
Star Point
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,067 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Carbon County, Utah, and you've got a serious craving for a climb, you HAVE to check out Star Point. We're talking about a mountain pass that tops out at a whopping 10,062 feet!
The journey starts smooth enough, with plenty of asphalt, but don't get too comfy. The final stretch throws a curveball with a gravel 4x4 track β it's known as Star Point Mine Road. Trust me, this isn't a drive for the faint of heart, or your grandma's minivan.
Word to the wise: check the weather before you go. This road is a no-go when Mother Nature throws a tantrum. We're talking avalanches, mega snow, landslides, and sneaky patches of ice that'll send you sliding. Expect some rocky and muddy sections too.
But hey, the views! You'll be cruising near the stunning Alberta Park Reservoir and get a fantastic look at Cone Peak, the second-highest peak in the Santa Lucia Range. So, if you're feeling brave and your ride is ready, get ready for an unforgettable alpine experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,067 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhy is it called Rim of the World Highway?
πΊπΈ Usa
Cruising the Rim of the World Scenic Byway is like a VIP tour through Southern California's greatest hits! So, why the name? Because you're literally hugging the ridgeline of the San Bernardino Mountains the whole time. Think mountaintops that'll take your breath away, serene lakes reflecting the sky, and forests so lush they look like a movie set. Clocking in at 110 miles, this beauty stretches from just past San Gorgonio Pass, tracing the rim of the San Bernardinos. The entire route is paved, piecing together portions of California Highways 138, 18, and 38. Without stops, you're looking at a two-hour cruise each way. Pro tip: hit the road early on a weekday to dodge the crowds. And keep an eye out for those friendly officers on busy days β they love this route too! Is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be glued to the views from the cliffs overlooking the San Bernardino, winding through everything from desert landscapes to coastal valleys, all the way up to those high-elevation forests and sparkling lakes. Expect jaw-dropping panoramas around every bend. Just a heads-up, summer smog can sometimes play peek-a-boo with those distant views. As for the drive itself, it's good for any car. There are curves and some steep sections, so take advantage of the pullouts and keep an eye on fellow travelers. Nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, itβs usually open year-round, but winter can bring occasional closures due to snow. Chains might be your new best friend then. If the white stuff's coming down heavy, expect closures or chain requirements.
hardDare to drive the dangerous Calico Peak
πΊπΈ Usa
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 β 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 β you'll want to remember this one!
hardWhere is Thurston Peak?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, Utah road trip, anyone? Let's talk about Thurston Peak, perched right on the border between Morgan and Davis counties. Now, there's a gravel road snaking its way up the north side of this beauty, climbing to a whopping 9,809 feet! Think serious altitude. Heads up, though: this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a completely unpaved route β a chairlift access road, no less, for the fancy Wasatch Peaks Ranch Ski Resort. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. Expect steep inclines and a seriously bumpy ride. And forget about it in the winter; it's totally impassable. This climb is a challenge, so private vehicles are not allowed. But if you get the chance, the views from up top have got to be insane!
easyWhere is Bear Lake in Colorado?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Bear Lake in Colorado! This alpine beauty sits way up high at 9,491 feet in Larimer County. We're talking Rocky Mountain National Park, about 13 miles southwest of Estes Park. Getting there is a breeze on the fully paved Bear Lake Road. They spruced it up back in 2012, widening the lanes and smoothing things out. The road itself is about 9.3 miles long, starting from US-36. You'll climb around 1273 feet, so it's a gentle climb with amazing views. Word of warning, though: this place is POPULAR. Over two million people a year cruise Bear Lake Road, so expect some traffic, especially during the summer. Get there early on weekends 'cause the parking lot fills up FAST. The good news is, the road is usually open year-round, and they keep it plowed, so you can experience the lake even in winter. Just keep an eye on the weather, 'cause things can change quickly up there! Seriously, you don't want to miss this.