Driving the paved Okanagan Connector to Pennask Summit in British Columbia
Canada, north-america
81.4 km
1,733 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the Pennask Summit in beautiful British Columbia, Canada! This isn't just any drive; it's a climb to a whopping 1,733m (5,685ft) above sea level, making it the second-highest pass in BC.
You'll find it along Highway 97C, aka the Okanagan Connector. This fully paved road stretches for 81.4 km (50.57 miles) across the Thompson Plateau, connecting Aspen Grove to Peachland in the Okanagan Valley.
Keep in mind, those westward inclines can be a leg workout for your car, but trust me, the views are worth the effort. Speaking of views, prepare for some serious scenery!
Pennask Summit is generally open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit unpredictable in the winter. So be aware that brief closures can happen. Named after the nearby Pennask Creek, this route is a must-do for any road-tripper looking for an unforgettable experience.
Where is it?
Driving the paved Okanagan Connector to Pennask Summit in British Columbia is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 55.3165, -108.8531
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 81.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,733 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 55.3165, -108.8531
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Tesuque Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! We're heading to New Mexico, to one of its highest roads, pushing a sky-high 12,066 feet above sea level! You'll find this beast in northern New Mexico, snaking through the Santa Fe National Forest up to Tesuque Peak. Heads up – currently, you can't drive your own car to the tippy-top. What awaits you at the peak? A forest of communication towers and views that'll knock your socks off: think Mt. Taylor, the Sandia Mountains, and the Jemez range stretching out before you. Now, about the road itself... It's a steep, loose, and rowdy track, so you'll *definitely* need a 4x4 to conquer this one. The unpaved climb gains 2,070 feet over its length, making for an average gradient of around 7%. Be extra careful of oncoming traffic—you might need to utilize the turnouts! Get ready for some epic scenery and a true off-road adventure!
extremeWhere is White Mountain Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! White Mountain Peak in California's Mono County is calling your name! This beast boasts an elevation of 14,261 feet, making it one of the highest drivable spots in the USA. We're talking serious bragging rights. Nestled in the White Mountain range, east of the mighty Sierra Nevada and within Inyo National Forest, getting to the top is an adventure in itself. A rough, winding, and seriously bumpy 4x4 dirt road climbs past the Barcroft Research Station and heads for the summit, also known as White Mountain. Heads up: access is often limited by a locked gate a couple of miles before Barcroft, but the White Mountain Research Station usually opens it twice a year. This final stretch isn't for the nervous – it's steep, and a slip could be a real problem. The road's usually snowed in during winter, so plan your trip accordingly. Speaking of steep, some sections hit a gradient of 17%! Starting from Barcroft Field Station, it’s a 5.6-mile climb, gaining 1,827 feet, with an average gradient of 6.18%. But the reward? Unbelievable 360-degree views stretching from the Eastern Sierras all the way to Nevada. Plus, there's even a small research hut at the summit! Get ready for some epic views.
moderateWhere is Sheep Creek Truck Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about the Sheep Creek Truck Trail. You'll find this gem tucked away in the San Bernardino National Forest in sunny California. This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a totally unpaved, 11.6-mile stretch of 4x4 heaven (or hell, depending on your driving skills!). Picture this: tons of hairpin turns and switchbacks as you climb up, up, up into the San Gabriel Mountains. We're talking a peak elevation of around 6,400 feet, so the views are gonna be epic. The trail links Lone Pine Canyon Road and Sheep Canyon Road, but trust me, you'll want your GPS handy – there are a few forks in the road that could throw you off! It's usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially in winter, as it can close temporarily due to snow or ice.
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering the Music Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising around Custer County, Colorado, and you've got a serious itch for some off-road action, Music Pass is calling your name! Nestled high in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, inside the San Isabel National Forest in the San Luis Valley, this pass tops out at a breathtaking 10,695 feet. The road to the top? It's all dirt, baby! Music Pass Road is rough and rugged, with steep climbs, narrow stretches, and some seriously rocky terrain that'll test your driving skills – think driving over weird rock formations. You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle with 4WD or AWD to conquer this beast. Word to the wise: Mother Nature's got a wild side up here. Expect crazy-fast weather changes, year-round. Seriously, pack for anything, including surprise summer snowstorms. The road usually stays buried in snow until late June or even July! But hey, the views! Prepare to be blown away by the stunning vistas of Tijeras and Cleveland Peaks. The road dead-ends at a parking lot for the Music Pass Trailhead (room for about 15 cars), only about a mile from the actual pass. Back in the day, the hardcore could drive all the way to the summit. Now, the old road's pretty much disappeared.