
Butler Peak
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,570 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving some seriously epic views in Southern California, you HAVE to check out Butler Peak in the San Bernardino Mountains. This beast of a peak tops out at 8,431 feet!
The road to the top, Forest Road 2N13B (aka Butler Peak Road), is a real adventure. Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps – you'll definitely want a vehicle with some ground clearance and decent tires. I’d recommend 4x4, but if you're a confident driver, you *might* be able to get away with 2WD – just be aware of the loose gravel and steep sections. You'll likely find the road closed from October to June, depending on the weather.
The payoff is SO worth it! This road, originally built in 1948, winds its way up to a historic fire lookout tower (built in 1931). Just be smart and avoid it during thunderstorms! Once you're at the top, prepare to be blown away by 360-degree views of San Gorgonio Peak, Big Bear Valley, Lake Arrowhead, Apple Valley, and the Inland Empire. It's a panorama you won't forget. Get ready for a steep climb!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,570 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateMount Yeckel
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Pitkin County, Colorado, and you've got a serious itch for a high-altitude adventure, Mount Yeckel is calling your name. We're talking a staggering 11,771 feet above sea level! The road up, known by a few names like Larkspur Mountain Road (FSR #103), Christmas Tree Road, and Lenado/Johnson Creek Road, is not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, think rocks, think seriously rugged terrain winding through the White River National Forest. Definitely 4x4 territory here, folks. And forget about it in the winter – totally impassable. If you're not comfortable with unpaved mountain roads and heights make you queasy, this one's best left to the pros. But if you're up for the challenge, the views of the Elk Range along the way are absolutely breathtaking. Trust me, the white-knuckle drive is worth it for those vistas!
moderateBeautiful turnouts and scary gradients on the road to Teton Pass in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Teton Pass in Wyoming is calling your name! This high-altitude mountain pass tops out at a cool 8,435 feet, so be prepared for some serious views. You'll find it snuggled in western Wyoming, practically kissing the Idaho border, right inside Bridger-Teton National Forest. Wanna go even higher? A little gravel path near the summit will take you to Teton Peak at 8,671 feet! Wyoming Highway 22, also known as Teton Pass Highway (and Idaho State Highway 33 once you cross the border), is a twisty-turny paved adventure. This road, which first appeared in 1913, stretches for about 17.4 miles between Wilson, Wyoming, and Victor, Idaho. Heads up: this pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with winter weather. Expect possible closures and be aware of avalanche zones like the infamous Glory Bowl. Winter travelers, remember that trailers aren't allowed. Don't underestimate this road! With gradients reaching 10%, it can be a real challenge, especially for big rigs. Steep inclines and sharp curves mean overweight trucks might have a tough time. And let's just say, driving it at night adds a whole new level of excitement!
hardBull Run Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Bull Run Pass in California's Tulare County is calling your name, but fair warning: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking about a serious climb up to 7,588 feet above sea level in the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. The road? Let's just say it's intimately acquainted with gravel and rocks. Translation: expect a bumpy ride! Plan your trip accordingly, as this beast is typically snowed in from October to June. If you're not comfortable navigating unpaved, steep mountain roads, this might be a pass (pun intended!). A 4x4 is an absolute must, and if you're prone to vertigo, maybe sit this one out. Word on the street is the Bull Park Trail section is especially rough. But hey, the views are probably killer if you dare to look!
extremeThe scenic Angeles Crest Highway in California is worth the drive
🇺🇸 Usa
Nestled between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, the Angeles Crest Highway is a total stunner of a drive. This beauty, part of California State Route 2, is paved all the way and offers a lane in each direction. Clocking in at 64 miles, it carves through the San Gabriel Mountains, connecting La Cañada Flintridge to State Highway 138 near Wrightwood. Taking about 2 hours without stops, this is Southern California's alpine escape. Think breathtaking views, crisp mountain air, and a dose of nature. You'll be cruising through the Angeles National Forest, surrounded by chaparral and montane forests along the San Gabriel's majestic ridges. Now, while those views are epic, keep your eyes on the road! It's a twisty, turny adventure with switchbacks climbing to around 7000 ft. The road's in great shape, but watch out for local critters like chipmunks and squirrels darting across. Reaching a peak of 7,923ft at Dawson Saddle, it's one of SoCal's highest drives. Heads up: the highway is usually closed in winter from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gap due to rockfall and avalanches.