Dare to drive the dangerous Calico Peak
Usa, north-america
8 km
1,385 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near San Bernardino County, California, and you're craving a seriously epic off-road adventure, Calico Peak is calling your name. Nestled in the Mojave Desert's Calico Mountains, this beast tops out at 4,543 feet, and getting there is NOT for the faint of heart.
We're talking about Doran Scenic Drive, although "scenic" is used loosely here. This used to be a paved road, but Mother Nature had other plans. Floods wiped it out, leaving behind gnarly canyon washes and rogue chunks of pavement that only add to the challenge.
Seriously, a 4x4 with high clearance is an absolute must. Don't even think about attempting this solo, and definitely leave the oversized vehicles and stock SUVs at home. We're talking narrow passages, massive boulders, and embedded rock just waiting to shred your tires. Skid plates and differential lockers? Consider them essential gear.
The climb starts from Calico Road, stretching for 5 miles with a hefty 2,388-foot elevation gain – that's an average gradient of 9.1%! But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. Once you conquer the steep inclines and nail-biting obstacles, you're rewarded with mind-blowing 360-degree views from the top. Radio towers mark the summit, and you'll be able to spot everything from Tiefort Mountain all the way to the San Bernardino Mountains and Mt. Baldy. Bring your camera, folks – you'll want to remember this one!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,385 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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