How Long is the Road to Bonito Mountain in Colorado?
Usa, north-america
7 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, so you're up for a real adventure? Bonito Mountain in Colorado is calling your name! Perched high in the Rio Grande National Forest, this peak delivers some seriously breathtaking high-alpine views. Think panoramic vistas of the San Juans and a peek into the historic Summitville mining district – straight out of a Western movie!
Alright, here's the lowdown on the road. We're talking about a roughly 4.3-mile unpaved climb, a rough gravel route in Rio Grande County. This baby isn't for the faint of heart. Expect loose rocks, tight squeezes, and some pretty steep ascents. You'll definitely need a high-clearance 4WD to conquer this one. It might be short, but trust me, it'll feel like a lifetime with the rugged terrain and the altitude!
Heads up: winter slams the door shut on this route. We're talking heavy snow making it totally impassable. Your best bet is to plan your trip between late June and mid-September. Keep an eye on the weather though; even summer can throw some surprise snowstorms your way at this elevation! Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWapusk Trail is the longest seasonal winter road in the world
🇨🇦 Canada
Deep in the Canadian wilderness, near the edge of Hudson Bay, lies the Wapusk Trail. This incredible route is the longest seasonal winter road on the planet! Every January, it's carved out of snow and ice, a temporary lifeline for remote communities otherwise only accessible by air. Think of it: traversing frozen muskeg, lakes, rivers, and creeks! This icy highway stretches 772 km (479 miles) from Shamattawa and Gillam, Manitoba, east to Peawanuck (and even as far as Winisk some years). The route breaks down like this: Peawanuck to Fort Severn is 252 km, Fort Severn to the Manitoba border is 234 km, then it's 90 km to Shamattawa, and finally, 196 km to Gillam. Word is, the first 90 km west of Fort Severn can get pretty dicey in high winds. You might see 30-40 trucks braving this route, delivering essential goods, fuel, and supplies. The whole concept of these winter roads dates back to the 1950s, offering a more affordable way to reach isolated northern communities than flying everything in. The route has even been featured on Ice Road Truckers. Expect the drive to take 12-17 hours, depending on the conditions. Be warned: this is seriously remote territory! So, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. It's crucial to be prepared for anything. Breakdowns can be extra problematic due to limited passing traffic, few inhabitants, and spotty cell service. Winter survival gear and communication equipment are a must. Pack emergency supplies, spare parts, and, most importantly, know your route like the back of your hand!
moderateWhere is Piedra Grande Hut?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alright adventurers, buckle up for an off-road escapade to Refugio Piedra Grande, a seriously high mountain hut chilling at a whopping 4,255 meters (that's nearly 14,000 feet!) right on the Veracruz-Puebla border in Mexico. This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about using it as base camp to conquer Pico de Orizaba, that majestic, glacier-crowned volcano – the highest peak in Mexico! The Refugio itself is a big hut, sleeps around 40-60 people. The road? Let's just say it's "rustic." From Tecpanquiahuac, it's about 26 kilometers of unpaved, narrow track begging for a 4x4. Expect a bumpy ride, but the views of the Parque Nacional Pico de Orizaba are totally worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable climb!
hardJames Peak Lake: Only Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skills
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! James Peak Lake in Colorado's Gilpin County is calling! This alpine gem sits way up high at 11,256 feet, nestled right below the stunning east face of James Peak. Getting there? It's a wild, unpaved ride – about a mile of shelf road that's not for the faint of heart. Seriously, you'll need a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive beast. This road gets steep and rocky, plus it’s mostly above the treeline, so prepare for some incredible views, but be careful. Starting from the James Peak Lookout parking lot, you'll follow an old wagon road across some pretty loose rock. Heads up: this trail is closed to private vehicles. Expect it to be chilly and windy, and remember, snow can hang around even into July at that altitude! But hey, the lake itself? Totally worth it. It's named after Dr. Edwin James, a cool botanist from way back when. Get ready for an unforgettable mountain experience!
hardCounty Road 861
🇺🇸 Usa
County Road 861 is a very scenic high mountain road located in the San Juan Mountains, Gunnison County, in the U.S. State of Colorado. The road runs entirely over 2.760m above the sea level. It’s unpaved with some very narrow sections, totally impassable for 2 cars at the same time. The trail is 7.72km (4.8 miles) long. 4x4 vehicle required. The road is not plowed in winters. Its highest elevation is at 3.092m (10,144ft) above the sea level. The road offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. The area is notorious for severe thunderstorms and lightning on summer afternoons. Conditions can quickly change and become dangerous. Risk Management: Staying Safe on High-Fatality and Technical Roads 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.