Coquihalla Summit in BC is a chillout in high mountains
Canada, north-america
115 km
1,249 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising through British Columbia? You HAVE to check out the Coquihalla Summit! This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,249m (4,097ft), offering some serious views in the Canadian Cascades. Named after the Coquihalla River, this iconic stretch of road, known as British Columbia Highway 5 (or the Coquihalla Highway), stretches for 115km (71 miles) between Hope and Merritt.
Built back in 1941, the road is fully paved, but be warned – the ascent can be seriously steep, especially heading north from Hope! While the highway is generally in good shape, keep an eye out for frost heaves and uneven pavement in spots. Good news: it’s a divided highway, so slower traffic isn't a huge deal. Even though it's a modern road, some truckers avoid it because of the extra fuel needed for those intense inclines.
This pass is usually open year-round, but winter can throw some curveballs. Think sudden snowstorms, blowing snow, and fog – making driving tricky. Temps can plummet to -30°C! You’ll see avalanche chutes, a stark reminder of the wild terrain. Winter tires or chains are a MUST from October to April. Pro tip: pack extra fuel, winter gear, a candle, and even a sleeping bag, just in case. And, of course, make sure your ride is in tip-top shape! In the summer, keep an eye on your engine temp because of the constant uphill climb. Trust me, the scenery is worth it!
Where is it?
Coquihalla Summit in BC is a chillout in high mountains is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 52.6688, -108.4308
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 115 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,249 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 52.6688, -108.4308
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow many miles is the Denali Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising Alaska's Denali Highway (Route 8) is like stepping into a postcard! This 135-mile stretch between Paxson and Cantwell offers unbelievable views. Fair warning: most of it's unpaved, so be prepared for gravel, potential potholes, and some serious dust – especially after rain. Think "washboard" roads and keep your speed around 30 mph. Don't expect a perfectly smooth ride, but the scenery? Totally worth it! Just be sure to pack a spare tire, because flats can happen. Some rental companies might not love you taking their cars on this route, so double-check. This beauty is usually closed from late October to late May due to snow. The road climbs from the forest to the tundra near the Alaska Range. Starting at 2,750 feet near Paxson, you'll eventually hit a max elevation of 4,101 feet. Factor in 4-5 hours to drive it straight through, but you'll want to add extra time to soak it all in, snap photos, and maybe even camp overnight. It's not a crowded road, so you might only see a handful of other cars.
hardThe Wild Road to Almagre Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright thrill-seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle one of Colorado's highest peaks? Then set your GPS for Almagre Mountain, chilling at a cool 12,381 feet above sea level in Teller County, west of Colorado Springs. Forget smooth tarmac; this is pure, unadulterated off-road goodness on Forest Service Road 379, an old wagon trail that’s seen better days. Expect a bumpy ride, folks – we're talking rocks, ruts, and washed-out sections galore! The last stretch? Gated off, so park up and hike. You'll definitely want a trusty 4WD beast for this one. The climb kicks off from Forest Service Road 376 and stretches for about 7.5 miles, gaining nearly 1,600 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of just over 4%, so prepare for a bit of a workout for your rig! The summit is crowned with a communication antenna, but honestly, who cares about that when you've got those views? Seriously breathtaking panoramas of the Sangre de Cristos and even the Sawatch range await. Trust me, the effort is worth it!
moderateBear Lake summit
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a seriously stunning drive up to Bear Lake summit! We're talking 7,818 feet above sea level, right on the northern edge of Utah in Cache County. You'll be cruising on US-89, a paved road that's as smooth as it is scenic. This road was built way back in 1926. Keep your eyes peeled; this pass is actually the highest point on US-89 in Utah. You can usually drive this route year-round, but be aware that crazy winter weather can cause temporary closures. Near the top, you'll find the Bear Lake Overlook Visitor Center – perfect for snapping some photos. Be warned: the road gets seriously steep as you climb towards the summit.
hardWhere is Vinegar Hill?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride up Vinegar Hill in eastern Oregon's Umatilla National Forest! This beast of a mountain road clocks in at over 8,200 feet, making it one of the highest in the state. Starting near the old ghost town of Austin, you'll be tackling Forest Service Road 2010 (aka Vincent Creek Road). The first 6 miles are generally maintained, but after that, things get real. Expect a totally unpaved surface, so this is where you might want to park your sedan. The remaining 4 miles to the top demand 4WD! This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. You're looking at some seriously steep grades, topping out at a butt-clenching 15% in spots! From bottom to top, you'll climb about 3,600 feet in just 10 miles, averaging a pretty intense incline. Keep an eye out for snow blocking the path until around late June. But trust me, the views from the summit are worth every bump and grind!