Where is Bullion King Lake?
Usa, north-america
4.66 km
3,832 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Bullion King Lake, a shimmering turquoise jewel nestled high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, just north of Silverton. Getting there? It's an adventure in itself! Forest Road 822 (aka Porphyry Gulch Road or Bullion King Lake Trail) is a totally unpaved 2.9-mile climb starting from the Million Dollar Highway.
We're talking about a serious elevation gain here – almost 1,600 feet! That's an average grade of over 10%, so yeah, it gets steep. The road's super narrow with some crazy tight switchbacks, and definitely requires 4WD and some off-road driving skills. There's even a section that's a high, narrow shelf road that might make your palms sweat if you're not used to this kind of thing. Oh, and those steep drop-offs? They're real! You might even see a sign that says "Rough and dangerous road ahead, travel not recommended", but it's not as bad as it sounds.
This route is usually snowed in from October to June. At the top, there's a small parking lot, and it's a short walk to the lake itself. But, the views along the way? Incredible! Plus, you'll pass a few cool abandoned mines. Trust me, this drive is worth the effort. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4.66 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,832 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Keys View?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Keys View Road in Joshua Tree National Park is calling your name! This fully paved road winds its way up the Little San Bernardino Mountains to a super scenic overlook, arguably the best in the park. Prepare for some seriously stunning views! From this vantage point, you'll be treated to panoramas of the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea, and on a crystal-clear day, maybe even a glimpse of Signal Mountain all the way down in Mexico! Though, admittedly, recent haze has made that a bit tougher to spot. And remember, it gets chilly up there, so pack a sweater. The road itself is about 5.5 miles long with a respectable climb of about 600 feet, giving it an average gradient of around 2%. It's a fairly smooth ride, but keep your eyes peeled for critters, especially the threatened desert tortoise. These guys are slow-moving and vulnerable. Summer visitors, beware of potential thunderstorms that can pop up quickly. Spring and autumn offer milder and more predictable weather. And remember, flash floods can happen anytime, so avoid canyons and washes during rain and watch out for dips in the road where water might be running. Lastly, keep an eye out for local wildlife. Rattlesnakes and scorpions are around, so be smart about where you put your hands and feet when exploring! Happy trails!
hardHow long is Desert View Drive?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising in northern Arizona, inside Coconino County, you'll find Desert View Drive—your ticket to some seriously breathtaking Grand Canyon views! This fully paved road, part of Arizona State Route 64, stretches 23 miles from just east of Grand Canyon Village all the way to Desert View Services Area and the park's East Entrance. Don't let the name fool you; this isn't just another desert drive. It's a front-row seat to the Grand Canyon's majesty. Rising to 7,509 feet, it's generally open year-round. As you wind through the ponderosa pines, you'll catch glimpses of the canyon, but the real showstoppers are the signed overlooks. Pull over, park, and prepare to be amazed as you gaze out over the rim. This drive was designed back in 1931 to make the canyon accessible by car, and it definitely delivers on the views! Hugging the South Rim, this route is dotted with scenic pullouts and viewpoints, each one more incredible than the last, offering panoramic views of both the canyon and the Colorado River. Plus, there's parking at every viewpoint! Perfect for families or anyone who wants to experience the Grand Canyon without a huge hike. Without stops, the drive takes about 25-30 minutes. But, trust me, you'll want to plan 3-4 hours to soak it all in. You'll find six developed viewpoints, four picnic areas, and five unmarked pullouts along the way. Just remember, the Grand Canyon shuttle buses don't run on Desert View Drive, so you'll be driving yourself. Stock up on snacks and water and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardWhere is Lookout Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Lookout Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of above sea level, located in Ravalli County, in the US state of Montana. Where is Lookout Mountain? The mountain is located in the southwestern part of Montana near the Idaho border, within the Bitterroot National Forest What’s at the summit of Lookout Mountain? At the summit, there’s a built in 1969. It was moved to its current location in 1974 and is regularly staffed during the fire season. Is the road to Lookout Mountain unpaved? The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It comprises narrow parts, many turns, a few hairpin turns, and steep sections, hitting a through some ramps. It’s called Lookout Mountain Road . A 4x4 vehicle is required. How long is the road to Lookout Mountain? in Alta, the road to the summit is long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is and the average gradient is Is the road to Lookout Mountain open in winter? Sapphire Mountain Range , the road is usually impassable in winter. Always check the Bitterroot National Forest access alerts before planning your trip. Take An Unforgettable Drive to Tatie Peak in WA What Are the Most Iconic Drives in the USA? 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.
extremeDriving the legendary Rubicon Trail in California is a lifetime experience
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Rubicon Trail: California's Ultimate Off-Road Adventure If you're serious about off-roading, the Rubicon Trail is basically the pilgrimage you need to make. This legendary 22-mile route winds through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, straddling Placer and El Dorado counties, and it's absolutely legendary for good reason. What started as a stagecoach road connecting the Sacramento Valley to Lake Tahoe back in the day has evolved into one of the most famous 4-wheel drive trails on the planet. Jeepers have been conquering this beast since the early 1950s, and honestly? It's where off-roading culture kind of began. Running from Georgetown to Lake Tahoe via Wentworth Springs Road and McKinney Rubicon Springs Road, this trail is a masterclass in technical driving. You'll encounter some seriously notorious obstacles like Post Pile, Walker Hill, Little Sluice, Spider Lake, and the infamous Cadillac Hill—a steep, tippy section that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Other memorable spots include Rubicon Springs, Thousand Dollar Hill, and various creeks and lakes that showcase the raw beauty of this remote corner of California. The terrain is a wild mix of granite slabs, soft dirt, sharp rocks, and massive boulders that demand precision and skill. When it rains, water crossings can get deep and muddy real quick. Some tough sections can be bypassed, but many rough spots? You're going through them. Fair warning: this isn't beginner territory. Topping out at 7,001 feet, the trail gets snow in winter and is only about 8-10 feet wide throughout. Cell service? Basically non-existent out here. Weather can change in a heartbeat—thunderstorms in summer, snow and ice in fall and winter. Always pack emergency supplies, chains, and expect the unexpected. It's intense, it's beautiful, and it's genuinely one of the most unforgettable off-road experiences you'll ever have. Just make sure you're experienced before you tackle it.