Where is Potato Peak?
Usa, north-america
8.7 km
3,060 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Potato Peak, one of California's highest drives! This bad boy tops out at a whopping 10,039 feet above sea level, tucked away in the remote eastern part of the state, close to the Nevada border.
The payoff? Killer panoramic views. We're talking Sweetwater Mountains stretching out before you, plus awesome vistas of the Sierra Nevada to the west and those classic desert ranges of Nevada in the distance.
The road itself? Well, it's all unpaved adventure! You'll kick up some dust for about 5.4 miles as you climb from the paved CA-270 up to the peak. Expect a pretty consistent climb because you're gaining about 2,500 feet in elevation.
A heads up: because it's so isolated and high up, this road is usually closed for the winter. So plan your trip accordingly!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,060 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeHow to get by car to Badwater Basin, the lowest point of North America?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Death Valley National Park in eastern California, heading towards a spot so low, it's almost unbelievable. I'm talking about Badwater Basin, a vast salt flat sitting at a whopping 282 feet *below* sea level – the absolute bottom of the barrel in North America! The road in, Badwater Road (aka CA 178), is paved the whole way, so no need for a 4x4. You'll hop on from Furnace Creek (off CA-190) for a smooth 15.5-mile ride. It's mostly gentle, with a few short ramps kicking up to a 4% gradient. Keep an eye out for the "SEA LEVEL" sign high up on the cliffs – it really puts things into perspective, showing just how far down you are. The landscape is seriously surreal. This whole area used to be a lake, but over time, it dried up, leaving behind crazy salt formations. The name? Legend has it a thirsty traveler tried to give the water to his mule, but it was so salty, the poor thing refused to drink it! Hence, "Badwater." Now, Death Valley isn't messing around with its climate. It's one of the hottest places on earth, so come prepared. Major rainstorms can flood the valley floor, so be aware of your surroundings. If you're there in a downpour, get to higher ground pronto! And remember, cell service can be spotty, so don't rely on your phone. The drive itself takes about 30 minutes without stops, but you'll want to pull over and soak it all in. The basin itself is otherworldly. Word to the wise: it gets crowded, especially on weekends. You can see it from the parking lot, but make sure you check out Artist’s Drive along the way – more mind-blowing Death Valley scenery you won't want to miss. Trust me, Badwater Basin is a bucket-list destination!
extremeWhere is Mount Shavano?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Mount Shavano in central Colorado, right? This place is epic! The summit soars to 14,235 feet, but we're talking about Forest Road 254, which claws its way up the southeastern slopes to a seriously respectable elevation. This is *the* way to get up close and personal with the legendary "Angel of Shavano." This road’s in Chaffee County, nestled in the San Isabel National Forest near Salida and Poncha Springs. It's the southernmost "14er" in the Sawatch Range, chilling just east of the Continental Divide. FR 254? Yeah, it's 10.7 miles of pure Colorado gold. Heads up, though—it's a seasonal road, usually open from June to October. So, the "Angel of Shavano"? It's this incredible snow formation that appears on the mountain's east face every spring as the snow melts. Looks like an angel with its wings spread wide, and it's a sacred thing around here. You can spot it from the valley and parts of the road. Now, is this road a cakewalk? Nope! It’s a proper old-school mining track. Think unpaved, with loose rocks galore, steep switchbacks that'll test your turning skills, and narrow shelf sections that'll get your heart pumping. The second half? Bumpy as heck, with "whoops" and ruts thrown in for good measure. While the first bit might be okay for the more rugged SUVs, that final stretch to the mining ruins and the trailhead demands a high-clearance 4x4. Seriously, don't even think about it without one. From Highway 285, you've got 10.7 miles to the top. It's a climb of about 2,600 feet, giving you an average gradient of 4.60%. And winter? Forget about it. FR 254 is usually buried under snow from late October to late June. Even in July, lingering snow can block the upper parts. So plan your trip accordingly!
easyMismaloya Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: You're cruising south of Puerto Vallarta on Highway 200, wind in your hair, heading towards Tomatlán beach. This isn't just any road trip, it's a coastal dream called the Carretera a Mismaloya! Get ready for some seriously stunning views – we're talking panoramic vistas of Banderas Bay dotted with the iconic Los Arcos islands. And the best part? You'll have easy access to some seriously gorgeous, hidden tropical beaches right off the roadside. Trust me, you absolutely HAVE to stick around for sunset here. The location is perfect, and the views as the sun dips into the ocean are unbeatable!
hardDriving to the Lookout at Mount Buchanan in BC
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled in the Central Kootenay region of British Columbia, about an hour and a half from Nelson, you'll find the legendary Mount Buchanan. At a whopping 1,910 meters (6,266 feet), this peak isn't just high – it's got history! Back in the day, Buchanan Lookout was a crucial fire watch spot. You can still check out the lookout tower, climb the stairs, and stroll the catwalk for killer views, but the tower itself is closed. Getting there? Buckle up, because the 10.9 km (6.77 miles) road is a wild ride! It's completely unpaved, seriously rough, super narrow, and brutally steep, gaining 1,167m with an average gradient of 10.7%. Think switchbacks galore, and be prepared to share the road – pull-outs are scarce. High-clearance 2WD vehicles are your best bet. And pro tip: give those brakes a break on the way down! Trust me, though, the views are worth the white knuckles. From the summit, you'll be treated to mind-blowing vistas of Kootenay Lake, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park, Goat Range Provincial Park, and the majestic Purcell and Selkirk Mountains. Seriously, your Instagram will thank you.