Wofford Lookout
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,798 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk about Wofford Lookout in New Mexico's Otero County! Perched way up high in the Lincoln National Forest, this spot sits at a dizzying 9,179 feet.
Getting there is half the adventure. The road's a gravel and rocky beast that's best left untouched during winter. If you're not comfy with unpaved mountain roads, this might not be your cup of tea. Seriously, 4x4 is a must. And if heights make you queasy, maybe admire this one from afar, because the trail is STEEP.
But trust me, the views are worth it! Plus, you'll be checking out a piece of history – the lookout tower was built back in '33. Get ready for some seriously amazing scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,798 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Walton Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Walton Peak in Colorado! This beauty sits way up high. You'll find it in northern Colorado, not far from another peak. Heads up: the road to the top ain't for the faint of heart. We're talking a drive up a considerable distance where you'll be grinding uphill for a good climb. That means a pretty consistent gradient, so get ready. And your reward at the summit? A radio communication tower, the height of technology on the mountain. Word to the wise: this road is totally impassable in the winter, so plan accordingly!
hardA steep old 4wd road to Ruby Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey fellow adventurers! Ever dreamed of conquering a Colorado peak? Ruby Mountain, clocking in at a hefty 11,833 feet, might just be your next obsession. Tucked away in Summit County within the Arapaho National Forest, this beauty offers views for days. The road? Think rugged. We're talking totally unpaved, old-school mine road vibes. Word is, motorized vehicles are a no-go these days, but the views from the top are supposed to be incredible. If you’re thinking about tackling this one, know it's STEEP! From Peru Creek Trail (Forest Service Road 260), it's a short but intense climb— just over half a mile, gaining about 460 feet. That's a gradient that will definitely get your heart pumping. Expect access roughly from March to November, but even then, remember that lingering snow at the summit can stick around well into July. Early birds might find the lower sections clear sooner.
hardA scenic and worthwhile drive to Bear Creek Summit in ID
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Bear Creek Summit in the heart of Idaho! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 7,536-foot high mountain pass nestled in Custer County, right in the White Knob Mountains within the Sawtooth National Forest. The road to the summit, Cherry Creek Summit Road (aka Forest Road 135), is pure, unadulterated dirt. Forget pavement; you're going off-road. While it's generally a pretty chill drive with no major obstacles, a high-clearance 4WD is your best bet, especially since it can get rocky. You can even make a full day of it and circle back to Sun Valley! Expect some steep climbs—we're talking gradients up to 13% in places. The whole shebang stretches for about 36 miles (57.93km), connecting Forest Road 208 to Forest Road 137. Budget around 3 hours for the journey, and definitely think twice about attempting it after rain, or you'll probably need that four-wheel drive. Prepare for amazing scenery and a proper off-the-grid experience!
extremeExplore the Legendary Shafer Trail Road in Utah's Canyonlands National Park
🇺🇸 Usa
# Shafer Trail Road: Utah's Most Legendary (and Gnarly) Drive Ready for one of the most jaw-dropping road trips in America? The Shafer Trail—also called Potash Road—sits right on the edge of Utah's southeastern corner, straddling the line between Grand and San Juan counties. This isn't your typical Sunday cruise, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. Stretching 19.3 miles of mostly unpaved adventure, this trail connects Island in the Sky Road to UT-279. Originally carved out by uranium miners in the mid-1900s to haul ore from the depths of the Chinle Formation, the road follows an ancient rockfall and winds through some seriously impressive Navajo Sandstone. Parts of it are literally blasted straight out of the cliff face. Here's the reality check: you'll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle and serious driving skills. We're talking 16% grades, hairpin U-turns that drop off a thousand feet, and sections so narrow that only one car can squeeze through at a time. Low overhanging rocks? Watch your roof. Sharp rocks littering the path? Say hello to potential tire damage. Bring extra fuel and be ready to self-rescue if needed. Don't even think about attempting this in rain, snow, or at night. Winter conditions make it downright treacherous, and the road frequently closes due to weather. Chains are basically mandatory in winter months. But here's the payoff: you're driving through Canyonlands National Park with access to incredible sights. Ancient petroglyphs dot the landscape, natural stone arches frame your views, and those Shafer Switchbacks? Pure adrenaline-pumping magnificence. Then there's the showstopper—Thelma and Louise Point, where that famous movie scene was filmed. Standing 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, you'll understand why this spot is one of the most photographed vistas on the planet. The panorama of sculpted canyons and buttes will leave you speechless. This road has become so iconic that it's been featured in countless commercials and music videos. Fair warning: this drive demands respect, attention, and nerves of steel. But complete it? You'll have a story that'll last forever.