What are the highest roads in New Mexico?
Usa, north-america
N/A
1,737 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through New Mexico, right? Forget flat and boring, because this state is all about drama! We're talking serious altitude here – think of it as a rooftop party for the US, with an average elevation way up there.
The landscape is pure eye candy: endless rosy deserts, mesas that look like giant, flat-topped sculptures, and snow-capped mountains that’ll make you want to pull over every five minutes for a photo.
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are the undisputed kings of this vertical kingdom, and they've carved out some seriously epic driving roads. Think winding scenic routes, challenging mountain passes, and history around every bend. It’s an invitation to ditch the interstate and dive into the heart of New Mexico's high-altitude beauty. So, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life!
Where is it?
What are the highest roads in New Mexico? is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.5494, -98.5821
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 1,737 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.5494, -98.5821
Related Roads in north-america
easyThe curvy yet scenic TX-166 road
🇺🇸 Usa
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moderateBradford Street is the steepest (41%) street of San Francisco
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're in San Francisco, hanging out in the super cool Bernal Heights neighborhood. Think rolling hills and views for days. Now, get ready for Bradford Street, because it's supposedly the steepest street *in the whole city*! Tucked away above Tompkins Avenue, in southeast San Fran, Bradford Street is no joke. Most of the street is already pretty steep, clocking in at around 24%, but then BAM! It hits you with this insane 30-foot section that’s a full-on 41% grade! Seriously, it's a wild ride. They paved the whole thing back in 2010, so at least the road's in good shape while you're white-knuckling it. And the views? Forget about it! You're basically looking at the entire San Francisco skyline. Just imagine the photo ops! Heads up, though. We're talking serious incline. Even a regular car feels the pull of gravity. Before you start this part of the journey, be sure to check your car's breaks. Oh, and fun fact: they added stairways on either side during the renovation, so if you're feeling extra adventurous, you can ditch the car and tackle it on foot. Just kidding… mostly!
hardWhere is Monument Hill?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Monument Hill in southwest Colorado – you ready for this? You'll find it tucked away in La Plata County, sitting pretty high at 10,672 feet. We're talking serious San Juan Mountain views! County Road 204 will get you there. The whole trip from Durango is about 18 miles, but hold on tight because you'll climb over 4,000 feet in that short stretch. Expect narrow sections and super steep inclines, so a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a must-have. Keep an eye on the weather, too. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and forget about it in winter. This road is totally snowed in, so plan your trip for the warmer months!
moderateWhy is it called Patchwork Parkway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through southwestern Utah? You HAVE to check out the Patchwork Parkway. This 51-mile stretch connects Heritage Highway 89 and Scenic Byway 12, winding from around 6,000 feet up to a whopping 10,626 feet on a stunning plateau before dipping back down to 6,500 feet. Why "Patchwork"? Legend has it that pioneers used to lay quilts on the snow to protect their feet, hence the name! You'll be tracing routes once used by Native Americans and early settlers. This fully paved road – also known as Scenic Byway 143 and the Brian Head-Panguitch Lake Scenic Byway – links Parowan to Panguitch and gives you access to Brian Head, Cedar Breaks National Monument, and Panguitch Lake. Speaking of which, don't miss a stop at Panguitch Lake for some amazing fishing. The views are insane! Think dramatic geological rock formations, serene lakes, and lush forests. A quick detour between Milepost 8 and 9 leads to Hidden Haven, a secret oasis with a waterfall and rock climbing – totally worth it. It’s only a couple of hours to drive the whole thing but give yourself more time, you will want to stop! The road has overlooks and pullover areas where you can admire peaks and plateaus, lakes, lava fields and canyons. Just a heads-up: you will want to take it slow, there are some exposed and unsecured sections of road in innumerable twists and turns. Also, the scenery is breathtaking. Expect vibrant orange and red canyons, silt cliffs, and forests of pine, fir, and spruce. The plateaus are also prime for stargazing. And if you have the time, a quick 30-mile detour south from Panguitch will get you to the unearthly Bryce Canyon, where you can marvel at the hoodoos and stone forests.