Paso de San Glorio Sierra de Famatina La Rioja

The San Glorio pass climbs from Chilecito through the Sierra de Famatina on a mining road that dead-ends at 14,100 feet — higher than most Colorado peaks. Built to service La Mexicana gold mine in the early 1900s, the track switchbacks past rusted cable car towers and stone mine buildings before reaching the windswept puna where vicuñas graze between snow patches. The final approach to the pass crosses loose talus fields where vehicles have slid backward down 30-degree grades.

This is expert-level terrain requiring low-range 4WD, good tires, and altitude experience. Weather changes fast above 12,000 feet — snow can hit any month. Carry extra fuel, water, and warm gear. Cell service disappears at 8,000 feet. The reward is standing at one of Argentina’s most remote high passes, surrounded by peaks that scrape 21,000 feet and views stretching to the Chilean Andes. Only attempt this between November and March when roads are mostly clear.