Bonanza King
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,120 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Bonanza King in northern California's Trinity County is calling your name! We're talking a serious summit here at 6,955 feet, so buckle up for a climb.
The road? Let's just say it's not for your grandma's sedan. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpy action. You'll DEFINITELY want a 4WD vehicle for this trek. The good news? You're headed to a fire lookout tower at the top (usually staffed during fire season). Keep in mind, though, that this beauty is off-limits from October 30th to May 1st.
The trail can get steep, and Mother Nature can throw a wrench in your plans with sudden thunderstorms that turn the road into a 4x4-only zone (or even impassable!). The peak's name comes from all the gold mining in the area, which is still happening, by the way. Play it safe and peep that weather forecast before you go. And seriously, stay away from the lookout during a thunderstorm!
But the views? Oh man, the VIEWS! From the top, you'll score epic panoramas of Mt. Shasta and Castle Crags to the east, the Trinity Alps to the west, and Trinity Lake shimmering to the south. Trust me, this is one you won't want to miss.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,120 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is the Kimsey Mountain Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: You're cruising through the Cherokee National Forest in southeast Tennessee, venturing deep into a seriously wild and remote area of Polk County. You're on the Kimsey Mountain Highway, also known as Forest Service Road 68, and let me tell you, it's an adventure! Forget smooth pavement – we're talking a totally unpaved, single-track Jeep road with just enough turnouts to let you squeeze by oncoming traffic. This isn’t a race; it’s a slow and steady journey offering unique views of the forest. And because you're running near the crest of a ridge, expect some pretty spectacular vistas along the way. This road is old-school. Built almost a century ago, it’s still pretty much in its original condition – rustic! At its highest point, you'll be sitting pretty at 3,070 feet above sea level in the Southern Appalachians. Keep an eye out for fallen trees blocking the path and be wary of potential washouts. Bringing a chainsaw? Not a bad idea! The whole stretch clocks in at about 16.6 miles (26.71km), winding its way from TN-30 to TN-68. Get ready for a trip back in time and a true escape into nature!
extremeConquer the Thrilling Imogene Pass: A High Mountain Adventure in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
# Imogene Pass: Colorado's Ultimate High-Alpine Adventure Ready for one of Colorado's most thrilling drives? Imogene Pass sits at a jaw-dropping 13,162 feet and connects the charming mining towns of Ouray and Telluride in the southwestern San Juans. This 16.3-mile unpaved route is pure adrenaline—but it's definitely not for the faint of heart. Built back in 1880 as a mining road and opened to 4WD traffic in 1966, this legendary pass is named after Imogene Richardson, wife of a Camp Bird Mine owner. The full drive typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours of intense concentration. We'd recommend starting from Telluride and heading downhill—that way you'll tackle the steeper, rockier north side with gravity on your side as you descend through Savage Basin and past the ghost town of Tomboy. Starting from Ouray? You'll climb through the historic Yankee Boy Basin and Imogene Basin, passing near the eerie ruins of Sneffels on your way up. **Here's the real talk:** This is serious terrain. The road is rocky, narrow in places, and steep enough to make your palms sweat. You'll need a rugged 4x4 with serious ground clearance and proper tires—low-clearance vehicles and 2WD rigs don't stand a chance. Only experienced off-road drivers should even consider this one. Stay focused, watch your lines, and remember that mistakes here can be catastrophic. The payoff? Absolutely stunning high-alpine scenery and a genuine slice of Colorado's mining heritage. Just watch out for sudden thunderstorms—this exposed terrain above timberline offers zero shelter when weather turns gnarly. The pass typically closes from late October through June or early July due to snow and ice. Even in summer, conditions can be cold, windy, and unpredictable. Check the skies constantly and know your limits.
extremeWhere is Cerro Gordo?
🇺🇸 Usa
Craving a unique road trip? Head to Cerro Gordo, a silver mining ghost town nestled in California's Inyo County. The adventure starts on Cerro Gordo Road, a 12.6-mile dirt track that winds from California State Route 136 (near Keeler) up into the Inyo Mountains. This isn't your average Sunday drive! The road climbs rapidly, hugging the ridge and delivering breathtaking views. While a 2WD vehicle might get you to the ghost town itself, venturing east requires a high-clearance 4x4 to tackle the washed-out and rocky terrain. Be prepared for steep ascents that'll have you shifting into low gear. Cerro Gordo Road is remote, and this narrow, winding route is prone to washouts and rock slides. But the payoff? Stunning vistas, fields of wildflowers, and a glimpse into California's wild west history. You'll find yourself snapping photos at every turn! Just watch out for rattlesnakes along the way. Keep in mind, this road isn't always accessible. Topping out at 8,208 feet, snow can close it down between November and April, so plan your trip for late spring, summer (though it can get scorching!), or autumn. For the truly adventurous, a short but challenging 4x4 road north of the town climbs even higher to an FAA site at 9,222 feet. At 1.8 miles, it's one of California's highest roads! Just remember to check current road conditions before you go and be prepared for an unforgettable journey.
extremeForest Road 227
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Forest Road 227 in Utah's Duchesne County! We're talking high altitude here – the entire road sits above 3,000 meters! Tucked away in the Ashley National Forest, this 14.16km (8.8 miles) stretch is no Sunday drive. Think gravel, think rocks, and be prepared for some seriously tricky sections. A 4x4 is your best friend on this one, and only tackle it when the weather's dry. Remember, you're high up, so be ready for anything Mother Nature throws your way, any time of year. Speaking of weather, this road's usually a no-go from October to June. It tops out at a whopping 3,165m (10,383ft), so winter is brutal. Even in summer, you might still hit some snow. Bottom line? Pack layers, keep an eye on the forecast, and get ready for some epic views!