Where is Thompson Peak located?
Usa, north-america
15.9 km
2,366 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Thompson Peak in northeastern California is calling your name. This bad boy sits in Plumas National Forest, smack-dab in the Diamond Mountains, offering absolutely killer views of the Sierra Nevada and that vast Great Basin desert.
Getting there is a *trip*. Forget your sedan, you'll need some serious off-road cred to conquer Forest Road 28N02A. We're talking a high-clearance vehicle minimum, but a 4x4 is *highly* encouraged – this unpaved track is narrow, rutted, and climbs steeply. Think a gain of 1,107 meters over just 15.9 km starting near Janesville off Highway 395. Yeah, that's a 6.96% average gradient – get ready to work!
Up top, you'll find a fire lookout with a cool history (it was even used during WWII!), plus an eerie abandoned Cold War-era radar station. History buff bonus! The peak is named after some pioneer dude who built a cabin nearby back in the 1800s.
Word to the wise: This road is a no-go in winter due to heavy snow. Aim for late spring or summer, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather. Bring supplies, because you're out there. But trust me, the views are worth every bump and grind along the way. Thompson Peak is a true off-road gem!
Where is it?
Where is Thompson Peak located? is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 40.2319, -120.5705
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 15.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,366 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.2319, -120.5705
Related Roads in north-america
moderateForest Road 137
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Forest Road 137 in Utah's Beaver County! This high-altitude beauty sits entirely above 7,200 feet, so prepare for some thin air! Snuggled within Fishlake National Forest, most of this scenic road is unpaved – just a little bit of pavement to tease you. It's a maintained one-lane road, thankfully with turnouts, that most 2WD vehicles can handle with care. I wouldn't recommend hauling a trailer, though. Keep an eye out for dispersed camping spots begging you to pitch a tent. Spanning almost 16 miles east to west, you'll climb to a breathtaking 10,082 feet! Heads up, it's a no-go in winter. Oh, and pro tip: this is bear country, so keep your eyes peeled! Seriously, though, this drive is a photographer's dream. Get ready for incredible vistas of LeBaron Lake, Upper Kents Lake, Kents Lake and Lower Kents Lake. Your Instagram feed will thank you!
moderateA fairly rough road to Big Creek Baldy in MT
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, fellow adventurers, let me tell you about Big Creek Baldy in Montana's Lincoln County! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a serious climb up to 5,787 feet, smack-dab in the Purcell Range of the Rockies. You'll be cruising along Big Creek Baldy Mountain Road 309, a dirt track that really tests your mettle. High clearance is a must – seriously, don't even think about it in your sedan! The last mile is especially gnarly, so be prepared for some bumpy fun. This road is generally open from mid-June to late September, but Mother Nature has the final say, so check conditions before you go. Nestled within the Kootenai National Forest, the summit rewards your efforts with a fire lookout tower (built in '66!) and mind-blowing panoramic views of endless, densely forested peaks. Trust me, the photo ops alone are worth the trek!
moderateTexas Driving Laws: What Every Motorist Needs to Know
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip enthusiasts, because I'm about to tell you about the jaw-dropping, heart-pumping stretch of asphalt known as Texas State Highway 170, aka the "Dinosaur Freeway"! This baby clocks in at around 11.4 miles and runs through the beautiful landscapes of Tarrant and Denton Counties. The elevation changes aren't crazy, but it's enough to give you some stunning panoramic views. Now, don't get lulled into a false sense of security by the scenic vistas. Keep your eyes peeled because this road can get dicey! Expect some tight turns, and always be on the lookout for sudden changes in traffic. This is no place to zone out! But oh, the scenery! You'll be cruising through some classic Texas countryside, so get ready for open skies, rolling hills, and maybe even a glimpse of some local wildlife. This road is a feast for the eyes.
hardWhen was the road to Juniper Pass in Colorado built
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Juniper Pass in Colorado! Nestled high in Clear Creek County, this baby tops out at a whopping 11,049 feet! Seriously, the views are insane. You'll find it west of Denver, smack-dab in the central part of the state. Get this: it's totally paved (aka Colorado State Highway 103, or Squaw Pass Road). Built way back in 1921, it's a classic. Now, don't get me wrong, it's gorgeous, winding through the Arapaho National Forest. But hold on tight, because this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive! We're talking steep drop-offs, people! And some seriously steep sections – hitting a 10% gradient in places. The whole shebang stretches for 17.7 miles (28.48km), going from Echo Lake all the way to CO-74 (Evergreen Parkway) in Bergen Park. You can usually drive it year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter. They sometimes close it down when things get gnarly. Trust me, though, if you get the chance, it's an unforgettable trip!