
Nogal Peak
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,685 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Nogal Peak in southeastern New Mexico is calling your name! Nestled way up high in the Southern White Mountain Wilderness, you'll find this bad boy topping out at a whopping 8,809 feet!
But here's the deal: this isn't your Sunday drive. Forest Road 108, aka Tanbark Canyon Road, is a gravelly, rocky, and bumpy beast. Think tippy! We're talking about a serious 4x4 situation, people. This road, deep inside the Lincoln National Forest, is constantly changing, so expect the unexpected. Winter likes to hang around here for a while, so your best bet for a safe trip is mid-summer.
The road is a never-ending series of twists, turns, and narrow squeezes that'll test your driving skills. Steep, rough, and dirt, it keeps you on your toes the whole time. Up, down, right, left β you get the picture! But trust me, once you reach the summit and that Crest Trailhead parking lot, those views are worth every single bump and jostle!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,685 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow to travel across Lake Diefenbaker?
π¨π¦ Canada
Wanna cross Lake Diefenbaker in Saskatchewan? You've got options! Most of the year, you can hop on the free Riverhurst Ferry, a cable-operated beast that runs 24/7. But, for a few weeks each winter, things get icy β literally! That's when the Riverhurst Ice Crossing opens. This 2.1 km (1.3 mi) stretch of frozen highway, part of Highway 42, lets you drive *right across* the lake! It's usually open from early February to the end of March, but ice conditions are key. Seriously, check the Highway Hotline before you go, because driving on it when it's closed is a big no-no. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! Most Canadian ice roads are way up north, but Riverhurst is a sweet exception in southern Saskatchewan. Lake Diefenbaker is massive and surrounded by tons of towns and sights. A road trip around it is an adventure you won't forget! The sheer scale of the lake is something you have to see to believe.
extremeHow long is Apache Trail?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, buckle up for the Apache Trail (aka Route 88) in Arizona, a 39-mile blast from Apache Junction to Theodore Roosevelt Lake. We're talking Gila, Maricopa, and Pinal counties, all rolled into one epic drive! Built way back in 1904 to help construct the Roosevelt Dam, this baby winds its way through the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest, giving you killer views of canyons, crazy rock formations, and classic desert vibes. Think cacti, trees, and a whole lot of stunning desert scenery. Now, here's the deal: parts of it are currently closed due to landslides and floods (since 2019), especially between Fish Point and Apache Lake Marina. But don't worry, you can still hike from the marina to Roosevelt Dam! The road itself is a mix of paved and unpaved sections, so most cars can handle it. Just remember, this isn't a highway cruise. We're talking slow and steady (max speed is only 15 mph!) through some seriously rugged mountains. Word of caution: this ain't for the faint of heart! Some sections have some seriously steep drops and not a lot of safety barriers. Some say the drive up is easier than the return because at least you'll have the mountain at your side on the way up. Keep your eyes on the road. RVs and caravans should probably skip this one, and watch out for flash floods. Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive it without stopping. If you love driving, you'll have a blast. Spring is gorgeous with the wildflowers, but summer can be scorching, so make sure your AC is pumping. And yeah, the lakes get crowded. But hey, those views of the mountains and lakes are worth it!
hardWhen was the Taylor Highway built?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Alaska's Southeast Fairbanks Census Area on the legendary Taylor Highway, a route steeped in gold mining history. This baby climbs! We're talking some of the highest elevations you'll find on Alaskan roads. Stretching 155 miles (249 km) from Tetlin Junction to Eagle (right near the Canadian border), this south-to-north adventure is usually open May to September, but double-check with your rental car place, because some vehicles aren't allowed! Heads up: The first 60 miles are paved, but after that, it's mostly gravel. Expect steep, narrow sections and those fun hairpin turns. The road peaks at 3,733 feet (1,138m) near the Top of the World Highway junction. Road conditions can change fast, from smooth to⦠not so smooth, so keep your eyes peeled for washouts. It gets narrower and twistier past Jack Wade Junction, so stay focused! Keep in mind, you're going remote! Think minimal traffic and limited services. Fill up your gas tank and empty those tanks before you head out. You'll only find services in Tok, Chicken, and Eagle, so be prepared to be self-sufficient!
hardWhere is Bullion King Lake?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, picture this: Bullion King Lake, a shimmering turquoise jewel nestled high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, just north of Silverton. Getting there? It's an adventure in itself! Forest Road 822 (aka Porphyry Gulch Road or Bullion King Lake Trail) is a totally unpaved 2.9-mile climb starting from the Million Dollar Highway. We're talking about a serious elevation gain here β almost 1,600 feet! That's an average grade of over 10%, so yeah, it gets steep. The road's super narrow with some crazy tight switchbacks, and definitely requires 4WD and some off-road driving skills. There's even a section that's a high, narrow shelf road that might make your palms sweat if you're not used to this kind of thing. Oh, and those steep drop-offs? They're real! You might even see a sign that says "Rough and dangerous road ahead, travel not recommended", but it's not as bad as it sounds. This route is usually snowed in from October to June. At the top, there's a small parking lot, and it's a short walk to the lake itself. But, the views along the way? Incredible! Plus, you'll pass a few cool abandoned mines. Trust me, this drive is worth the effort. Just be prepared for a wild ride!