Where is Summit Camp?
Usa, north-america
4 km
3,134 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for an adventure on Forest Road 140 in northern New Mexico! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a 2.48-mile climb to Summit Camp in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Get ready for some seriously steep grades that'll test your mettle (and probably your brakes!).
We're talking serious elevation here, topping out at 10,282 feet! While you won't be able to drive all the way to the summit, as it's closed to private vehicles, a chairlift awaits to whisk you to the very top.
Keep in mind this road is no joke and becomes impassable during winter. But when it's open, expect stunning views and an unforgettable, high-altitude experience in Carson National Forest!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,134 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderatePtarmigan Peak: Ultimate 4wd destination
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ptarmigan Hill in central Colorado's Eagle County is calling your name! This beast sits at a whopping 12,076 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest drivable peaks. Tucked away in the Rockies at the north end of the Sawatch Range, the road to the top is all rugged, unpaved goodness. Seriously, you're gonna need a 4x4 to conquer this one. You'll find this gem inside the White River National Forest. The climb is short but intense – we're talking 1,934 feet in less than half a mile, with a total elevation gain of 1,079 feet! Sadly, this route is totally snowed in during the winter. But the payoff? Epic! From the summit, prepare to be blown away by panoramic views of the Gore and Tenmile Mountain Ranges. You'll even catch glimpses of the iconic Mount of the Holy Cross and a sliver of I-70. Trust me; it's worth every bump and grind.
extremeCan you drive into Waipio Valley?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're on the Big Island of Hawaii, ready for an adventure. You've heard whispers of a legendary road leading down into the breathtaking Waipio Valley in the Hamakua District. But this isn't just any road trip, folks. Waipio Valley Road is a beast! Clocking in at a mere 1.4 miles, this paved path plummets from the Waipio Overlook (about 915 feet above sea level) down to almost sea level, into a valley so lush it looks prehistoric. "Waipi'o" means curved water in Hawaiian, and you'll see why as you descend into this dramatic landscape. But here's the kicker: this road is seriously steep. We're talking sections with a 40-45% gradient! It's so intense that some say it's the steepest road of its length *anywhere* in the USA. This road isn't for the faint of heart. Think of it as the opposite of a lazy river cruise. Word to the wise: This road is generally open only to 4x4 vehicles (the valley floor roads aren't paved, either!). Many rental car agreements ban this road, so read the fine print. And get this: Downhill traffic yields to uphill traffic (because trust me, nobody wants to stall going *up*). Driving down in low gear to save your brakes is crucial. Unfortunately, this stunning road is currently closed to tourists while local residents take legal action. It is reserved for residents with agricultural businesses. But even if you can't drive it, you *can* still experience Waipio Valley. Hiking down is a popular (though strenuous!) option, and local tour companies offer rides. Just remember, safety first! Waipio Valley Road is an unforgettable experience, but it demands respect (and a very capable vehicle).
hardDriving to the Lookout at Mount Buchanan in BC
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled in the Central Kootenay region of British Columbia, about an hour and a half from Nelson, you'll find the legendary Mount Buchanan. At a whopping 1,910 meters (6,266 feet), this peak isn't just high – it's got history! Back in the day, Buchanan Lookout was a crucial fire watch spot. You can still check out the lookout tower, climb the stairs, and stroll the catwalk for killer views, but the tower itself is closed. Getting there? Buckle up, because the 10.9 km (6.77 miles) road is a wild ride! It's completely unpaved, seriously rough, super narrow, and brutally steep, gaining 1,167m with an average gradient of 10.7%. Think switchbacks galore, and be prepared to share the road – pull-outs are scarce. High-clearance 2WD vehicles are your best bet. And pro tip: give those brakes a break on the way down! Trust me, though, the views are worth the white knuckles. From the summit, you'll be treated to mind-blowing vistas of Kootenay Lake, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, Goat Range Provincial Park, and the majestic Purcell and Selkirk Mountains. Seriously, your Instagram will thank you.
extremeRed Grade Road is a beautiful drive with lots of wildlife in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic Wyoming adventure on the wild Red Grade Road! Located in Sheridan County, this rough-and-tumble route (also known as County Route 26) winds from Big Horn (off US-87) westward up and over the Bighorn Mountains toward US-14. Clocking in at around 44.3 miles, it's a proper journey into the mountain backcountry. Prepare for some serious elevation gain! Starting from the valley floor, you'll climb a whopping 7,000 feet, eventually reaching a lofty 9,350 feet above sea level. Keep in mind, Red Grade Road is typically closed from December 15th to April 1st due to winter conditions. Word to the wise: this drive is STEEP! Expect no guardrails and a rugged surface with protruding rocks. A high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is definitely recommended. While it’s not an extreme off-road trail, there are challenging sections with steep ascents and descents, and unfortunately, some accidents have occurred here, probably from loose gravel. The good news? Once you reach the summit, the road becomes smoother gravel. Set aside 3-4 hours for this unforgettable trip through north-central Wyoming. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Powder River Basin, plus a stunning variety of trees like limber pine, ponderosa pine, aspen, and fir. It's a scenic adventure you won't soon forget!