Where is Upper Summers Meadow?
Usa, north-america
31.38 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Upper Summers Meadow, a high-altitude gem in the heart of east-central California. Seriously, this meadow sits way up there!
The adventure starts near some other place in California, and from there it’s about 19.5 miles to the meadow. But hold on, this isn’t your average Sunday drive! You'll definitely need a 4x4 to handle this dirt road.
As you climb, be prepared for a tight squeeze – the road gets narrow and steep, with trees practically hugging your car. Expect scratches! A few miles from the end, there's a water crossing to navigate. And just before you reach the meadow, the road throws one last challenge at you: a super steep section with some seriously gnarly ruts. But trust me, that meadow is worth it! Over the journey you'll climb a significant amount. Get ready for some breathtaking scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 31.38 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Abajo Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a spot you NEED to add to your Utah bucket list: Abajo Peak! Perched way up high in San Juan County, near the Colorado border in the Manti-La Sal National Forest, this peak hits an elevation of 11,318 feet! What awaits you at the top? Well, besides a bunch of communication towers, you get absolutely jaw-dropping views! Think panoramic vistas stretching across southeastern Utah, Colorado, and even a glimpse of the Four Corners where Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico all high-five. To get there, you'll be cruising on Forest Road 0087 (aka Abajo Peak Road) for about 12.7 miles, starting near Monticello. Fair warning: it's all unpaved, and you'll be climbing 4,196 feet in elevation, so the average gradient is a respectable 6.26%. Most of the road is in pretty good shape, but things get a bit rugged towards the very end. Seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for this one! Keep in mind, Mother Nature dictates the schedule here. Generally, you can hit this road from late June through October, depending on the snow. The Abajo Mountains, locally known as the Blue Mountains, are calling! Trust me, the views are SO worth the drive.
hardClara Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Clara Peak in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, is calling your name! We're talking serious altitude here – 8,544 feet above sea level! Nestled in the Santa Fe National Forest, the road to the top is a real off-road experience: think gravel, rocks, and a definite no-go in the winter months. Not for the faint of heart, this climb is STEEP, and if you're not comfortable with heights or unpaved mountain roads, you might want to skip this one. Be prepared for washouts and ruts along the way - most SUVs can handle it, but things get seriously rocky and steep about a quarter mile from the summit. Unless you're rocking a rugged, high-clearance 4WD vehicle, park it and hike the rest of the way. Sadly, the old lookout tower that stood proudly since 1951 is no more, as the Forest Service took it down in the early 90s. But hey, the views are still totally worth it!
hardWhy is it called Mount Norquay?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: you're in Banff National Park, Alberta, ready for a quick jaunt up Mount Norquay. This mountain, named after a Manitoba premier, is calling your name! The Mt Norquay Scenic Drive is a fully paved road that snakes its way up to the Norquay Ski resort. It's only 5.8 km (3.6 miles), but don't let that fool you. You'll climb 318 meters with an average gradient of 5.48% plus tackle six seriously sharp hairpin turns (watch out for loose gravel!). Now, a secret for the adventurous: there's a super steep, unpaved service road north of the resort that climbs even higher, but that's a story for another day! Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The views are incredible, especially of the town of Banff nestled in the valley. Sure, fog can happen, but catch it right, and you might see some alpenglow. Keep your eyes peeled for mule deer and bighorn sheep along the way. The best lookout is said to be at the meadow at the end of the road, but remember: this is grizzly country, so be aware!
hardOso Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure in New Mexico's Cibola County, Oso Ridge is calling your name. This bad boy tops out at 8,727 feet, so be prepared for some serious altitude. Now, let's be real: the road to the top (Forest Service 187A) is *not* for the faint of heart. We're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and plenty of "tippy" moments. Think of it as a rugged massage for your 4x4 – because, trust me, you'll need one! This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, and you'll want some off-roading experience under your belt. Mother Nature usually shuts this route down from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. Your reward for conquering this beast? Stunning views from the summit and a cool fire lookout tower that's been standing tall since 1965.