
A lonely scenic drive to Chilkat Pass in British Columbia
Canada, north-america
174 km
1,061 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Chilkat Pass! This beauty sits at a cool 3,480 feet above sea level in British Columbia, Canada, practically waving hello to Alaska. You'll find it nestled in the Stikine Region, way up in the northeast.
FYI, "Chilkat" comes from the local Tlingit people. The road? It's the Haines Highway, a solid, two-lane paved path that winds like a ribbon through the coastal mountains.
The whole shebang stretches for about 174 kilometers (that's a good chunk!) as it runs from the US border up to Haines Junction in the Yukon. At the summit is a small parking lot that will allow you to pause, rest, and soak it all in.
Heads up: while they keep the road in good shape year-round, Mother Nature can be a bit unpredictable between mid-September and the start of June. Always peep at the weather forecast before you hit the road during that time. Enjoy the ride!
Where is it?
A lonely scenic drive to Chilkat Pass in British Columbia is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 52.8724, -106.9151
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 174 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,061 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 52.8724, -106.9151
Related Roads in north-america
moderateJames Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk James Ridge! This high-altitude gem sits way up in Otero County, New Mexico, clocking in at 8,612 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled within the gorgeous Lincoln National Forest. The road itself, known as 16 Springs Canyon Road, is gravel and generally in pretty good shape. Most of the time, it's a smooth and easy cruise. But, and this is a BIG but, things can get dicey if it's been raining. Think mud, think slippery, and sometimes even impassable conditions. So, check the weather before you go. The reward for the climb? A killer lookout tower at the summit with views for days!
moderateWhere is Mount Tilton?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up adventurers, because we're heading to Mount Tilton in the heart of Colorado's White River National Forest, just south of Aspen! This beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 12,391 feet! The adventure begins on County Road 740, aka Cement Creek Road (FSR #740), and let me tell you, it's an unpaved rollercoaster! From the paved CO-135, you've got about 16.2 miles of rugged terrain to conquer before reaching the summit. Get ready for a serious workout – we're talking an elevation gain of 3,800 feet! The road is usually closed in winter, with access typically possible from mid-June to October, conditions depending. And hold on tight, because you'll be facing some steep climbs - expect grades hitting up to 22.6% in certain spots!
easyDriving the road to Mesa del Nayar with spectacular views
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Mexico, leaving the charming town of Jesús MarÃa (a cool 1,400 feet above sea level) behind you, headed towards the coast at Ruiz, Nayarit. This isn't just any drive; it's a 87-mile (140 km) adventure on highway 44 through the heart of the Sierra Madre mountains. Get ready for some serious eye candy because the views of the Mesa del Nayar mountain mesa and its canyons are unreal. The road itself? It's a smooth, paved beauty built in 2013. But hold on, this isn't a straight shot; it's a winding path that climbs up to a mountain pass (almost 6,000 feet!) near Mesa del Nayar, treating you to even more breathtaking vistas of coastal mountains and dramatic canyons. The curves are nicely graded, but be warned: there are *a lot* of them. And when you're heading downhill, engine braking is your best friend; there are even two braking ramps along the way just in case. Don't miss the T-junction where Mexico 23 meets Mexico 44 just past Jesús MarÃa, opening up even more stunning Sierra Madre Mountain views towards Camino a Canoas or Ruta Tepehuana. Trust me, this drive is all about the journey, not just the destination.
moderateThe high Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Hoover Dam Bypass, officially the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge! This thing is seriously epic, arching high over the Colorado River, right on the Arizona-Nevada state line. If you're afraid of heights, maybe grab a friend to do the driving, because at 880 feet above the river, it's the second-highest bridge in the US – and the tallest concrete arch bridge on the planet! Opened in 2010, this 1,900-foot-long beauty isn't just about getting from point A to point B on U.S. 93; it's a destination in itself. Just imagine cruising across, taking in those views of the Black Canyon. This bridge is not only visually stunning, but also historically significant, named after a Nevada governor and a former NFL player turned soldier. Keep in mind, though, that the bridge has had issues with pedestrian suicides, which officials are trying to address. So, drive safe, be respectful, and soak up the breathtaking scenery!