The Wild Road to Toro Peak in CA
Usa, north-america
20.43 km
2,655 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving an off-the-beaten-path thrill in Southern California, you NEED to check out Toro Peak. This beauty sits way up high in the San Bernardino National Forest, clocking in at 8,710 feet above sea level.
The way up is Santa Rosa Road (7S02), a 12.7-mile dirt track that'll put your ride to the test. Forget your low-rider – high clearance is a MUST, and honestly, you'll be thanking your lucky stars for 4-wheel drive. This road gets seriously bumpy, especially on the final stretch, which is steep, loose, and rocky. The road snakes up the Santa Rosa Mountain Range with grades hitting a punchy 13% in places. Be warned: they sometimes close it down due to fire danger or bad weather.
It climbs 4,124 vertical feet from the paved CA-74, so expect some serious elevation gain. Watch out for narrow sections and keep an eye out for other adventurers. The road can be closed due to snow in winter. The views from the top, where you'll find a microwave relay station, are totally worth the effort!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 20.43 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,655 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Juniper Canyon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Big Bend National Park in Texas and craving a truly rugged experience, Juniper Canyon Road in the Chisos Mountains is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously remote, folks. You'll be deep in the heart of the park, with zero cell service. Download those maps beforehand! The 5.4-mile stretch is entirely unpaved, twisting through desert wilderness. Picture this: rocky terrain, loose stones, and maybe even a dry creek crossing or two. Rain turns this road from challenging to downright treacherous, so keep an eye on the weather. Think twice about bringing anything but a 4WD vehicle with solid tires. Low clearance? Forget about it. And trailers? Definitely not recommended. You'll be crawling at a snail's pace (5-10 mph), but the solitude is worth it. The road ends at a parking area near Juniper Canyon Trail and Dodson Trail, sitting pretty at 3,973 feet. It climbs a good 1,079 feet in elevation. Plus, there's a water storage locker for long-distance hikers. All that said, the views of the Chisos Mountains are nothing short of breathtaking! Just be prepared for a bumpy ride.
moderateWhere is Highwood Pass?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, buckle up for a drive over Highwood Pass! Perched way up at 2,217m (7,273ft) in Alberta's Kananaskis Country, this is supposedly Canada's highest paved road. Find it just 140 km southwest of Calgary, hanging out in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, south of Lower Kananaskis Lake. The road, is a 148 km (92 mile) stretch of pavement that'll take you from Kananaskis to Longview. Heads up: you might find some ice and snow, and the road gets pretty steep in spots (think 7% grades). Oh, and keep an eye out for bears! This route is usually closed from December to mid-June because of heavy snow and wildlife migrations. You'll be driving right near the tree line, so get ready for some incredible alpine scenery in the Canadian Rockies. Just a warning, the summit can be super windy, and the weather changes fast. The drive itself takes about 1.5-2 hours if you don't stop, but trust me, you'll want to! The views are seriously amazing and worth a full day of exploring.
extremeHow Long is the Road to Bonito Mountain in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for a real adventure? Bonito Mountain in Colorado is calling your name! Perched high in the Rio Grande National Forest, this peak delivers some seriously breathtaking high-alpine views. Think panoramic vistas of the San Juans and a peek into the historic Summitville mining district – straight out of a Western movie! Alright, here's the lowdown on the road. We're talking about a roughly 4.3-mile unpaved climb, a rough gravel route in Rio Grande County. This baby isn't for the faint of heart. Expect loose rocks, tight squeezes, and some pretty steep ascents. You'll definitely need a high-clearance 4WD to conquer this one. It might be short, but trust me, it'll feel like a lifetime with the rugged terrain and the altitude! Heads up: winter slams the door shut on this route. We're talking heavy snow making it totally impassable. Your best bet is to plan your trip between late June and mid-September. Keep an eye on the weather though; even summer can throw some surprise snowstorms your way at this elevation! Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience.
moderateTrail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the USA
🇺🇸 Usa
Colorado's Trail Ridge Road, snaking through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park, is a must-do! This 48-mile (77 km) stretch of U.S. Highway 34, weaving between Estes Park and Grand Lake, offers some of the most breathtaking views of the Continental Divide. It's famed as the highest continuous paved road in the USA, reaching a dizzying 12,209 ft (3,721 m) above sea level. The road itself is in great shape and fully paved, but be prepared for some switchbacks and steep drop-offs – though honestly, it's not as hair-raising as some other Colorado mountain routes. The speed limit is nice and low. Keep in mind this route is typically closed during winter and can stay shut well into spring/early summer depending on the snow. Also, you'll need access to Rocky Mountain National Park to drive it. Conditions can change rapidly, especially in the shoulder seasons. The name comes from the old trails native people used to cross the Rockies. Building this amazing road started back in 1929, and it was finished by 1932, with the steepest bits at a manageable 7% gradient. Plan at least half a day for the trip, longer if you can swing it. This route is super popular and can get crowded, especially during holidays and on summer weekends between 9 am and 3 pm. Take your time, soak in the views from the many overlooks, and watch out for tourists who might be a little unsure of themselves on the road! It’s a truly remarkable driving experience!