty of opportunities to get stuck.
But trust me, the views are worth every bump and scrape. As you wind through the Chihuahuan Desert toward the Rio Grande Overlook, you'll be surrounded by incredible scenery. The road hits a high point of 3,136 feet (956m), giving you panoramic views of the Chisos Mountains and the Tornillo Creek drainage. Plus, don't miss Ernst Tinaja, a natural waterhole about five miles from the southern end of the road.
Factor in about half a day to conquer the Old Ore Road, and if you want to camp, there are eleven primitive campsites along the way. So, if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience that'll test your driving skills and reward you with stunning vistas, the Old Ore Road is calling your name!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 42.96 km
- Max Elevation
- 956 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Yuba Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk about Yuba Pass! This stunner sits way up high in California's Sierra County at 6,725 feet. You'll find it chilling in the Tahoe National Forest, not far from the Nevada border. Hop onto the fully paved CA-49, aka the Golden Chain Highway, for a 12.5-mile ride from Bassetts to Sattley. Be warned, this road gets steep in sections, clocking in at a 5% gradient. Speaking of seasons, Yuba Pass is generally open year-round, but Mother Nature has the final say. Winter can bring closures between mile markers 16.4 and 23.7 when the snow piles up. Is it worth it? Absolutely! This route is a photographer's dream, winding through the North Fork of the Yuba River canyon. The views showcase the raw, untamed beauty of the Northern Sierra Nevada – rugged landscapes for days! Plus, there's plenty of parking at the summit to stretch your legs and soak it all in.
hardWhere is Burr Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for the Burr Trail, a 66-mile (106 km) scenic backway straddling Kane and Garfield counties in south-central Utah. You'll cruise through Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Capitol Reef National Park, and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Starting from Bullfrog (Highway 276) near Lake Powell, you'll wind your way to the mountain town of Boulder (Utah Scenic Byway 12). Most of the road is pretty quiet. The western part, from Boulder to Capitol Reef, is paved. But inside the park, it turns into a graded dirt road that can get seriously washboarded – so gas up in Bullfrog, Ticaboo, or Boulder! Named after Mormon settler John Atlantic Burr, this trail can be tricky. While cars can usually handle it in dry weather (spring and fall are ideal!), rain can make it impassable, even for 4WDs. Check conditions with rangers before you go. Cell service is spotty, so pack plenty of water and supplies. The highlight? The Burr Trail Switchbacks – a super steep series of hairpin turns that climb 800 feet (244 m) in just half a mile (0.8 km). Talk about a test! The road's open year-round, but flash floods can happen anytime. Leave the RVs and trailers at home! Budget 2.5–3 hours for the drive, but plan for longer – you'll be stopping constantly. Think painted rocks, Henry Mountains views, contorted landscapes like The Gulch and Waterpocket Fold, red Circle Cliffs, and Long Canyon. Seriously, get ready for some epic hiking and side trips!
moderateAn epic enthralling road to Cortes Pass
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Paso de Cortés! This legendary pass sits way up high at 12,112 feet, straddling the line between Puebla and the State of Mexico. We're talking seriously high – one of the highest roads you'll find in Mexico! You'll find this beauty nestled in Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, chilling between the majestic Popocatépetl and Ixtaccíhuatl volcanoes, just southeast of the bustling Mexico City. The road itself, also called Tlamacaxco, is paved the whole way. Get ready for a twisty, uphill climb that's pretty darn steep, winding through forests of trees. It's about 27 miles from the town of Amecameca de Juárez (in Mexico State) on the west side, all the way to San Nicolás de Los Ranchos (in Puebla) on the east. Give yourself about 1.5 to 2 hours to soak it all in. Once you reach the top, there's a big parking lot, a bar (hello, celebratory drink!), and an info center. Plus, it’s the jumping-off point for a hike to Estación de Altura Altzomoni, a crazy-high weather station sitting pretty at 13,074 feet!
moderateWhere is Carson Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey fellow adventurers! Let's talk Carson Pass, an awesome high-altitude crossing sitting pretty at 8,592 feet in California's Alpine County. You'll find this gem in eastern California, close to the Nevada border, chillin' within the El Dorado National Forest. The road? Smooth sailing on fully paved California State Route 88, aka Carson Pass Highway. The journey stretches for about 20 miles, cruising east to west from Alpine Village to Kirkwood, hugging the Sierra Nevada range. Word to the wise: the parking lot at the top gets packed on weekends, so plan accordingly! This road usually stays open all winter, but Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with snow, avalanches, or ice. Closures are rare, but keep an eye on the weather! Avalanche danger is the main concern, especially around Carson Spur (between Silver Lake and Kirkwood) and the eastern side of the pass. Apparently, there are over 20 avalanche chutes just waiting to dump snow on the road. But honestly? The views are worth it. Think dramatic volcanic skylines, lush meadows, pristine mountain lakes, and rugged valleys. This drive is all about those photo ops! There are tons of places to pull over and soak it all in. Trust me, you won't want to miss it.