Where is Buena Vista Peak?

Where is Buena Vista Peak?

Usa, north-america

Length

9.6 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're way out in northwest Colorado, almost to Utah, exploring the Dinosaur National Monument. Forget the usual tourist spots—I'm talking about a real adventure to Buena Vista Peak!

This ain't your average scenic drive. We're talking serious off-roading to a summit that most people miss. You'll need a high-clearance 4x4; this isn't a job for your sedan. Starting off of Harpers Corner Road, it’s about 6 miles up.

The road itself is a primitive mix of gravel and rocks, winding its way up Douglas Mountain. There are some steep, narrow sections with serious drop-offs—so maybe not the best for those who get a little queasy with heights.

Why bother? At the top, you'll find a cool, old fire lookout tower built in 1964. The views are insane, a full 360-degree panorama stretching from Steamboat Rock to the Uinta Mountains in Utah.

Heads up, this is a seasonal trip. The road's usually buried in snow from late October to June. And even in summer, afternoon thunderstorms can roll in fast. That lookout tower? Not the place you want to be when lightning's striking. Also, if it rains, that dirt turns into super-slick mud that'll trap anything.

Basically, Buena Vista Peak is a raw, remote, and rewarding experience for the adventurous traveler!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
9.6 km
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in north-america

Driving the dangerous road to Cajon Pass in Californiamoderate

Driving the dangerous road to Cajon Pass in California

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because we're hitting Cajon Pass! This epic mountain pass, sitting at a cool 3,891 feet in sunny Southern California's San Bernardino County, is a must-see. Find it just east of Cajon Junction, nestled between the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains. This route, carved out by the infamous San Andreas Fault (history, people!), has been used for centuries. The road? Paved perfection! We're talking about a nearly 20-mile stretch of California State Route 138 that winds its way from Cajon Junction to Crestline. Open year-round, this pass can get a bit wild. Expect high winds, swirling fog, and the occasional snow dusting that might shut things down temporarily. The weather can flip from pea-soup fog to crystal-clear skies in a heartbeat, so be prepared for anything. Now, let's keep it real: this road demands respect. Vegas dreams (or nightmares) can be distracting, and the mix of speedy cars and governed trucks creates a bit of a frenzy. Plus, those steep ramps can hit a gradient of 15%! Still, the views are killer, and the thrill of conquering this iconic pass is totally worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road, and enjoy the ride!

What are the highest roads in California?extreme

What are the highest roads in California?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, California dreamin' takes a turn off the Pacific Coast Highway! Forget the beaches for a minute, because the *real* adventure is hidden in the eastern half of the state. We're talking sky-high Sierra Nevada mountains, peaking at over 13,000 feet. Picture this: insane climbs, thin air, and roads that demand your full attention. Winter? Expect snow, and lots of it. These aren't just roads; they're thrilling adventures that'll take you to some of the most breathtaking and memorable views in the entire state. It's a wild ride you won't soon forget!

Can you drive through Lytton to Lillooet?moderate

Can you drive through Lytton to Lillooet?

🇨🇦 Canada

Lytton-Lillooet Highway is a very scenic winding road located in British Columbia, Canada, running along the east bank of the Fraser River. Can you drive through Lytton to Lillooet? The road follows the east bank of the Fraser River. It’s a single lane road but paved all the way. The road, also known as British Columbia Highway 12, has many avalanche prone cliffs on one side, and drop offs into ‘abysses’ on the other. There are some bumps or pot holes but the scenery well makes up for it. The road tops out at 474m (1,555ft) above sea level. How long is the road from Lytton to Lillooet? The road is 66.2 km (39 miles) long, running south-north from Lytton, known for being “Canada’s Hot Spot” at the confluence of the Thompson River and Fraser River on the east side of the Fraser to Lillooet, formerly Cayoosh Flat, a community on the Fraser River. Lytton on June 29, 2021 became the hottest place in Canada when it recorded 49.6°C (121.3°F). How long does it take to drive through Lytton to Lillooet? To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 1 and 1.5 hours. The road was built in 1953 and features sweeping views, running through rugged landscape with stunning views of mountains. Driving the scenic Klondike Highway from Alaska to the Yukon Bow Pass is the highest road in Canada’s national parks 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.

Cinnamon Pass is a 4x4 road in the San Juan Mountains of Coloradoextreme

Cinnamon Pass is a 4x4 road in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Cinnamon Pass! Nestled high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, straddling the Hinsdale and San Juan county line, this beauty tops out at a breathtaking 12,640 feet. We're talking serious altitude here, folks! This unpaved road, known as Cinnamon Pass Road, is a 19.5-mile stretch of pure, off-road joy, part of the legendary Alpine Loop. Picture this: you, your trusty 4WD, high-clearance vehicle, and some of the most stunning scenery Colorado has to offer. The road itself? It's moderately challenging, with steep, rocky sections that get extra dicey when wet. Watch out for those narrow shelf roads—passing other vehicles can be a bit of a squeeze! The western ascent is particularly rugged, while the eastern side is a bit more forgiving, but still requires that off-road capability. Open usually from late May to October (weather permitting, of course!), Cinnamon Pass is not for the faint of heart, especially if you're not a fan of drop-offs. But trust me, the views from the top, easily accessed thanks to a convenient parking lot, are SO worth it. Just be prepared for some company on this popular trail, especially during the summer months! This route, built way back in the late 1800s during the Colorado Gold Rush, promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the San Juan National Forest.