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
hardJohnson's Mill
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a high-altitude thrill ride in Nevada, Snake Creek Road is calling your name. Located in White Pine County, near the Great Basin National Park, this route to the historic Johnson's Mill mining ruins tops out at a whopping 10,085 feet! But fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Snake Creek Road is a rough and tumble adventure, with a surface that can be seriously bumpy, steep, and narrow. Passing other vehicles can be tricky, so keep your eyes peeled! High clearance is an absolute must, and if it's wet, expect some serious mud. Winter? Forget about it – this road is usually snowed in. Experienced off-roaders will be in heaven, though. The views are stunning, but you'll be too busy navigating the terrain to take it all in... maybe.
extremeWhat’s the Old Cascade Tunnel?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for a seriously spooky spot! Just east of Everett, Washington, in King County, lurks the Old Cascade Tunnel. We're talking major creep factor. This abandoned Great Northern Railway tunnel, hidden away in the Cascades, was built way back in 1900 to ditch some gnarly switchbacks. Clocking in at 2.6 miles long with a 1.7% grade, this tunnel, also known as the Stevens Pass Tunnel, is NOT your average scenic route. Forget exploring! This place is collapsing and seriously unstable. I'm talking major cave-in potential. A huge failure occurred in 2006, creating a debris dam and a creepy little lake inside. The lining is cracked, and another collapse could happen any minute. Seriously, DO NOT ENTER. They've built a safe viewpoint at the west end so you can peek, but that's it. Oh, and did I mention it's supposedly haunted? Legend says the ghosts of the 1910 Wellington avalanche, which tragically killed 96 people, still roam these tunnels. So, you know, extra spooky vibes.
moderateDriving the highest paved road in Washington to Sunrise Point
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to experience Sunrise Point in Washington's Mount Rainier National Park. Perched way up high at 6,420 feet, this is the highest point you can drive to in the whole park! The road itself, Sunrise Park Road (or just Sunrise Road), is paved the whole way. But fair warning: it's a twisty, turny climb, and it's narrow in places. If you're rocking a mega RV or towing anything longer than 25 feet, you might want to chill at the White River Campground intersection. The fun starts from WA-410, and it's a 15.4-mile trek up a super steep and windy road, which opened way back in 1931. This is one of the highest roads in Washington, so keep in mind it's usually only open from late June/early July to late September/early October because of all that glorious winter snow. Even in late September, they close it down at night at the White River Campground junction, opening it up again in the morning if the weather cooperates. You could technically blast up in about 30 minutes without stopping, but trust me, you'll want to take your time. The scenery is insane! There's a big parking lot at the top, and Sunrise Point is just WOW. On a clear day, you're treated to jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the valleys below, majestic Mount Rainier, and a bunch of other Cascade volcanoes like Mount Adams. And if you squint just right, you can even spot the top of Mount St. Helens! It's an absolute must-see.
hardMingus Summit in AZ: a road with several dizzying hairpin bends
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk Mingus Summit in Arizona! This stunner of a pass sits high in the Black Hills, clocking in at 7,040 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled in Yavapai County, and the whole thing is paved, making it accessible for most vehicles. We're talking about a 19.7-mile (31.70km) stretch of pure driving joy (or terror, depending on your perspective!), winding its way from Prescott Valley up to Jerome via Highway 89A. Be prepared for some serious curves, hairpin turns, and a lung-busting 11% maximum grade in some sections. The good news? This beauty is usually open year-round, although heavy winter snow might cause temporary closures. Even better, the higher elevation keeps things relatively cool during the summer months. At the summit, you'll find a rest area and picnic spot—perfect for soaking it all in, though parking is limited. And, if you're feeling adventurous, a gravel road (Forest Road 104) just east of the pass leads to Mingus Mountain, a popular spot for hang-gliding. The views are insane! Get ready for panoramic vistas of the Verde Valley, the iconic red rocks of Sedona, the City of Cottonwood, and even Humphrey's Peak way up near Flagstaff. Trust me; your camera roll will thank you for this one.