
Where is Cabresto Lake?
Usa, north-america
3.37 km
2,821 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so Cabresto Lake is tucked way up in the Carson National Forest of northern New Mexico – think seriously high country at 9,255 feet! Getting there is… an adventure. Forest Road 134A, or Cabresto Lake Road, is a twisty, turny beast. We're talking a super rocky, narrow track with about 15 hairpin turns and some serious drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Definitely not a winter drive!
While you *might* get a regular car up there if it's dry, a 4x4 with good clearance is the way to go. Seriously, leave the RV at home; the road has sections that are basically one-way with cliffs on either side. It's about 2.1 miles from the main forest road and it climbs like crazy – over 800 feet of elevation gain! Some sections hit a 14% grade so hold on tight.
But is it worth it? Totally! The road ends right at Cabresto Lake Campground, a small spot with just a few campsites surrounded by insane mountain views. Plus, it's one of the only places in New Mexico where you can catch brook trout. So, if you're up for a challenging drive and some incredible scenery, Cabresto Lake is calling your name.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3.37 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,821 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateRobertson Road is one of America's Creepiest Roads
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for a spooky ride down Robertson Road, aka Old Ghost Road (Bulloch County Road 403), right outside Statesboro in eastern Georgia! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's said to be one of America's creepiest roads! We're talking about a short, gravelly stretch – just 0.9 miles long – that connects Railroad Bed Road to US-80. Picture this: you, a dirt road, and nothing but thick woods and trees all around, with very few houses to be seen. But here's the juicy part. Legend has it that this place is seriously haunted. People whisper about seeing unexplained lights, especially an eerie orange glow followed by a ghostly figure digging a ditch – a man who lost his head to a train, some say! Supposedly, he'll even start walking towards your car before vanishing into thin air. And if that isn't enough to send shivers down your spine, keep an eye out for spectral dogs roaming the area. There's even a nearby cemetery where, if you're brave (or foolish) enough to wander, you might hear these phantom pups trying to dig up their owner's graves! So, if you're into ghost stories and haunted places, Robertson Road is a must-see… if you dare.
hardWhere is La Manga Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! La Manga Pass in Colorado is calling your name! Situated high up in Conejos County, you'll find yourself cruising at a cool 10,249 feet above sea level. Where to find it? Head to southern Colorado, practically hugging the New Mexico border. You can't miss it! The good news? This beauty is paved, smooth as butter since way back in '54. Just follow State Highway 17 (SH 17). Get ready for a decent drive, because the pass stretches for about 47 miles, running from Antonito, Colorado, all the way down towards Chama, New Mexico. Fair warning: it's a bit of a climb! We're talking an average grade of 5.5%, but be prepared for some seriously steep sections hitting almost 13%. Perched in the San Juan Mountains, La Manga Pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit dramatic in the winter. Expect possible closures during heavy snow. Still, the views are worth it!
hardA wild road to Pilot Peak in Plumas County (CA)
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so listen up, adventure junkies! I just tackled Pilot Peak in California's Sierra Nevada, and WOW. This peak sits pretty at 7,457 feet, and getting there is no joke. Forget pavement—we're talking serious off-road terrain. You absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer this beast. The road west of Graeagle is rocky, steep, and ready to test your driving skills. Heads up: Mother Nature usually closes the road from late October to late June/early July with heavy snow, so plan accordingly! The prize? Killer views from the top, where you'll find the remains of a fire lookout tower. Built in '76, it's seen better days, but the panorama is totally worth the climb. Trust me, this is one adventure you won't forget.
easyDriving the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies
🇨🇦 Canada
Get ready for the Icefields Parkway, a drive that'll blow your mind in Alberta, Western Canada! This isn't just a road; it's a front-row seat to big mountains, glaciers that have been around forever, and lakes so blue they look photoshopped. Seriously, it's one of the most scenic drives on Earth. Stretching 231 km (144 miles) through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, this north-south route connects the charming alpine town of Jasper (the main hub of Jasper National Park) with the picturesque Lake Louise in Banff National Park. Imagine starting near the Great Plains and then BAM! you're surrounded by the incredible mountain scenery of Banff and Jasper National Parks. It's forest, crag, and glacier views for days! The road, known as AB-93, is all paved, mostly two lanes with passing lanes sprinkled in. Fun fact: it was built way back in 1940. You'll climb to Bow Pass at 2,088m (6,850ft) above sea level, with Sunwapta Pass close behind at 2,069m (6,788ft). The road's usually open year-round, but winter can throw curveballs with closures. Snow tires and winter skills? Probably needed from mid-October to early May. Expect temporary closures after big snowfalls (crews need time to clear everything). Always check the forecast before you head out – rain can turn into snow any time of the year. Heads up: in winter, all the facilities along the parkway are closed. Think pristine lakes, ancient glaciers, crazy wildlife, and valleys that stretch forever. You'll wind through Banff and Jasper National Parks, a landscape packed with history and natural beauty that's hard to beat. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, deer, black bears, and coyotes – wolves, grizzlies, and goats are rarer sightings. This drive is popular, so July and August can get busy (think up to 100,000 vehicles a month!). Pack a meal, fuel up in Lake Louise or Jasper, and check road conditions, especially in spring, fall, and winter. Hit the road early to dodge traffic and boost your chances of spotting wildlife. This parkway crosses high country, so conditions can change fast, and services are limited. Even in summer, bring layers! It's a minimum 3-5 hour drive without stops, but you'll want a full day (or two!) to soak it all in.