How do you drive to Benchmark Lookout?
Usa, north-america
6.3 km
2,828 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a trip to Benchmark Lookout in Dolores County, Colorado! This isn't just any scenic drive; it's a journey to one of the last active fire lookouts in the state, perched way up at 9,278 feet in the San Juan National Forest.
You'll be cruising on Road 26, a forest track that's begging for a high-clearance SUV or truck. It's not exactly hardcore off-roading, but expect a bumpy ride with plenty of gravel and rocks. This 3.9 mile climb starts at a junction and winds its way up to the top. Trust me, the views are worth it. The road gets a bit rougher as you approach the summit, and there's a gate right before the lookout itself. Park in the little area provided and stretch your legs for the final short walk.
Keep in mind this road's usually snowed in, so plan your trip for when the weather's clear. Even then, the track can be uneven, so that ground clearance is key to avoid any scrapes. Oh, and pro tip: avoid this place during thunderstorms. Being on top of a mountain in lightning? No thanks!
The real showstopper here is the view. From the lookout, you'll be treated to a 360-degree panorama that stretches across four states: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona! It’s seriously breathtaking and makes this a super important spot for keeping an eye on the forest. Remember, it's a working facility, so be respectful of the fire crews doing their jobs during the summer.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,828 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeHow To Travel The Morrison Jeep Trail In Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the Morrison Jeep Trail, a seriously gnarly ride in Wyoming's Park County! Tucked away in the Shoshone National Forest, northwest of Cody and southwest of Billings, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forest Road 120 stretches for 22 miles from the Clarks Fork River valley up to the Beartooth Plateau. Picture this: a super narrow, single-lane track with zero room to pull over. You're out there, in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by moose, bears (black and grizzly!), mountain goats, and bobcats. No cell service, so you're on your own. The road? Intense. Think massive rocks, deep ruts, and a wild climb to 10,193 feet above sea level. Only high-clearance, 4WD vehicles need apply! Brace yourself for 27 hairpin switchbacks as you ascend from the Clarks Fork River. We're talking serious drop-offs – hundreds of feet! – on one side. Those turns? Narrow, steep, and often steeper than they look, with some grades hitting 25 degrees. Expect to spend around 7 hours conquering this beast. Keep an eye on your map, as single-track trails branch off in every direction. This road is typically snowed in from late October through late June/early July. Definitely avoid it when it’s wet or muddy! You'll face some technical, rocky climbs, plus those long, straight grinders as you hit the 10,000-foot mark. Oxygen levels are low, so be prepared.
extremeLong Tom Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Long Tom Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.493m (8,179ft) above the sea level located in Lemhi County, in Idaho, USA. The peak is located within the Salmon - Challis National Forest. The road to the summit is called FR-166. It’s a gravel 4wd track. Do not travel this road in severe weather conditions. Avalanches, heavy snowfalls and landslides can occur anytime, being extremely dangerous due to frequent patches of ice. At the summit there’s a fire lookout built in 1921. https://idaholookouts.weebly.com/long-tom.html# Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhat is Pride of the West Tunnel?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because we're heading to the Pride of the West Mine in Colorado's Chaffee County! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about one of the highest roads in the state, topping out at a staggering 12,014 feet above sea level. You'll find the Pride of the West Tunnel, also known as the Billings Tunnel, up there. The tunnel entrance is super cool, with an 1880 keystone marking its start. Apparently, it was built to cut through Pomeroy Peak, but who knows how far it actually goes? Legend has it, there was even a two-story hotel nearby back in the day. The tunnel's still there, but watch out – it's full of water! Some say the whole thing was just a fancy facade to lure investors. Who knows for sure? The 11.6-mile (18.66 km) journey starts from Maysville and is entirely unpaved. Get ready for a bumpy ride with plenty of rocks on Forest Road 240! High clearance is a must, but most stock 4x4s should be able to handle it. Be warned: the last section narrows down to a single lane. Trust me, though, the scenery is SO worth it. Think incredible views and a truly unforgettable experience. Keep in mind, this is Colorado, so winter closures are a thing. Plan your trip accordingly!
moderateTraveling along the scenic Covington Flat Road in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Ready for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Joshua Tree National Park? Head to Covington Flat Road, a hidden gem in Southern California! This unpaved road winds through stunning desert scenery and is your gateway to some of the park’s most impressive Joshua trees (the area was named after a local rancher), junipers, and pinyon pines. You'll find both Upper and Lower Covington Flat Roads. At around 9.6 miles long, this backcountry route starts on La Contenta Road near Yucca Valley and takes you to a parking lot that’s the trailhead for Covington Crest. Make a quick 5-minute hike to the top of Eureka Peak! Keep in mind cell service is spotty, so grab a map before you go. Plus, a side trip off Covington Flat Road will get you to Nolina Peak, at about 4,908 feet high. A high-clearance vehicle is a must, and 4WD is highly recommended, especially after rain or snow. The road can get pretty rutted. The drive climbs to a peak of 5,173 feet, so expect some steep sections towards the end. You'll be rewarded with incredible views of Palm Springs, the surrounding mountains, and the Morongo Basin.