
Where is Pinal Peak?
Usa, north-america
26.07 km
2,397 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Pinal Peak in southern Arizona! This bad boy tops out at nearly 7,900 feet in the Pinal Mountains, a little south of Globe, and the views are totally worth the trek. You'll spot a bunch of radio towers clinging to the summit from miles away – it's not exactly a hidden gem, but definitely a local favorite. The Forest Service has a few campgrounds nearby if you want to make a weekend of it.
Now, the road up is a 16-mile dirt track that’s pretty steep, gaining over 4,200 feet from Pinal. We're talking an average gradient of almost 5%! You'll definitely want to hit this one during the day – nighttime driving? Nah. And winter? Forget about it, unless you're packing serious snow gear. A high-clearance vehicle is a must (think SUV or truck), but you probably won’t need four-wheel drive unless the weather turns sour. Always check conditions before you head out – back roads can be unpredictable!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 26.07 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,397 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Monitor Pass in California?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Monitor Pass! This stunner sits way up high in east-central California, practically kissing the Nevada border, right where Alpine and Mono counties meet. Think wide-open spaces and that "I'm the only one here" feeling because traffic is usually super light. The road itself, officially CA-89 (aka Robert M. Jackson Memorial Highway), was carved out in the early 50s and named after the old silver mining town, Monitor. We're talking about a 17.6-mile stretch of pure, paved goodness connecting Alpine State Highway south of Markleeville to US-395 north of Coleville, southeast of Lake Tahoe. Word to the wise: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect a seasonal closure from late November to early April due to snow. Speaking of high, we're talking an elevation of 8,343 feet! And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a smaller gravel road near the top that climbs even higher to 8,942ft. Hold on tight, because this road isn't shy about its steepness! You'll find yourself tackling gradients up to 13% in spots. The eastern side, heading towards US-395, is particularly punchy, so gear down and be prepared for a serious climb if you're heading back up. Give yourself about 30 minutes to cruise this pass without stopping to soak it all in (but you *totally* should stop!).
hardWhere is Taylor Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Taylor Mountain in Colorado's Chaffee County is calling your name! This isn't just any mountain; we're talking a whopping 12,791 feet above sea level! Nestled in the San Isabel National Forest, this route, also known as Taylor Mountain Trail (Chaffee County Road 228), is a real beauty. Heads up, this is a proper off-road experience. We're talking unpaved, rocky, and steep! Think switchbacks that’ll test your skills and some tight shelf sections where you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic. You'll definitely need a 4x4 with good clearance for this one. The adventure kicks off near Monarch on US-50, winding its way up for about 5.44 miles. Don't let the short distance fool you, though — you'll be climbing over 3,200 feet, so get ready for a seriously steep average gradient of over 11%! Plan your trip carefully, because Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect this route to be snowed in from late October until at least late June or early July. But trust me, those views from the top are worth the wait!
moderateWhere is Moonville Tunnel?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, ghost hunters and history buffs, listen up! Deep in the backwoods of southeastern Ohio, you'll find the legendary Moonville Tunnel. All that's left of the old coal-mining town, this abandoned railway tunnel from the Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad era is seriously remote, surrounded by a dense forest. But it's not just the solitude that draws people here... it's the ghosts! The major legend says a railway worker (depending on who you ask, it was an engineer, conductor, brakeman, or signalman) was crushed by a train right in the tunnel. Now, people claim his ghost hangs around the entrance, waiting for a train that will never come. Countless witnesses report seeing a spectral figure in the shadows, and get this - it's been caught on camera multiple times! Getting there is a bit of an adventure. You'll have to park and hike in, but the eerie atmosphere and chance of a paranormal encounter make it worth the trip. Just be prepared for a spooky stroll!
hardWhat are the most scenic backcountry roads in Joshua Tree?
🇺🇸 Usa
Located at the eastern end of Southern California, in the USA, the Joshua Tree National Park is immense, nearly 800,000 acres, and infinitely variable. Two desert systems, the Mojave and the Colorado, divide the park into two arid ecosystems. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land with strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. For your own safety and for the protection of the natural features of the park please stay on established roads. What are the most scenic backcountry roads in Joshua Tree? is a challenging, unpaved trail located in Joshua Tree National Park . It spans 24.3 km (15.1 miles) and includes steep sections with an 11% gradient. The trail requires a due to obstacles like sandy spots and deep ruts. It offers scenic views and is open year-round, but can change road conditions. Driving without stops takes about Black Eagle Mine Road Black Eagle Mine Road unpaved route through a historic mining district in Joshua Tree National Park . The road gradually becomes rougher and more challenging, requiring a vehicle with good clearance. It passes abandoned mines, including Barry Storm's Jade Mine Black Eagle Gold Mine . The road is blocked near the end, and the area is remote, with no cell reception. is a scenic, unpaved drive through Joshua Tree National Park , the surrounding mountains, and the . The road is suitable for high-clearance vehicles , especially after rain or snow. The drive takes you through Covington Crest Trailhead Joshua Tree National Park , offering a fascinating journey through geological formations shaped by vehicle is recommended beyond the first few miles. The road features 16 interpretive stops, making it a great drive for learning about the park’s geological history. It takes about to complete the loop. 41.68 km (25.9 miles) Joshua Tree National Park , passing through abandoned mines. It’s a challenging drive with sharp rocks and deep sand, requiring a vehicle. The road is remote, with no cell reception, and can take to drive. The best time to visit is from , as summer heat makes it less suitable. Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road unpaved, scenic route in Joshua Tree National Park . It’s a challenging road through soft sand and rocky terrain, requiring a vehicle. The road begins at the Cottonwood Visitor Center . Drivers should be prepared for remote areas and difficult conditions. Driving the gnarly Nellie Creek Road in Colorado Beef Pasture Gap is One of the Highest Paved Roads in Texas Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.