
Where is Buck Mountain?
Usa, north-america
9.01 km
1,868 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, ready for a wild ride up Buck Mountain? This peak punches way up to 6,128 feet in Washington's Okanogan County, smack-dab in the North Cascades. The payoff? Killer panoramic views of the valleys and surrounding peaks.
But the real star? The Buck Mountain Lookout perched right on top! It's got history, dating back to a simple crow's nest in 1919. Now you'll find a rad 14' x 14' cabin with a catwalk, built way back in the day. It's still kicking, used by the DNR for emergencies, and even made it onto the National Historic Lookout Register.
Heads up: getting there is part of the adventure! Buck Lookout Road, all 5.6 miles from Highway 20, is pure, unadulterated dirt. It gets pretty gnarly about two miles from the top, so a high-clearance vehicle is a MUST. A 4x4 is your best friend for those rough patches. Be prepared for a climb, too – you're gaining 2,648 feet with an average gradient of around 9%. There's a small dirt parking area near the summit. Get ready for a thrilling climb and a big dose of natural beauty.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 9.01 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,868 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateThe scenic yet remote Kimsey Mountain Highway in Tennessee
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving a real off-the-grid experience, you HAVE to check out Kimsey Mountain Highway in Polk County, Tennessee. Tucked away in the Cherokee National Forest, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 16.6-mile, unpaved, single-track Jeep road (aka Forest Service Road 68) that winds through some seriously stunning wilderness. Think slow and steady wins the race, because this baby offers a unique, intimate view of the forest. Since you are riding along the top of the ridge, the views are amazing! Picture this: a road built almost a century ago, untouched by modern paving, still rocking its original, rugged charm. But fair warning: at a peak elevation of 3,070 feet in the Southern Appalachians, you might find the path blocked by fallen trees (chainsaw, anyone?) and the occasional washout. Starting from either TN-30 or TN-68 (your choice, east or west!), this trek is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is pure, unfiltered Appalachian beauty. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateA 4wd trail to Maggie Gulch mine
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for an adventure? Let me tell you about Maggie Gulch 4WD Road! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking southwest Colorado, deep in the San Juan Mountains, heading up to a whopping 12,319 feet! You'll find the turnoff near Silverton, in the town of Middleton. From there, you've got about 4.76 miles of totally unpaved road between you and the old Maggie Gulch mine. This isn't a job for your Prius! You'll need a 4x4 with some clearance and good tires. Expect it to be snowed in from around October to June, so plan accordingly! The old mine itself is quite the sight, surrounded by what's left of Colorado's mining past. The views are incredible, but keep your eyes on the road!
moderateA challenging 4x4 road to Cerro Potosí, one of the Mexico's highest peaks
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Nuevo León state of Mexico, nestled within the Sierra Madre Oriental Range, lies Cerro el Potosí, a peak reaching a staggering 3,721m (12,208ft). This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The road to the top? Pure, unadulterated dirt, carved out back in the '60s to service a microwave relay station. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here, so leave your low-riders at home! Starting near Dieciocho de Marzo, you'll embark on a 27.6 km (17.14 mile) ascent, gaining 1,724m in elevation with an average gradient of 6.24%. Keep an eye on the sky because the weather here can turn on a dime. But trust me, the views? Absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive.
hardWhere is Yoho Valley Road?
🇨🇦 Canada
Cruising through Yoho National Park in British Columbia? You NEED to hit up Yoho Valley Road! Sadly, it's a no-go from October to June, so plan accordingly. This 13.7-kilometer (8.5-mile) stretch leads right to the Takakkaw Falls parking lot, and let me tell you, the views are insane! Picture this: you're winding your way up the western slope of the Continental Divide, surrounded by a deeply carved valley with crazy-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, raging rivers, and glaciers clinging to the mountainsides. Sunrise, mid-morning, or sunset – the light is always magical here. Now, a heads-up: this paved road isn't for the faint of heart. Get ready for some seriously intense hairpin switchbacks, with gradients hitting a max of 15%! There's a three-tiered S-curve with two super-tight 180-degree turns that can get a little hairy, especially if you're in a larger vehicle. Regular cars are fine, but if you're rocking a motorhome, brush up on your reverse skills, seriously. They even have a sign showing you how to do it! Honestly, vehicles over 24 feet long might want to reconsider. But trust me, it's all worth it! You'll find viewpoints galore along the way, plus the Whiskey Jack Hostel, Takakkaw Falls Campground, and the start of the hike to the mind-blowing Takakkaw Falls themselves. At 384 meters (1260 feet), they're the second-highest in Canada! Get ready for a road trip you won't forget!