Slopes change everything
On a flat lot, water sits. On a Tijeras hillside, it runs — and fast-moving water is what destroys mountain driveways. It cuts under edges, washes out base, and carries sand and rock across the surface. Paving a sloped driveway successfully is mostly about controlling where that water goes.
What goes into a Tijeras driveway
- Runoff plan. We identify where water enters from uphill, roofs and the road, and plan swales, rundowns or culverts to carry it safely off and away.
- Deep compaction. Base on grades is placed in thinner lifts and compacted thoroughly so it doesn't migrate downhill.
- Edge support. Tapered, compacted edges plus shoulders where the ground drops off.
- Hot-mix asphalt. The best surface for grades — gravel and millings tend to wash out on steep sections.
- Usable flat space. Parking pads and turnarounds shaped at the top or bottom of the slope.
Replacing a failed mountain driveway
If your existing driveway has broken edges, washouts or sections where the asphalt has slid or sunk, the base underneath has usually failed. We remove the damaged pavement, rebuild the base with proper drainage, and repave. On some driveways a partial rebuild and overlay is enough — we'll show you both options.
Winter in the canyon
Shaded spots in Tijeras Canyon hold ice. Cross-slope and drainage keep meltwater from pooling and refreezing on the surface, and strong edges resist plow damage. A spring round of crack sealing keeps winter from opening new problems.
Frequently asked questions
Is asphalt safe on a steep driveway in winter?
Asphalt plows cleanly and, with good drainage, sheds meltwater instead of letting it refreeze. Many owners also keep traction sand on hand for the steepest pitches.
Why did my old driveway crack along the edges?
Edges on slopes fail when they weren't compacted, lack shoulder support, or are undercut by runoff. We address all three in a rebuild.
Can you add a parking pad at the top of my driveway?
Yes. Shaping a flat pad or turnaround is a common part of Tijeras projects.
Keep reading
Tijeras
Sloped mountain driveways and canyon properties paved with drainage-first construction.
Learn more →Grading & Base Prep
Excavation, grading, culverts and compacted base — the groundwork behind lasting pavement.
Learn more →Asphalt Repair & Patching
Full-depth patches for potholes, alligator cracking, sunken spots and crumbling edges.
Learn more →