Where is Picuris Peak?
Usa, north-america
11.3 km
3,280 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're in northern New Mexico, gazing up at Picuris Peak, a seriously impressive 10,761 feet high! This isn't just any mountain, it's one of the highest roads in the whole state! There's some gear and stuff up at the top.
The road to the peak, the Picuris Peak Trail, is a 7-mile gravel grinder. You'll earn every single view, especially those panoramic shots of the Sangre de Cristo Range. Because of its elevation, access is mainly during the warmer months. Think sun, not snow!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,280 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Mosquito Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna bag Mosquito Peak in central Colorado? This bad boy tops out at a whopping 13,664 feet! You're looking at some serious elevation. Forget pavement, the "road" to the summit is an old, super-eroded mining track. We're talking rugged. It's a short but brutal 1.83 miles from Mosquito Pass, but get this: you'll climb over 1,500 feet! That's a seriously steep average grade. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views from the top are incredible, especially of the surrounding peaks in the Mosquito Range. Heads up: this is definitely a summer adventure. Snow usually sticks around until late June (or even later!), and this area is known for being super windy, so bundle up! Can you even drive it? Here's the deal, there's an old mining road to the summit, but access for vehicles is blocked. They are very eroded and wouldn't be safe for driving anyways, and I don't believe they go up to the summit at all. There is some old equipment up there. And we did see evidence that someone had driven (or tried to drive) up there at one time. It was really far away, so I didn't get a picture, but a vehicle had rolled off one of the eroded roads a few hundred feet down the slope. I'm not sure if they gated the road after that happened or if that person came in from a different way, but it didn't look like a good time. You could easily hike either to the summit of Mosquito Peak or to the mine equipment from Mosquito Pass, however. It's not very far and shouldn't be terribly difficult, except for the altitude.
moderateDriving the scenic Stewart-Cassiar Highway in British Columbia
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for the Stewart-Cassiar Highway (aka Highway 37, Dease Lake Highway, Stikine Highway, or Terrace–Kitimat Highway!) This 874 km (543 mi) beauty in British Columbia is your ticket to some seriously isolated and wild landscapes. Built back in '75, this north-south route stretches from Kitimat up to Upper Liard (where it meets the Alaska Highway). Expect a mix of surfaces – mostly hardtop, but with a kilometer or so of gravel to keep things interesting. The northern stretch is paved with a sealcoat, which is narrower than usual asphalt. Watch out for a few 8% grades and a couple of switchbacks that'll test your turning skills. Heads up: this road is basic. We're talking narrow lanes, limited or no shoulders, and sometimes loose gravel, so take it slow to protect your ride (and other drivers!). Keep an eye out for those one-lane bridges too! Open year-round, this highway is the most northwestern in BC, and it's often called the rugged alternative to the Alaska Highway. You'll be driving through some of the most untouched scenery in North America, with absolute solitude for miles. Forget about your phone – there's zero cell service here. But the payoff? Oh man, the payoff! You'll be treated to mind-blowing mountain views that stretch on forever, and some incredible wildlife spotting opportunities. If you're craving an epic, off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Stewart-Cassiar is calling your name!
hardHow many curves are on the Tail of the Dragon?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Tail of the Dragon, straddling the Tennessee/North Carolina state line. This isn't your average Sunday drive; this is a full-throttle, adrenaline-pumping experience. We're talking 318 curves packed into just 11 miles of US 129. Motorcyclists and sports car fanatics flock here for a reason. The turns are tight, the road winds relentlessly, and the forest scenery is stunning. Pull over at one of the overlooks and soak it in, but don't get too distracted—those curves come at you fast. The name? It comes from the road's resemblance to a dragon's tail. And some of those curves have names that give you a sense of what's in store: Copperhead Corner, Wheelie Hell, Brake or Bust Bend... you get the picture. Stop by the Tree of Shame, adorned with motorcycle parts, as a cautionary tale. The Tail runs from NC 28 to Tabcat Creek Bridge. It's all paved, but don't think that makes it easy. We're talking blind curves, long blind crests, and steep cambers. Even experienced drivers will be challenged. Oh, and fun fact: it was a filming location for "The Fugitive." The weather is usually pretty predictable in the summer, but winter can be dicey with ice, snow, and even bears and wild boars crossing the road. Still, winter offers great visibility because the leaves are gone. This road has a reputation for a reason, but it's also a blast. Just be careful out there! Interestingly, some say Tennessee Route 32 South is even more challenging.
extremeCarnero Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk about Carnero Pass! Nestled way up in Saguache County, Colorado, this bad boy tops out at a cool 10,171 feet. You'll find it chilling within the Rio Grande National Forest. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a gravel 4WD track (County Road 41 G, if you're mapping it). Seriously, watch the weather! This road isn't messing around. Avalanches, serious snow, and landslides are real possibilities, plus icy patches love to pop up. Expect some rocky and muddy bits along the way. But hey, if you're up for it, the views are totally worth the white-knuckle ride!