Big Bear Peak

Big Bear Peak

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

3,709 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Big Bear Peak in Colorado's San Miguel County is calling your name! We're talking seriously high altitude here – a whopping 12,168 feet!

The route to the summit? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Picture this: a rugged, gravel mine road winding through the San Miguel Mountains, part of the majestic Rockies. Expect a bumpy, tippy ride. You'll definitely need a 4x4 with high clearance for this one.

Heads up: this road is usually snowed in from September to July, so plan accordingly. Also, if you're not a fan of heights or steep climbs, maybe skip this one. But if you're an experienced off-roader looking for a challenge and jaw-dropping scenery in the Lizard Head Wilderness of the Uncompahgre National Forest, then this is your jam. Just be prepared for potentially muddy conditions if it's been raining!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
3,709 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road closed permanently on April 2017hard

Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road closed permanently on April 2017

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada

Imagine driving across a frozen river and ocean! The Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road was a real thing in Canada's Northwest Territories, stretching 177km (109 miles) from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk. Talk about an off-the-beaten-path adventure! Part of the legendary Dempster Highway, this icy marvel was one of the world's most northern roads. For a few months each winter (December to March), when the Mackenzie River Delta froze solid, it transformed into a highway of ice. The rest of the year, Tuktoyaktuk was only accessible by plane or boat. While it was open, it was a vital supply route, servicing gas hydrate fields and remote outposts. Picture convoys of trucks hauling fuel, equipment, and supplies across the frozen landscape! The road wasn't for the faint of heart. The ice, though about 8 feet thick, was riddled with cracks and ridges. Inuvik's freezing temperatures, hovering between -7Β°C and -17Β°C during the day, made for an icy ride. Sadly, this iconic ice road closed for good on April 29, 2017. It was replaced by the all-weather Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway.

How long is the Quebec Provincial Highway 389?extreme

How long is the Quebec Provincial Highway 389?

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada

Get ready for an epic Canadian adventure on Quebec Provincial Highway 389! This 567km (352 miles) route links Quebec to Newfoundland and Labrador, taking you from Baie-Comeau, nestled on the St. Lawrence River's north shore, all the way to Fermont. Now, a heads-up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Expect a mix of surfaces, with sections of twisty, narrow asphalt giving way to stretches of gravel that can vary in quality. Driving conditions can change quickly. Snowstorms and blizzards can roll in, so be sure to check road conditions with the Quebec Ministry of Transportation before you go, especially in winter. Winter tires aren't just a suggestion; they're the law! Pack a winter emergency kit, just in case. R-389 takes you through seriously remote areas, so come prepared. Expect zero visibility on gravel parts. Gas stations are few and far between. Make sure your vehicle's in tip-top shape, and that you've got a spare tire and tools. Gravel roads can be tough on vehicles. Oh, and don't count on cell service – it's pretty much non-existent for most of the route. Keep an eye out for logging trucks, too. They're often empty heading north and they move fast. Pull over when it's safe to let them pass. Fuel up whenever you can, and maybe even bring an extra gas can, especially if you're heading further north. Pack plenty of food and water. The water you find along the way may not be potable. With a little preparation, Route 389 promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Quebec's wilderness.

Is the road to McBride Peak unpaved?hard

Is the road to McBride Peak unpaved?

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in British Columbia, Canada, lies McBride Peak, clocking in at a hefty 2,049m (6,722ft)! This isn't just a drive; it's a climb, possibly the *top* climb in Canada, with an average gradient of 10.81%. Forget pavement. Rainbow Falls Road, also known as Teare Mountain Road, is a wild, unpaved adventure. We're talking steep, narrow, and rough terrain with hairpin turns that'll test your skills. 4x4 with good clearance is a MUST. Leave the RV and trailer at home, trust me on this one. The journey from Yellowhead Highway stretches 12.2 km (7.58 miles), packing in a staggering 1,320 meters of elevation gain. That's an average of 10.81%, but be warned: some ramps crank up to a heart-pounding 22-26%! This beauty is in the Robson Valley, so the full ascent is usually only doable in the summer, weather permitting. But oh, is it worth it! A viewpoint halfway up gives you drop-dead gorgeous views of the Robson Valley, Fraser River, McBride area, and the Cariboo Mountains. Just below the peak, you'll find the remains of the old "Top Lookout," abandoned but brimming with history since 1930. Seriously, this place is epic!

Where is Coastal Drive Loop?hard

Where is Coastal Drive Loop?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Cruising the Coastal Drive Loop in Redwood National Park is an absolute must for dramatic Northern California scenery! Once a two-way road, this mostly unpaved loop now runs one-way northbound and packs some serious coastal punch. Clocking in at only a few miles, don't let the length fool you. This narrow, winding road throws steep grades and hairpin turns your way, but the views of the Pacific and the Klamath River estuary are SO worth it. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, sea lions, and pelicans from the overlooks – you might get lucky! Heads up: the southern portion of the loop, from Alder Camp towards Carruthers Cove, is closed to cars. The northern section beyond High Bluff Overlook is a no-go for RVs or trailers. This road can be a real nail-biter with its twists, turns, and exposed edges. Hit up High Bluff Overlook for a picnic with jaw-dropping views. And history buffs, don't miss the old World War II radar station disguised as a farmhouse and barn! If you're feeling adventurous, hop on the Coastal Trail from the Flint Ridge section for some hiking and backcountry camping. To complete the loop, you’ll head left on Alder Camp Road, which then merges with West Klamath Beach Road. Eventually, you'll rejoin West Klamath Beach Road and be back where you started! Passenger vehicles will be fine on the open section, just remember to leave the RV at home! This is truly one of the most scenic drives in the Redwood National and State Parks system. Get ready to be amazed!