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
moderateKaiser Pass is a classic road trip in Sierra National Forest
🇺🇸 Usa
Kaiser Pass is a super high mountain pass nestled in Fresno County, California, clocking in at a whopping 9,196 feet! It's definitely one of the highest roads you'll find in the Golden State. The road itself, aptly named Kaiser Pass Road, is a fully paved adventure that winds for about 22.4 miles from CA-168 (near Huntington Lake) all the way to Florence Lake. Now, a word of caution: if you're not a fan of narrow mountain roads where backing up for oncoming traffic is the norm, this might not be your cup of tea. It's a winding, sometimes one-lane (ish) road, so take it slow and easy. There are pull-over spots, but be prepared to do a little maneuvering. Big rigs and trailers? Probably best to skip this one. The road gets steep, with grades hitting 12% in some spots. For a good chunk of the drive, it feels like you're on a goat path: narrow, steep, twisty, exposed, and riddled with potholes. The first five miles are smooth sailing on a two-lane highway, but the last 12 miles get pretty narrow and curvy. You'll be cruising at around 20 MPH, tops. There are only 3 areas that are cliffy. Perched high in the Sierras, the road is usually closed during the winter months, typically open from late May to mid-November. If you're heading up during shoulder seasons, be prepared for anything – winter driving conditions might call for chains or cables, and the weather can change on a dime. Located in the Sierra National Forest, the views are incredible. Set aside about 1.5 hours to drive it without stopping. Also, keep in mind this is bear country, so store your food properly and definitely don't feed the wildlife. And don't forget your mosquito repellent!
moderateSecuring Permanent Residence for Parents in the USA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're about to experience the jaw-dropping Beartooth Highway! This beauty winds its way through Montana and Wyoming, stretching a sweet 68 miles. Hold on tight, because you're climbing – and I mean *really* climbing – to a dizzying 10,947 feet above sea level! The views are insane, but be warned: those hairpin turns are no joke, and the weather can flip on you in a heartbeat. But seriously, forget the nail-biting bits for a sec, because the scenery is absolutely epic. Think glacial lakes shimmering in the sun, wildflower meadows exploding with color, and mountain peaks that'll make you feel like you're on top of the world. Just keep your eyes on the road (most of the time!) and get ready for an unforgettable drive.
moderateDriving the scenic Stewart-Cassiar Highway in British Columbia
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for the Stewart-Cassiar Highway (aka Highway 37, Dease Lake Highway, Stikine Highway, or Terrace–Kitimat Highway!) This 874 km (543 mi) beauty in British Columbia is your ticket to some seriously isolated and wild landscapes. Built back in '75, this north-south route stretches from Kitimat up to Upper Liard (where it meets the Alaska Highway). Expect a mix of surfaces – mostly hardtop, but with a kilometer or so of gravel to keep things interesting. The northern stretch is paved with a sealcoat, which is narrower than usual asphalt. Watch out for a few 8% grades and a couple of switchbacks that'll test your turning skills. Heads up: this road is basic. We're talking narrow lanes, limited or no shoulders, and sometimes loose gravel, so take it slow to protect your ride (and other drivers!). Keep an eye out for those one-lane bridges too! Open year-round, this highway is the most northwestern in BC, and it's often called the rugged alternative to the Alaska Highway. You'll be driving through some of the most untouched scenery in North America, with absolute solitude for miles. Forget about your phone – there's zero cell service here. But the payoff? Oh man, the payoff! You'll be treated to mind-blowing mountain views that stretch on forever, and some incredible wildlife spotting opportunities. If you're craving an epic, off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Stewart-Cassiar is calling your name!
hardSlate Peak is the highest road of Washington
🇺🇸 Usa
# Slate Peak Road: Washington's Ultimate High-Altitude Drive Want to experience the highest maintained road in Washington State? Slate Peak Road is calling your name. This unpaved gem sits right on the border between Okanogan and Whatcom counties, just 15 miles northwest of Mazama and practically kissing the Canadian border. The adventure starts at Hart's Pass and stretches just 2.6 miles to a locked gate near the summit, with a short quarter-mile walk to reach the 7,450-foot peak. It's a beast of a climb—expect grades up to 17% as you gain 368 meters of elevation, though the average gradient sits around 8.8%. Your regular vehicle can handle it (as long as you've got decent clearance), but leave the RV and trailers behind. The road's not for the faint of heart. It narrows considerably in spots, hugging a scree cliff with only pullouts for passing. That one-lane section without guardrails? Yeah, there's a few hundred feet of straight-down drop-off. It's legitimately hair-raising, but honestly, that's half the thrill. Fair warning: this road's only open from early July through early October. Snow blankets the peak most of the year, making it impassable outside the brief window. Pick a clear day—trust us on this one. The payoff? Absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment. You'll find the highest fire lookout tower in Washington (built way back in 1924) and jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramic views of the Cascades. Bring your camera and grab the peak identification signs to help you spot all the major mountains stretching out before you. Few places offer views this spectacular without requiring a serious backcountry hike.