Wilson Peak
Usa, north-america
N/A
3,719 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're in San Miguel County, Colorado, itching for an adventure? Then Wilson Peak is calling your name! This beast clocks in at a whopping 12,201 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest drives.
Forget smooth tarmac – this is a proper old mining road, all gravel, rocks, and seriously bumpy. You'll need a 4x4 with high clearance to even think about tackling it. Trust me, a standard sedan will be crying before you even get started.
Fair warning: this baby is usually snowed in from September to July, so plan your trip accordingly. Plus, it's steep! And if it's wet, expect mud, mud, and more mud. Not for the faint of heart, especially if you're scared of heights.
But oh, the views! Nestled in the Lizard Head Wilderness within the Uncompahgre National Forest, the scenery is absolutely epic. Wilson Peak is a Colorado icon, and some even call it "Coors Peak." You might also recognize it from Quentin Tarantino's "The Hateful Eight". Experienced off-roaders will be in heaven. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 3,719 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is the South Eureka Valley Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! South Eureka Valley Road in Death Valley National Park is calling your name. Picture this: you're cruising through a landscape so otherworldly, you'll swear you've landed on another planet. This isn't your average Sunday drive though, folks. We're talking unpaved territory where conditions can change faster than you can say "sandstorm." A high-clearance 2-wheel drive is your trusty steed here – think comfortable cruising, not suspension-smashing speed. RVs and trailers? Leave 'em at home. The road itself leads you past the Eureka Dunes Dry Camp to the base of the highest sand dunes in California, a sanctuary for unique plant life. Keep those tires on the trail, though; driving on or off the established roads is a no-go. From there, the road gets even rougher. Now, about the weather... Death Valley's notorious for extremes. Summer sizzles with highs of 120°F, while winter chills dip to around 40°F. Play it smart: dodge the scorching heat and freezing cold, and always check the forecast before you head out. The best time to tackle this beast is definitely during the shoulder seasons when things are a bit more mellow. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardTravelling the most scenic backcountry roads in Joshua Tree
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, desert adventurers! Joshua Tree National Park is calling with some seriously epic off-road experiences: **Berdoo Canyon Road:** This 15-mile, unpaved beast in Joshua Tree throws down a challenge with steep climbs (up to 11%!), sandy patches, and ruts that demand respect. You *need* a 4x4 for this one. The views are killer, and you can tackle it year-round, but watch out – flash floods can totally change the game. Budget about 1.5-2 hours to soak it all in. **Black Eagle Mine Road:** Dig into history on this 19-mile dirt track through an old mining district. The further you go, the tougher it gets, so a 4WD with decent clearance is a must. You'll cruise past abandoned mines (think Barry Storm's Jade Mine!), but fair warning: the road gets blocked eventually. Total off-grid vibes here—no cell service, so plan accordingly! **Covington Flat Road:** Craving panoramic vistas? This 9.6-mile dirt gem delivers! Picture this: Palm Springs shimmering in the distance, framed by mountains and the vast Morongo Basin. A high-clearance vehicle is your best bet, especially after a rain or snow. Wind your way through classic Joshua trees, junipers, and pinyon pines, ending at the Covington Crest Trailhead. **Geology Tour Road:** Calling all rock hounds! This 18-mile unpaved loop is a geological wonderland. Think formations sculpted by erosion, earthquakes, and ancient volcanoes. A 4x4 is recommended past the first few miles. Sixteen interpretive stops make it a super educational (and beautiful!) drive. Give yourself about two hours to explore. **Old Dale Road:** This 26-mile unpaved trail to old mines is not for the faint of heart! Sharp rocks and deep sand make it mandatory to have 4WD. This is a remote area with no cell reception, so allow 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. October to May is the best time to drive. **Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road:** Looking for a real adventure? The 20-mile Pinkham Canyon-Thermal Canyon Road is a rough and rocky 4WD journey that will challenge even seasoned off-roaders. It begins at the Cottonwood Visitor Center and travels through Pinkham and Thermal Canyons before coming out on I-10. This is a remote area and requires drivers to be self-sufficient.
hardDriving the Main Divide Road to Santiago Peak in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, California dreamers, listen up! Want to bag the highest peak in Orange County? Then you've gotta hit up Santiago Peak, sitting pretty at 5,689 feet. You'll find it straddling Orange and Riverside counties, deep in the Cleveland National Forest. The route? It's Main Divide Road, an unpaved adventure that's totally worth it. Think simple trail – a little narrow, a little loose, a little uneven, but nothing your trusty 4WD can't handle. Most SUVs and trucks should be just fine tackling this one! Get ready for some seriously steep climbs, with gradients maxing out at 22%! You're looking at a 15.5-mile ascent from Ortega Highway, gaining over 3,300 feet along the way. So yeah, it’s a climb! Nestled in the Santa Ana Mountains, keep an eye on the weather and fire danger levels because this route can close. And guess what? Sometimes, you'll even find snow up there in winter! But the real reward is the views. Picture this: From the summit, on a clear day, you can see *everything*! We're talking Catalina Island sparkling in the ocean, stretching all the way out to the San Jacinto mountains, plus stunning panoramas of Orange and Riverside counties. Unreal! Up top, you'll be sharing the space with a bunch of microwave and telecommunication antennas – they keep the radio waves flowing for a huge chunk of Southern California. Locals often call it Saddleback Mountain, so keep an ear out for that. Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours to conquer this backcountry road without stopping. Trust me, the views are worth every single bump and turn!
moderateHow long is the Haines Highway?
🇨🇦 Canada
The Haines Highway is hands down one of the most stunning drives in North America, especially if you hit it during fall colors! This incredible route stretches for 152 miles (245 km) from Haines, Alaska, all the way to Haines Junction in the Yukon, Canada. Fun fact: it basically follows an old trail used by the Chilkat/Tinglit First Nations. You can drive it year-round on a well-maintained, two-lane paved road that's usually clear of snow by May. But if you're planning a trip between September 15th and June 1st, keep an eye on the weather forecast. Built back in 1943 by the U.S. Army, the highway shadows the Chilkat River for over 20 miles. The road climbs to a peak elevation of 3,320 feet (1,012m), giving you unforgettable views of glaciated mountains. Prepare to be amazed by everything from coastal forests to alpine tundra. The Haines Highway winds its way through the Chilkat River flats before climbing to the summit, eventually dropping down to Haines Junction. One thing to remember: services are limited along this stretch, so stock up on gas and supplies before you set off!