A scenic paved road to Vermilion Pass in the Canadian Rockies
Canada, north-america
9 km
1,647 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Banff-Windermere Highway (also known as British Columbia Highway 93), right on the border between Alberta and British Columbia. You're climbing to Vermilion Pass, a sweet spot at 1,647 meters (that's 5,403 feet!) above sea level.
Nestled within Banff National Park and smack-dab on the Continental Divide, this pass has serious history. Think fur traders and early explorers – it’s been a vital route for ages! The name comes from those awesome iron oxide springs just a few kilometers away.
The road itself? Smooth sailing – it's paved the whole way! The drive is about 105 km (or 65 miles) from Radium Hot Springs, over in BC's East Kootenay region, all the way to Castle Junction in Alberta's Banff National Park.
Word to the wise: you're in the Canadian Rockies, which means subarctic vibes! Expect heavy snow in winter, so be prepared for icy conditions. But don't let that scare you – the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!
Where is it?
A scenic paved road to Vermilion Pass in the Canadian Rockies is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 58.5734, -107.0877
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,647 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 58.5734, -107.0877
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!
extremeWhere is Lo 7 Hill?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Lo 7 Hill in Colorado's Rio Blanco County is calling your name! South of Meeker, you'll find this beast of a peak, topping out at a cool 8,540 feet. Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking about a solid 7.45 miles of unpaved, unmaintained glory. Forget your low-riders; you'll need a 4x4 with some serious clearance to tackle this bad boy. Picture this: a narrow, rocky track, loose stones flying everywhere, and sections so steep they'll make your stomach drop. Oh, and did I mention winter? Yeah, no. Mother Nature shuts this party down completely with snow, so plan your trip accordingly. But trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and scrape. Get ready for some seriously epic Southern Rocky Mountain scenery!
easyIs Teller County Road 1 paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to check out Teller County Road 1 in Colorado! Seriously, this paved beauty winds through Teller County, serving up non-stop eye candy. Think classic Colorado scenery, all the way. This route's actually part of the Gold Belt Scenic Byway, and it's got history – it was the OG stagecoach route to Cripple Creek! Hence the name, County Road 1. Heads up, though: you'll climb to a lung-busting 9,645 feet above sea level. The good news is that it's usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather forecast during winter. Snow can definitely throw a wrench in your plans! The road is a nice, manageable 17.7 miles from Florissant up to Cripple Creek. Budget around 30-35 minutes for the drive, but honestly, you'll probably want to stop and soak in the views, so give yourself extra time. Trust me, you won't regret it!
moderateBingham Mine Overlook
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure awaits! If you're near Tooele County, Utah, and crave mind-blowing views, the Bingham Mine Overlook is calling. Just be warned, getting there is part of the thrill. First off, you're heading up to a lofty 9,015 feet! The 2.5-mile Copper Pit Overlook Road kicks off from Butterfield Canyon Road and climbs 374 meters at an average 9.35% gradient. Translation? Steep! The road is gravel, bumpy, and usually closed from October to June (depending on the weather gods). There are no guardrails, so keep your wits about you. The payoff? Stunning mountain views, possible wildlife sightings, and a peek at the largest manmade hole on Earth – the Bingham Canyon Mine, the richest copper mine *ever*. Seriously, this thing is massive. The drive itself is twisty-turny with blind spots galore, so take it slow. While you can probably make it in a regular car on a good day, be extra careful. Night driving is a no-go unless you know the road. At the top, you'll be rewarded with a 360-degree panorama of northern Utah, with a view of almost 80% of the state's population on a clear day. It's pretty epic!