
A Memorable Road Trip to Bow Summit in the Canadian Rockies
Canada, north-america
1.1 km
2,098 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Bow Summit in Alberta is a MUST-SEE, clocking in at 2,098m (6,883ft) and boasting some of the highest drivable views in Canada. You'll find it nestled in Banff National Park, practically waving hello to British Columbia.
The payoff? A parking lot with ridiculously gorgeous views of Peyto Lake.
The road itself? A quick and sweet 1.1km (0.68 miles) paved jaunt off the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North), Canada's highest national park road. You'll climb to a max elevation of 2,110m (6,922ft).
Keep in mind, this baby's tucked high in the Waputik Range of the Canadian Rockies, so plan your trip for summer. Snow can linger well into June, sometimes even July!
Where is it?
A Memorable Road Trip to Bow Summit in the Canadian Rockies is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 56.2049, -103.3031
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 1.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,098 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 56.2049, -103.3031
Related Roads in north-america
hardTravel guide to the top of Coal Bank Pass in Colorado
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, so picture this: Coal Bank Pass, sitting pretty at 10,640 feet in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. You'll find it south of Silverton, right on U.S. Highway 550 โ aka the legendary Million Dollar Highway! This pass is totally paved, making it a smooth ride for most cars. Think of it as the chillest of the three high-mountain passes around here, right after Molas and Red Mountain Pass. Heads up, though! The south side has some seriously steep sections dropping down towards Durango. We're talking a consistent 6.5% grade with some ramps hitting 8%! Thankfully, there's a runaway truck ramp, just in case. You can tackle this pass year-round, but winter is a whole different ballgame. Snowfall can get intense, leading to restrictions and closures. But hey, if you're lucky enough to catch it on a clear day, the views are unreal. The San Juan National Forest is pure eye candy โ think American Alps vibes!
easyWhatโs the Old Plank Road?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, picture this: Southern California, early 1900s. You're trying to get from San Diego to Yuma, Arizona, but there's this HUGE obstacle in your way โ the Algodones Dunes. Miles and miles of shifting sand. So, what do you do? You build a road *on top* of the sand! Enter the Old Plank Road. Back in 1915, they laid down wooden planks, like railroad tracks for cars, creating a one-lane path across about eight miles of those treacherous dunes. It was a total game-changer, connecting California and Arizona and boosting trade like crazy. Imagine cruising along, feeling like you're driving on a wooden rollercoaster through a real-life desert dreamscape. Now, it wasn't all smooth sailing. The desert is a harsh mistress, and those shifting sands required constant upkeep. Think "Sisyphean task" but with mules and planks. They even had passing spots every mile so cars going opposite directions didn't get stuck in a sandy standoff. Sadly, this wild ride didn't last forever. By the late 1920s, it was replaced with something more permanent. But! You can still find remnants of the Old Plank Road nestled in the dunes today. It's a total throwback, a reminder of how people conquered the desert back in the day. Plus, these dunes are seriously stunning - they've been backdrops for movies like "Return of the Jedi," so you KNOW they're epic!
hardHow long is Beef Basin Trail in Utah?
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southeastern Utah, just south of Canyonlands National Park, on Beef Basin Road #093. This isn't your average Sunday drive though; it's a proper 132km (81.9-mile) off-road adventure! You'll need a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle to handle this bad boy. There's even a point where the signs basically scream that you better have some serious off-roading chops and a rugged ride. You *might* be able to sneak into some parts (like around the Tower and Farmhouse Ruins) in a 2WD with the right tires and an experienced driver who really knows their stuff, *if* the conditions are perfect. But honestly, even then, I'd recommend at least a high-clearance AWD vehicle just to be safe. Keep an eye on the weather too! Beef Basin gets seriously hot and dry, especially in the summer. Pack at least a gallon of water per person, per day โ you'll thank me later. And remember, Southern Utah roads can change in a heartbeat depending on the weather, so stay alert. This route is usually closed during the winter months (November to April, give or take) because of snow.
moderateTripoli Road in New Hampshire: A Scenic Drive Through White Mountain National Forest
๐บ๐ธ Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Tripoli Road (aka Forest Road 30) in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest. This hidden gem, carved out back in '34, stretches for just over 11 glorious miles, connecting Woodstock to Waterville Valley. Get ready for some twists and turns! This winding road is mostly unpaved, adding to the adventure. There are a few spots where you'll feel like you're climbing straight up, with grades hitting almost 10%! But don't worry, the road's generally in good shape. Fall foliage is absolutely unreal here, but be warned โ it gets CROWDED on weekends and holidays. You'll need to snag an entrance pass to get in, but trust me, it's worth it. You'll climb to almost 2,400 feet at Thornton Gap, soaking in those White Mountain views. Just a heads up: this road's closed during the snowy months (usually open from mid-May to October), so plan accordingly!