Where is Palo Encebado Peak?
Usa, north-america
6.9 km
3,069 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in New Mexico? Check out Palo Encebado Peak, tucked away in Taos County! This beast sits pretty high at 10,068 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, east of Taos.
Now, listen up: this isn't your Sunday drive. The 4.28-mile road (Shadow Mountain Road) up to the peak is all dirt, and it gets seriously gnarly. Think ruts, rocks, and after a good rain or snow, potentially impassable conditions. You absolutely need a 4x4 with high clearance to even think about tackling this one.
But if you're up for the challenge, the views are supposed to be epic. You'll climb 2,000 feet on an average gradient of almost 9% so you had better like steep! Just remember to check the weather and be prepared for a bumpy ride. This is one adventure you won't soon forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,069 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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