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
moderateHow to get by car to Sunshine Village?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, so picture this: you're in Alberta, smack-dab in the Canadian Rockies, heading towards Sunshine Village. This ski resort sits pretty high up at 1,732m (5,682ft) – right on the Continental Divide! The road up, called Sunshine Road, is a smooth 16.4km asphalt dream starting from the Trans-Canada Highway. Don't expect anything too crazy, though. It's a steady climb gaining only about 300m in elevation. But, trust me, the views along the way inside Banff National Park are totally worth it. Get ready for some serious mountain scenery!
easyOlympic Peninsula Loop Drive, an unbelievable adventure in Washington
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the ultimate Pacific Northwest adventure: the Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive! This scenic journey winds through western Washington, showcasing the state's incredible forests, wildlife, and natural beauty. The loop starts and ends in Seattle, taking you south around the Olympic Peninsula via US Highways 101 and 12, and Washington Highway 8. Clocking in at 329 miles (531 km), this paved route immerses you in the diverse ecosystems of the region. While you *could* technically drive the whole thing in 8 hours non-stop, you'll want at least three days (or more!) to truly soak it all in. Picture this: picturesque shoreline, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, stunning mountain vistas, and even a lush rainforest. Side adventures abound! Timing-wise, May and early June are prime for waterfall viewing, but be aware that higher elevations may still have snow, and beaches can be foggy. July to September brings drier weather and sunshine, but also more crowds. Fall is gorgeous with colorful foliage, and winter offers dramatic, wild beaches—just be prepared for rain. Trust me, this drive is worth it! The Olympic Peninsula Loop is pure road trip bliss.
hardEmma Burr Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Emma Burr Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.692m (12,112ft) above the sea level, located on the border of San Isabel National Forest and Gunnison National Forest, in Chaffee County, Colorado, United States. It’s one of the highest roads of Colorado. Located in the heart of the southern Sawatch Range, this infamous gravel road to the summit is rough with several hairpin turns. A very steep maintained (jeep) trail goes almost directly over the top of the peak. It’s called Chaffee County Road 344. Make sure you get your vehicle and yourself well-prepared before driving this road. 4wd vehicle required. Stay away if you're scared of heights. It is subject to winter snowfalls with such a high summit altitude, and it can be impassable anytime when the access is not cleared of snow. After rain, even a single rainfall, conditions of the road can be challenging. Watch out for sudden loose-gravel breaks. Proper preparation is essential to having a safe, enjoyable trip on this road. Always be prepared for winter weather, even in summer. Pic: Travel Reputation Services How To Travel The Beaver Creek Road Road trip guide: Conquering the Music Pass in Colorado Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateCrossing the historic Gandy Bridge in Florida
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising Florida? You HAVE to experience the Gandy Bridge! This stunner stretches 14,859 feet (that's 4.5 km!) across Old Tampa Bay, connecting St. Pete to Tampa with some serious coastal vibes. Also known as the Friendship Trail Bridge (though parts have been repurposed over time), this is THE way to travel on U.S. Route 92. Picture yourself gliding over the water, with the sun sparkling and the breeze in your hair. Okay, real talk: if you get nervous driving close to the water, this might be a *slight* challenge. But trust me, the views are worth it! Traffic is usually pretty smooth, except maybe during the typical rush hour madness. Originally dating back to 1924, the Gandy Bridge has quite the history, but today's version makes for a gorgeous and easy drive. Ditch the mainland and explore this unforgettable coastal route.