Where is Mount Taylor?
Usa, north-america
4.8 km
3,441 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're up for an adventure? Let's talk Mount Taylor in New Mexico! This dormant volcano hangs out in Cibola County, and at 11,289 feet, it's one of the highest points you can drive to in the state.
The views? Unreal. You start in these gorgeous aspen groves, then BAM! Desert vistas stretching all the way to Arizona. The mountain itself has a cool history. It used to be called "little onion" back in Spanish days, but got renamed after President Zachary Taylor. Plus, it's super important to the local Zuni and Navajo communities, who see it as a sacred place.
Now, about the road... It's about 5.77 miles to the top, and it climbs like crazy, with a pretty steep average gradient. Here's the deal: you'll want a 4-wheel-drive for this one, especially if it's wet. The last few miles are pretty rocky, and you might need to throw it in low gear. Even though a regular car *can* make it, expect some scratches from branches because the road gets narrow in spots.
Heads up: this drive is really best in the summer. Being so high up, Mount Taylor gets hammered with snow and ice during the colder months. Even early or late in the season, you could still run into some icy patches, so be prepared. Oh, and watch out for afternoon thunderstorms – you don't want to be caught on those open slopes when the lightning starts!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,441 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateAntelope Canyon Road in Arizona is pure adventure
🇺🇸 Usa
Just outside Page, Arizona, lies Antelope Canyon Road, your gateway to the Southwest's most stunning slot canyon! But hold on, this isn't your average road trip. You'll be cruising along a 3.2-mile unpaved track, a mix of gravel, sand, and even a sandy riverbed. So, 4x4 vehicles are a must! Nestled in Coconino County, Antelope Canyon isn't a DIY adventure. You can only explore it with a guided tour booked in Page, so ditch the solo plan. The Navajo Nation keeps access gated, and these tours are essential to keep you safe from sudden flash floods. Remember, even rain miles away can cause the canyon to flood quickly! Open year-round, the drive itself is a scenic thrill, winding through tight terrain. At around 4,000 feet above sea level, with canyon walls soaring 120 feet high, this landscape carved by eons of erosion is a photographer's dream. Antelope Canyon, part of the Lake Powell Navajo Tribal Park, promises an unforgettable experience!
hardWhere is Montana Snowbowl?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you want to hit up Montana Snowbowl, huh? This epic ski resort is nestled in western Montana, just northwest of Missoula. To get there, you'll be cruising on Montana Snowbowl Road. The first couple of miles are paved, but then things get interesting – you'll be kicking up some dust on a well-maintained gravel road for the last 5 miles as you climb in elevation. Speaking of elevation, you'll be heading up! This road gains a lot of elevation and gets you to the base of the resort. Be warned, though: the road can get a little dicey in spots, especially depending on the snow conditions. You'll need to keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic since it's a narrow road, and some sections can be pretty steep. The whole shebang is about 7 miles long, but the views? Totally worth it. Plus, once you get there, you have access to some incredible summits.
extremeHow is the drive to Kerr Notch?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, and you hit Kerr Notch. It's this insane mountain pass perched on the southeastern edge of the lake, and trust me, the views are unreal. So, Kerr Notch is basically a valley carved by glaciers way before Mount Mazama blew its top like 7,700 years ago. When the volcano collapsed, it sliced these valleys in half, leaving these crazy "notches" behind. Plus, legend says this is where some early settlers first laid eyes on the lake back in 1853 and called it "Deep Blue Lake." Pretty cool, right? Now, about the road itself: it's part of the Rim Drive, all paved and smooth, but don't get cocky. It's a twisty, narrow mountain road with zero shoulder and seriously steep drop-offs. If you're scared of heights, this might test your nerves! Kerr Notch is the spot to jump onto the road to the Pinnacles Overlook, so definitely make the detour. Got a big RV or a trailer? Heads up – the descent into the notch is pretty steep, so use your engine to help brake on those long downhills to avoid overheating. But the real reason to come here is the view of Phantom Ship, this jagged island that looks like a ghost ship sailing on the water. Kerr Notch is the lowest point on the rim's southeast side, so you're closer to the water here than at other viewpoints like the Watchman. The parking area can get packed in the summer, and the road is narrow, so stick to the designated spots. Photographers love this place because the light changes throughout the day, making the blue of the lake even more intense. Just a heads up: Kerr Notch is usually closed until late June or early July because of the massive snowdrifts. Aim to visit between mid-July and September. By October, those first winter storms can bring ice to the hairpins, making the East Rim Drive super sketchy.
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering the Music Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising around Custer County, Colorado, and you've got a serious itch for some off-road action, Music Pass is calling your name! Nestled high in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, inside the San Isabel National Forest in the San Luis Valley, this pass tops out at a breathtaking 10,695 feet. The road to the top? It's all dirt, baby! Music Pass Road is rough and rugged, with steep climbs, narrow stretches, and some seriously rocky terrain that'll test your driving skills – think driving over weird rock formations. You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle with 4WD or AWD to conquer this beast. Word to the wise: Mother Nature's got a wild side up here. Expect crazy-fast weather changes, year-round. Seriously, pack for anything, including surprise summer snowstorms. The road usually stays buried in snow until late June or even July! But hey, the views! Prepare to be blown away by the stunning vistas of Tijeras and Cleveland Peaks. The road dead-ends at a parking lot for the Music Pass Trailhead (room for about 15 cars), only about a mile from the actual pass. Back in the day, the hardcore could drive all the way to the summit. Now, the old road's pretty much disappeared.