Highest roads of Canada
Canada, north-america
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Canada's a beast of a country, right? Second-biggest in the world, and seriously showing off with those mountains. Head west, and BAM! The Canadian Rockies are all up in Alberta's grill, and British Columbia's hogging the Coast and Columbia ranges. We're talking glaciers older than your grandma, lakes so clear you'll think they're photoshopped, and canyons deep enough to swallow your car (okay, maybe not, but close!).
Now, all that wild, untouched beauty means some serious road-building wizardry. We're talking about Canada's highest roads, carving through massive national parks and wilderness areas. Get ready for some epic mountain driving – the kind that'll make you grip the wheel and grin at the same time.
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
moderateSquaw Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because Siberia Ridge Road to Squaw Peak is a wild ride! We're talking about a summit sitting pretty at 8,851 feet in California's Placer County, with views that'll knock your socks off. Now, the road itself? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpiness. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one, and maybe a chiropractor appointment afterward. Heads up: Siberia Ridge Road is generally snowed in from October through June, so plan accordingly. Also, a random fact: the summit was leveled out back in the '60s to make room for some old-school FAA radio equipment. So, if you're cool with roughing it and have the right vehicle, the views from Squaw Peak are totally worth the trek!
hardBlue Lake
🇺🇸 Usa
Blue Lake is an alpine lake at an elevation of 3.728m (12,230ft) above the sea level, located in San Miguel County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of Colorado. The narrow road to the summit, located in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. The road is usually impassable from October to June (weather permitting). It’s an old mining road. Along the way the trail passes historic mining structures including the remains of an old tram, mining cabins and a bunkhouse. Nestled in a glacial cirque, it’s a great trail for experienced wheelers. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. 4x4 vehicle required. Stay away if you're scared of heights. Expect a trail pretty steep. Conditions can change rapidly, be careful of the weather. Access through snow can change daily. 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.
extremeHow long is California's Pacific Coast Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a MUST-DO in California! This iconic stretch of State Route 1 hugs the coastline from sunny Orange County (near LA) all the way up to Mendocino County, just north of San Francisco. Clocking in at 620 glorious miles, get ready for about 10 hours of pure driving bliss, without stops, but who's gonna do that? Picture this: you're winding along cliffs where waves crash dramatically below. You'll cross bridges that seem to defy gravity, like the insane Bixby Bridge soaring almost 300 feet above Bixby Creek Gorge in Big Sur! The views are incredible. Word to the wise: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. Those views come with hairpin turns, narrow shoulders, and major drop-offs. Stay alert and use those vista points to soak it all in safely. It can get crowded, especially in July and August, so consider off-season adventures. Winter brings mudslide risks, so always check local advisories. Pro-tip: drive north to south. You'll be on the ocean side of the road for the best views and easier access to those vista points. Make sure you have a full tank, gas stations are less frequent as you head north. This isn’t just a drive; it's an experience! Explore charming seaside towns, quirky places like the Henry Miller Memorial Library, and amazing wildlife spots like the Elephant Seal Rookery. You’ll pass through Big Sur's majestic redwoods and might even spot sea otters in Monterey Bay. The PCH is pure California magic!
moderateOnion Valley Road is one of the steepest climbs of California
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through the heart of California's Owens Valley? You HAVE to experience Onion Valley Road! Tucked between the Sierra Nevada mountains and Nevada, this 13-mile stretch is an absolute stunner (but be warned, it's a leg-burner!). Formerly known as California State Route 180, the road climbs from the town of Independence on US 395 right up to Onion Valley Campground. Aim to go between May and November, when the road's usually open (snow permitting!). You'll climb to a whopping 9,219 feet above sea level, making it one of California's highest roads. Located in the Inyo National Forest, Onion Valley Road is not for the faint of heart (or cyclists with weak quads!). The last ten miles average over 8%, so prepare for a serious workout. Starting in Independence at 3,937 feet, you'll gain a massive 5,266 feet over the 13-mile ascent. Expect a fully paved road with nine switchbacks that will have you gripping the wheel! About halfway up, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the Owens Valley. Just a heads up: this area is known for bear activity, so keep your eyes peeled! The views of Owens Valley and the Sierras are worth the white-knuckle drive. Trust me, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.