
Bonita Peak
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,759 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Bonita Peak in southwest Colorado is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about a real mountain pass hitting a whopping 12,332 feet. Yeah, you read that right!
Nestled in the stunning San Juan Mountains, this road is an off-roader's dream (or nightmare, depending on your skills!). Expect gravel, rocks, and a seriously bumpy ride. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory.
Keep in mind this high altitude beast is usually snowed in from October to June β so plan accordingly. Even in summer, be prepared for crazy weather changes, insane winds, and maybe even a surprise snow flurry. Seriously, it gets COLD up there! Watch out for those dropoffs β this is a mine road after all. But, if you can handle the challenges, the views are absolutely breathtaking!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,759 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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