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
hardWhere is Narbona Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to northwestern New Mexico? You HAVE to check out Narbona Pass (formerly Washington Pass) in San Juan County! This road, also known as Indian Service Route 32 or NM134, climbs to a whopping 8,721 feet above sea level in the Chuska Mountains. The pass is fully paved, so no need for a heavy-duty vehicle, but hold on tight! This 18-mile stretch between Crystal and Sheep Springs is seriously winding and narrow in places, plus there are some pretty steep parts. Take your time, especially if the weather isn't cooperating. Good news, though: it's usually open year-round. Of course, being so high up, it can get dicey in winter and close temporarily if a storm rolls through. But seriously, the views? Amazing! You're driving through an area rich in history, with ties to both Native American cultures and early settlers. Definitely worth the drive if you're in the area.
extremeWhere is Breakneck Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright thrill-seekers, let's talk Breakneck Pass! This beast sits high up in the mountains at a cool 10,941 feet. You'll find it tucked away in , smack-dab in the heart of . Getting to the top is no joke, and you'll definitely need a . So, why "Breakneck" Pass? Legend has it that the early settlers named it because crossing this thing was just plain difficult, thanks to one seriously steep section. This mountain challenge is entirely unpaved. We're talking Forest Service Road 426 with some seriously dug-out areas and unavoidable rocks. If it's wet or snowy, forget about it! Some vehicles will struggle with the rocks jutting into the trail. A would have a tough time, but more aggressive stock models can make it. The adventure spans about , starting and ending on . Word on the street is that approaching from the southeast via is easier than tackling it from the north via . Get ready for a wild ride and some seriously epic scenery!
hardSteens Mountain is one of the highest roads of Oregon
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk Steens Mountain Loop Road in Oregon's wild southeast! This stunner clocks in at just over 27 miles, kicking off near Frenchglen (cute little town, BTW) and twisting up Steens Mountain, which tops out at a whopping 9,737 feet. Yep, they say it's Oregon's highest road! Heads up, it's all unpaved, so buckle up for a bumpy ride. But don't worry, most of the road's been upgraded, making it suitable for most cars. There is that one short, steep, and narrow part near Big Indian and Little Blitzen gorges, though, so take it slow. This route's usually open from mid-June to October, but keep an eye on the weather. Snow can linger, and things can change fast up there! We're talking possible lightning storms, surprise snow flurries, and high winds, even on a day that starts out sunny. The climb is pretty consistent, too, gaining over 5,500 feet from Frenchglen. But trust me, the views are worth it! Think sweeping vistas of the high desert, Wildhorse Lake shimmering in the distance, and the dramatic Keigor Gorge. Plus, you can access Steens Summit and campgrounds along the way. Okay, the summit *does* have cell towers (bummer, I know), but don't let that deter you. This area is a total gem, showcasing Oregon's rugged side. Just watch out for ticks, mosquitoes, and rattlesnakes during the warmer months. Basically, Steens Mountain Loop Road is a must-do for anyone craving dramatic scenery, glacial gorges, and a true taste of the Oregon wilderness. Get out there and explore!
moderateDriving the frozen Aklavik Ice Road in the Northwest Territories
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Aklavik Ice Road! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking 117 kilometers (that's about 73 miles) of pure, frozen glory in the Inuvik Region of Canada's Northwest Territories. Imagine cruising across the Mackenzie Delta and even a stretch of the Arctic Ocean! Seriously, how cool is that? (Pun intended!) And the scenery? Epic! The Richardson Mountains loom in the distance, making for some seriously Instagrammable moments. This icy highway connects Aklavik and Inuvik, both north of the Arctic Circle. You won't be alone out there, expect to see around 54 vehicles a day. Keep your eyes peeled, obey the speed limit (usually 70 km/h, or about 43 mph), and remember those limits are there for your safety. Be warned: this road can get a little bumpy! Patches of rough ice are common. Drive carefully, watch for signs, and respect the conditions. The season is short, typically late December to early April, but climate change has been pushing that opening back a bit. Still, hitting the ice road while you can is an experience you won't soon forget! Just remember, it's illegal to drive it until it's officially open, so stay safe and plan accordingly.