Mount Heliograph
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,060 m
hard
Year-round
Alright adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in southeastern Arizona, you HAVE to check out Mount Heliograph in Graham County. This beast clocks in at a whopping 10,039 feet above sea level. Seriously, it's one of the highest drives in the state!
Now, a word of warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. The road, snaking through the Coronado National Forest, is a rugged mix of gravel and rock. Think gnarly, and you're on the right track. Winter? Forget about it, totally impassable. If you're not comfortable with unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. Definitely need 4x4 for this trek. Heights a problem? Uh oh! Expect some seriously steep sections!
But hey, the reward is HUGE. At the summit, you'll find a cool fire lookout tower, built way back in 1934. The views? Let's just say they are absolutely killer! Get ready for panoramic vistas that will blow your mind. So, if you're up for a challenge and craving some serious scenery, Mount Heliograph is calling your name!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,060 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeIs Angeles Crest Highway in CA paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Angeles Crest Highway, nestled between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, is a slice of pure driving heaven in Southern California. This completely paved beauty, part of California State Route 2, clocks in at 64 miles (102 km) and snakes through the San Gabriel Mountains. Construction took a while, from 1929 to 1956 (with a break during WWII), but trust me, the wait was worth it. You're looking at about a 2-hour cruise, but honestly, you'll want to factor in extra time for soaking up the views. We're talking alpine scenery just a stone's throw from downtown LA – fresh air, towering trees, majestic mountains, and endless blue skies. The road climbs and curves through the Angeles National Forest, treating you to chaparral and montane forest vibes along the San Gabriel's highest, most scenic ridges. Heads up, this road isn't just about pretty faces; it can be a bit of a wild ride. Think twists, sweeping curves, and switchbacks galore as you climb to nearly 7,000 feet. The pavement is generally great, and it's mostly two lanes with the odd passing lane thrown in. Weekends bring out the bikers, so keep an eye out. And watch for the local wildlife, especially those cheeky chipmunks and squirrels darting across the road. Speaking of heights, the road peaks at a whopping 7,923 feet (2,415m). Be aware, this means winter closures are common from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gap due to rockfall and avalanche risks. Sometimes, landslides can cause longer shutdowns too. But when it's open, it's open to adventure!
moderateWhere is Hoosier Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Hoosier Pass in Colorado! This beauty sits way up high at 11,542 feet, straddling Park and Summit counties, not too far west of Denver. Why "Hoosier"? Blame those pioneers from Indiana, the "Hoosier State." You'll cruise along the fully paved Colorado State Highway 9, a 21.4-mile stretch from Breckenridge down to Fairplay. Expect a smooth ride coming from the south, but be ready for some switchbacks as you head north! It’s not crazy steep, but at 8% grade, you'll definitely feel it. Good news – this Continental Divide crossing is usually open year-round! Keep an eye on the weather though, because winter storms can shut things down. In good weather, any vehicle should be fine. Now, for the truly adventurous: Just west of the main pass, a rugged, unpaved mining road (Trail #2) climbs even higher to the "real" Hoosier Pass at 12,112 feet. This one's for the 4x4 crowd only! Forget all-wheel drive; you'll need the real deal to tackle this steep climb. Trust me, it's worth it for the incredible views of those jagged western mountains! So, pack your camera, fill up the tank, and get ready for some seriously stunning Colorado scenery!
hardForest Road 225
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle one of Utah's highest and wildest roads? Forest Road 225 in Duchesne County is calling your name! Clocking in at just under 9 miles, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, serious inclines, and some seriously rugged terrain. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one. Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva up here, so expect sudden weather changes and potential closures. But oh, the views! Prepare for mile after mile of jaw-dropping scenery. Just be warned, this road gets super muddy and slick after it rains. And trust me, you do NOT want to be caught up here in the dark. Oh, and did I mention the elevation? You'll be cruising at over 11,400 feet, so maybe skip this one if you've got respiratory or heart issues. Bottom line: Forest Road 225 is a challenge, but with the right prep and a sense of adventure, it's an unforgettable experience. Just remember to check those road conditions before you head out!
hardWhere is Indiana Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna hit some serious altitude in southern Colorado? Then Indiana Pass is calling your name! This gem sits way up high in the Rio Grande National Forest, north of the tiny town of Jasper, clocking in at a whopping 11,958 feet! The road, known as Summitville Road, is a well-maintained dirt road, but don’t let that fool you. While a 4x4 is recommended, a 2x4 might do the trick if you're feeling brave. Just be sure you have decent clearance. Keep in mind, though, this baby's usually snowed in for a good chunk of the year. Aim for late July at the earliest to make sure the drifts have melted enough for access. The 7.8-mile stretch between Forest Service 332 Road and the old Summitville mine is absolutely stunning. Picture this: you're winding your way up, surrounded by thousands of vibrant aspens putting on a show. And for the truly adventurous? A little spur road northwest of the pass will take you even higher, to a dizzying 12,641 feet! Get ready for some breathtaking views.