Is the road to North Twin Cone Peak unpaved?
Usa, north-america
11.38 km
3,759 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk North Twin Cone Peak in Colorado's Park County! This bad boy tops out at a whopping 12,332 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state.
Forget pavement – you're tackling Forest Service Road 126, a completely unpaved track through the Platte River Mountain Range. It's a solid challenge all the way to the top, perfect for larger 4x4s. The trail's well-marked and easy to follow, but be prepared for some rocky terrain. We're talking proper obstacles that might test your clearance!
Heads up: this route's a no-go in winter. Snow lingers well into summer, so aim for a late June or July opening. Keep an eye out for the weather station at the summit, too.
From the start, you're looking at about 7 miles to the top, but with a serious climb of over 2,300 vertical feet. That's an average grade of around 6%, with some sections getting seriously steep. Buckle up for stunning views and a proper off-road experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.38 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,759 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Gates Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising west of Tucson, Arizona? You NEED to hit Gates Pass! This scenic route punches right through the Tucson Mountains at a lofty 3,179 feet. Built way back in 1883 and named after local legend Thomas Gates, it's a local fave for good reason. Clocking in at just under 5 miles, Gates Pass Road connects Tucson to Kinney Road. But don't let the short distance fool you! This drive is an experience. Be warned: it's narrow, winding, and steep, with gradients hitting a max of 13% in spots! You're hugging the edge of the mountain, so keep your eyes on the road. Big rigs (over 40-50 feet) aren't allowed, and some folks prefer the Ajo Road route to avoid the thrills. But oh, those views! Gates Pass is famous for its breathtaking desert scenery. Picture saguaros dotting the slopes and panoramic vistas stretching as far as the eye can see. And the sunsets? Legendary! Pack your camera, find a scenic overlook, and prepare to be amazed. It's the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon or catch a summer thunderstorm rolling across the valley. Trust me, Gates Pass is worth every twist and turn!
hardAmerican Flag Mountain is a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna tackle a real Colorado challenge? American Flag Mountain is calling your name! This beast tops out at a whopping 12,723 feet, and the views? Totally worth the white knuckles. So, picture this: you're in Gunnison County, right? And you're aiming for this peak that miners back in the day loved so much they slapped some flags on it and made the name official. Forget pavement; this is a 4WD-only kinda party. Seriously, you'll need that clearance and some serious driving skills for this climb. We're talking about a roughly 2.5-mile stretch from Italian Creek Road (FR759) where you'll gain around 1200 feet in elevation. The average grade is around 9%, but trust me, it feels steeper in sections. Heads up: this road's usually snowed in from September through July, so plan accordingly! But the payoff? Unreal 360-degree views from the top, where you'll find—you guessed it—more American flags waving proudly. There's plenty of parking up there, so take your time, soak it all in, and snap those Insta-worthy pics. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience!
moderateWhere is Hawkins Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're north of Markleeville, California, smack-dab in the eastern part of the state, winding your way through the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. You're on the hunt for Hawkins Peak, reaching a lofty 9,688 feet above sea level—one of the highest roads in California! This peak? It's named after some dude named Hawkins, the first white settler around these parts back in the 1850s. He was a squatter on a cattle ranch to the east. Pretty cool, huh? Heads up: the road to the summit is unpaved and rocky, so you’ll definitely want a 4x4 with some decent clearance for that final push. It's not super long, but it's a climb. We're talking a serious elevation gain, with an average gradient that hits a max of 17.8% in spots—hold on tight! But the real payoff? The views from the top are epic. You can soak in the snowy Sierra Nevada range and the vast high desert of Nevada. Just keep in mind, this road is totally impassable in the winter.
hardDriving to the Lookout at Mount Buchanan in BC
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled in the Central Kootenay region of British Columbia, about an hour and a half from Nelson, you'll find the legendary Mount Buchanan. At a whopping 1,910 meters (6,266 feet), this peak isn't just high – it's got history! Back in the day, Buchanan Lookout was a crucial fire watch spot. You can still check out the lookout tower, climb the stairs, and stroll the catwalk for killer views, but the tower itself is closed. Getting there? Buckle up, because the 10.9 km (6.77 miles) road is a wild ride! It's completely unpaved, seriously rough, super narrow, and brutally steep, gaining 1,167m with an average gradient of 10.7%. Think switchbacks galore, and be prepared to share the road – pull-outs are scarce. High-clearance 2WD vehicles are your best bet. And pro tip: give those brakes a break on the way down! Trust me, though, the views are worth the white knuckles. From the summit, you'll be treated to mind-blowing vistas of Kootenay Lake, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, Goat Range Provincial Park, and the majestic Purcell and Selkirk Mountains. Seriously, your Instagram will thank you.