Where is the road to New York Mountain?
Usa, north-america
8 km
386 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the White River National Forest, Eagle County, Colorado, about to tackle an old mining road up to New York Mountain, high in the Northern Sawatch Range. We're talking serious altitude here.
The adventure starts near Fulford, a quirky little ghost town that’s the gateway to the real backcountry. From there, it's Forest Road 418 (FR-418) all the way. Think Colorado high-country at its finest: alpine meadows giving way to rocky terrain as this old road snakes its way up. Keep an eye out for the three old miner's cabins hanging on near the top – relics from a time when this place was buzzing with activity.
Now, let's be real: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. FR-418 is unpaved and seriously rugged. We're talking ruts, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps. A decent 4x4 is your best friend here, and high clearance? Non-negotiable. There are a couple of spots where you'll be thanking your lucky stars you didn't bring the family sedan. And those eight hairpin turns? Get ready to work that steering wheel!
The road is only 5 miles long, but you'll climb 1,266 feet. Don't let the numbers fool you; that thin mountain air will have your engine working overtime, and those technical spots will have you crawling. It's slow going, but trust me, the views of the Sawatch Range from the top are worth every bump and bruise.
Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed in from October to June. Even in summer, the weather can be WILD. Afternoon thunderstorms can turn the dirt into a slick mess, and the temperature can plummet faster than you can say "hypothermia." Always, ALWAYS check the local reports before you head up. And be prepared for anything once you get up there.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8 km
- Max Elevation
- 386 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardDiscover the Beauty of Engineer Pass: Colorado's High Mountain Off-Road Adventure
🇺🇸 Usa
# Engineer Pass: Colorado's Epic High-Alpine Adventure Engineer Pass sits pretty at 12,800 feet (3,901m) in Ouray County, Colorado, and let me tell you—this isn't your typical Sunday drive. We're talking about one of the state's highest roads, and it demands respect. The route starts about four miles south of Ouray off the Million Dollar Highway (U.S. 550) and heads up the unpaved Engineer Pass Road (also known as Ouray County Road 18). Fair warning: the first two miles are genuinely gnarly. Rocky, rough, and totally unforgiving. If you're new to four-wheeling, take it slow and consider whether your rig is up for it. This road isn't for everyone. You'll want a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle with a short wheelbase—basically, leave your full-size pickup at home. While most of the drive is manageable, the west side of the pass throws in some narrow, steep sections that'll definitely keep you alert. Historically, this trail was built after 1877 by Otto Mears, the same engineer who created the legendary Million Dollar Highway. It became the vital artery connecting Silverton, Animas Forks, Ouray, and Lake City during the mining boom. **When to Go:** Late May through late October is your window—winter snow shuts this place down hard. Don't even think about driving it snow-covered. **Why It's Worth It:** This is a photographer's dream. At the summit, you get 360-degree views of 14,000-foot peaks, including Mt. Sneffels (14,150 ft.) and Uncompahgre Peak (14,309 ft.). Combine this with Engineer Pass's sister route, Cinnamon Pass, and you've got the famous Alpine Loop—complete with historic mines, ghost towns, wildflowers, and seriously stunning alpine scenery. Whether you're fishing, hiking, camping, or just soaking in the views, this high-altitude adventure into Colorado's mining past is absolutely unforgettable. Just respect the conditions and you're in for something truly special.
hardHow long is Camp Bird Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic adventure on Camp Bird Road, a stunner hidden away southwest of Ouray County, Colorado! This unpaved beauty, also known as County Road 361, stretches for 5.1 miles of pure, compact dirt goodness from Ouray (right off the Million Dollar Highway) up to the historic Camp Bird Mine. Speaking of Ouray, it's a seriously cool town with roots in the silver and gold rush days. Camp Bird Mine itself is a legend, having churned out over a million ounces of gold since the 1800s! Now, fair warning: This isn't your average Sunday drive. While the first few miles are pretty chill, things get progressively more "interesting." Think bumpy shelf roads that eventually morph into a moderate 4WD challenge. You'll definitely want some ground clearance, and a 4WD is your best bet. Low-clearance 2WDs? Probably best to skip this one. The higher you climb, the narrower the road gets, making passing a real pain. Be prepared for potential traffic jams on summer weekends. Plus, keep an eye out for some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 16%! You'll climb to a whopping 9,842 feet above sea level. But trust me, the views are SO worth it! Just maybe leave your fear of heights at home for this trip.
moderateWhere is Spring Creek Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk Spring Creek Pass in southwest Colorado's Gunnison National Forest! This is one of the highest paved roads in the state, topping out at a whopping 10,901 feet. Following Colorado State Highway 149, the Silver Thread Scenic Byway, this 50-mile stretch from the town of to the historic city of has a few tight switchbacks and spots. Don't worry, though, most folks should find it manageable, even with that 7.5% max gradient. It's a narrow, two-lane road, but here's the cool part: it's maintained year-round! Snowplows keep it clear in the winter, but keep your wits about you, as conditions can change quickly. Get ready for some serious mountain scenery!
moderateIs the road to Puerto Cancún unpaved?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Baja California Peninsula, heading towards the Pacific coast. You veer off the main paved highway near Las Brisas del Desierto restaurant, and BAM! You're on Carretera a Puerto Cancún, a 45.8 km (28 mile) dirt and gravel road that leads to the tiny fishing village of Puerto Cancún. For most of its length – a whopping 41.7 km – it's straight as an arrow, letting you soak in the incredible mountain views. As you get closer to the coast, the road gets a little sandy, so keep your eyes peeled! Also, watch out for cows chilling on the road – seriously! This route isn't about speed; it's about soaking up the raw, untamed beauty of Baja.