Where is Mesa Seco?
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,846 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, gearheads and adventure junkies, listen up! Mesa Seco, nestled high in the Rio Grande National Forest of southwestern Colorado, is calling your name. We're talking serious altitude here – topping out at a whopping 12,618 feet!
While Mesa Seco Pass itself is just a hair east of the actual summit, it's basically the highest point you'll hit in your vehicle. And get this: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking unpaved, rugged terrain, with sections that have been seriously washed out. You'll need your A-game and some careful navigation to conquer this one!
The route stretches for roughly miles, offering killer views along the way. Fair warning though: this beauty is a beast in the winter. Plan your trip between June and October, because snow makes this road totally impassable the rest of the year.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,846 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is the White Rim Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an unforgettable ride along the White Rim Road, a classic desert track nestled in Utah's Canyonlands National Park near Moab. This 100-mile loop winds through the White Rim benchlands, far below the "Island in the Sky" mesa, offering views that will leave you speechless. Built in the 50s for uranium exploration (talk about a Cold War relic!), this unpaved adventure is not for the faint of heart. Expect loose dirt, sandy washes, sandstone formations, and only a mere 7 miles of pavement. A high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle is a MUST. Think hairpin turns, steep grades, and cliff edges with absolutely no guardrails! Sections like Shafer Trail, Murphy's Hogback, and Hardscrabble Hill demand your full attention, especially during bad weather. Keep an eye out for changing conditions, as heavy rains can make things tricky, and river flooding can even make the loop impossible. Some sections will test your navigation skills, with boulders and obstacles requiring a spotter. Pack plenty of water – at least a gallon per person per day – because this is a long, rocky, and exposed route with limited shade. While you could technically drive the whole thing in 10-12 hours without stopping, taking 2-3 days is the way to go. Spending at least one night under the stars is highly recommended. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is out of this world, best experienced in the spring or fall. You'll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking beauty at every turn, from Musselman Arch and Washer Woman Arch to expansive Colorado River overlooks, Airport Butte, and Soda Springs Basin. This is the ultimate multi-day backcountry adventure for exploring the best of Canyonlands.
hardWhere is Cyclone Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for a serious off-road adventure? Cyclone Pass in Wyoming is calling your name! Nestled in the Shoshone National Forest, this bad boy tops out at a whopping 10,538 feet, making it one of the highest roads in the state. Forget pavement – we're talking 13 miles of super rough, unpaved road with technical, rocky sections that'll put your skills to the test. You'll NEED a high-clearance 4x4 for this one. Expect some seriously steep climbs too – you'll be hitting some pretty gnarly grades as you crawl your way up. The views? Totally worth it. You'll be treated to incredible vistas of the surrounding peaks. Word of warning: this isn't a year-round kind of trip. The road's usually only open from late June to mid-October because winter turns it into an impassable, snowy wonderland. So plan accordingly and get ready for a wild ride!
easyWhere is Baker Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Baker Lake Road (aka FS Road 11) up in Washington's Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest! This beauty winds along the western edge of the stunning Baker Lake, a sub-alpine gem teeming with wildlife like black bears, deer, and eagles – keep your eyes peeled! You'll find the turnoff from State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway), west of Concrete. From there, it's about 26 miles to the lake. The good news is that most of the way is paved (20 miles), but the last 6 miles are gravel, so be ready for a little bumpiness. Heads up, this road is usually a no-go during the heart of winter – those North Cascades winters are serious business! But when it's open, the views are absolutely worth it. Get ready for some serious Pacific Northwest scenery!
easyBlue Lakes Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Blue Lakes Road, chilling high up in Alpine County, California, smack-dab in the Sierra Nevada mountains. We're talking serious elevation here, folks, the whole ride is way above 7,200 feet! This beauty takes you straight to Lower and Upper Blue Lakes, part of a whole crew of stunning lakes. Paved all the way, it peels off from Highway 88 (the Carson Pass Highway) and heads south. Word of warning: winter closes it down because of snow, but come summer, it's a sweet spot for fishing and camping. Fall? You might just have the whole place to yourself. Seriously, this is a gorgeous valley. This paved road is just over 11 miles of pure driving bliss. Topping out at over 8,300 feet, be ready for anything – summer storms or epic winter snow. It's got twists, it's got turns, and it's got views for days. You'll be drooling over the Sierra Crest and Carson Pass scenery!