
Ultimate 4wd destination: Dickson Pass
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,190 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a killer off-road experience for you in southeastern Utah's San Juan County. We're talking about Dickson Pass, a wild ride that tops out at a breathtaking 10,465 feet!
You'll find it nestled in the Abajo Mountains, and to conquer it, you'll need a trusty 4x4 because this baby is unpaved – Forest Road 0087, aka Abajo Peak Road. Most of it's pretty decent, but the final stretch? Get ready to rumble!
The road, snaking through the Manti-La Sal National Forest, is usually good to go from late June until sometime in October, weather permitting. Seriously, don't even think about it if the forecast looks dicey. But if the sun's shining, prepare for some mind-blowing scenery you won't soon forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,190 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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