Butler Peak
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,570 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're craving some seriously epic views in Southern California, you HAVE to check out Butler Peak in the San Bernardino Mountains. This beast of a peak tops out at 8,431 feet!
The road to the top, Forest Road 2N13B (aka Butler Peak Road), is a real adventure. Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps – you'll definitely want a vehicle with some ground clearance and decent tires. I’d recommend 4x4, but if you're a confident driver, you *might* be able to get away with 2WD – just be aware of the loose gravel and steep sections. You'll likely find the road closed from October to June, depending on the weather.
The payoff is SO worth it! This road, originally built in 1948, winds its way up to a historic fire lookout tower (built in 1931). Just be smart and avoid it during thunderstorms! Once you're at the top, prepare to be blown away by 360-degree views of San Gorgonio Peak, Big Bear Valley, Lake Arrowhead, Apple Valley, and the Inland Empire. It's a panorama you won't forget. Get ready for a steep climb!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,570 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeCove Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Cove Mountain in Utah's Sanpete County is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about a legit mountain pass topping out at 10,675 feet! Situated in the stunning Wasatch Plateau, Forest Road 0061 (that's your route) is a gravelly, 4x4-only kinda road. Heads up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Severe weather is a HUGE no-no. Avalanches, serious snowfall, and landslides are real possibilities, and ice patches can pop up outta nowhere. Translation? This track is rugged, rocky, and demands respect. But, oh man, the views are worth it if you're prepared! Just be sure to check the weather forecast before you head out to this one of the highest roads in Utah and bring your A-game driving skills.
extremeDog Mountain: Driving the NF-406 road to the 6,929ft lookout in Oregon
🇺🇸 Usa
# Dog Mountain: A Hidden Gem in Southern Oregon Tucked away in Lake County, Oregon, just a stone's throw from the California border, Dog Mountain rises to an impressive 2,112 meters (6,929 feet) above sea level. This remote peak sits deep within the Fremont-Winema National Forest—a sprawling wilderness of high-altitude plateaus, dense pine forests, and dramatic volcanic rimrocks. It's the kind of place where you feel genuinely far from civilization, unlike the well-trodden trails of Oregon's northern Cascades. What makes Dog Mountain special is the historic fire lookout tower perched at the summit. Built in 1997, this R-6 flat-top design features a cab dedicated to fire detection, with cozy living quarters for the Forest Service staff who staff it during peak fire season. Unlike many abandoned lookouts you'll find scattered across the West, this one's in fantastic shape and fully operational. Climb onto the observation deck, and you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view spanning the Warner Mountains and the endless basins of Southern Oregon. Getting there is half the adventure. Forest Road 406 (NF-406) is a 5.3-mile (8.5 km) unpaved climb starting from Barnes Valley Road, gaining 1,476 feet with an average gradient of 5.27%—steady but relentless. The route winds through thick timber before breaking out onto the exposed, rocky summit ridge. The surface is a mix of dirt and crushed volcanic rock, generally maintained well enough for lookout access, though summer heat can turn it washboarded and loose. A 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended, especially given the steep sections and potential ruts from spring runoff. Fair warning: logging trucks and Forest Service vehicles use these narrow corridors, so stay alert. **Plan Your Visit:** The road is completely impassable November through May due to heavy snowpack. Summer is your window—not only is the road accessible and the lookout staffed, but wildflowers are blooming too. **What to Watch Out For:** This is genuine backcountry with zero cell service, so mechanical trouble could mean a long wait for help. The forest is home to mule deer, elk, and black bears that frequently cross the road at dawn and dusk. Pack a full-size spare, extra water, and a paper Forest Service map to navigate the web of timber roads safely.
moderateWhere Is Kitt Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, listen up! We're heading to Kitt Peak in sunny Arizona, a summit sitting pretty at 6,830 feet! Picture this: you're cruising through south-central Arizona, about 40 miles southwest of Tucson, embarking on a seriously cool isolated climb. What's waiting at the top? Only the Kitt Peak National Observatory, that's all! We're talking 24 optical and two radio telescopes perched on this sacred Native American mountain since 1960. And the 360-degree views? Let's just say they are totally worth the drive. The road itself, AZ-386, is smooth sailing – fully paved and well-maintained, so no need to worry about bumpy rides. Plus, you won't be fighting crowds, traffic is usually minimal! Heads up though: being so high up, snow can shut things down, so keep an eye on the weather. Speaking of the drive, it's a 12.1-mile climb from AZ-86. Don't let the distance fool you; you'll be gaining 3,602 feet in elevation, making for an average gradient of 5.63%. Some spots kick it up a notch to 9-10%, so get ready for a bit of a workout for your car! Best time to go? Keep in mind Kitt Peak's unique climate – cooler and wetter than the surrounding desert. Summertime thunderstorms are common (July-September), and lightning is a real danger up here. My advice? Go early to beat the afternoon storms, and always trust your gut – common sense is your best friend on this adventure.
hardGuthrie Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Guthrie Peak in southeastern Arizona! This beast sits at a cool 6,578 feet in Greenlee County. Getting to the top isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking a gravel road that demands a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Expect some narrow sections hugging steep cliffs or featuring serious drop-offs. The views? Totally worth it. You're conquering the Black Hills' highest point, basically the northern end of the Peloncillo Mountains. But heads up, Mother Nature calls the shots up here. The weather is wild and changes on a dime. Layers are your friend. Sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable. And pack more water than you think you need. Defensive driving is key. Assume someone's always around the next bend, and remember, uphill traffic has the right of way. Summer can be scorching, so aim for October through May. The summit itself is home to some communications towers, so you're definitely connected, even way up there!