How long is Bella Coola Road?
Canada, north-america
454 km
1,524 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Bella Coola Road (Highway 20) in British Columbia – a 454-kilometer adventure from Williams Lake to Bella Coola! Forget your average Sunday drive, this route throws you into the heart of BC's wilderness, from the arid canyons near the Fraser River to seriously stunning glaciated peaks.
Think of it as two road trips in one: for the first 319 km, you're cruising on pavement to Anahim Lake. Then, BAM! Gravel time! The rest is an all-season gravel road, not for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin turns, steep grades, and the kind of scenery that will leave you speechless (or maybe muttering a little prayer).
But the real kicker is "The Hill" – 11 km of switchbacks climbing to 1,524 m (5,000 ft). Hold tight for the descent; a 43-kilometer stretch of narrow road with those hairpin turns, including a nail-biting 9 km at an 18% grade – supposedly the steepest in BC! First gear is your friend here, and remember, uphill traffic has the right of way. Some sections are single-lane.
Believe it or not, they completed this thing in 1953 with just two bulldozers and a whole lot of determination. It's officially Highway 20, but locals still call it the "Freedom Road," a tribute to the valley's long history of isolation.
Speaking of remote, facilities are scarce along the way, so fill up that gas tank before you go. While you could technically do it in a day, especially in summer, factor in time to stop and actually soak in the incredible surroundings. Oh, and did I mention Bella Coola was a filming location for The Incredible Hulk? Talk about a scenic hideaway!
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 454 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,524 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateExploring the Breathtaking Beartooth Highway: A Scenic Adventure
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Beartooth Highway If you're looking for one of the most spectacular drives in America, the Beartooth Highway is calling your name. This 67-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 212 winds through the heart of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, straddling the Montana-Wyoming border and serving as the perfect gateway to Yellowstone's northeast entrance. Get ready for some serious elevation—this road climbs to a jaw-dropping 10,964 feet at Beartooth Pass, making it the highest highway in both Wyoming and Montana. The entire route is paved, but don't let that fool you. You'll navigate a series of thrilling switchbacks and tight corners that'll keep you on your toes, especially if you're a motorcyclist or cyclist (and trust us, plenty of adrenaline junkies make the pilgrimage here for exactly that reason). The scenery? Absolutely unreal. You're surrounded by 20 peaks towering over 12,000 feet, 10,000 pristine mountain lakes, cascading waterfalls, and a dramatic shift from dense forest to stark alpine tundra in just a few miles. It's earned the nickname "the most beautiful drive in America," and once you experience it, you'll understand why. Plan for 3-4 hours if you're just passing through, but honestly? Set aside a half-day. You'll want to stop constantly for photos and to soak in the views. The road typically opens mid-May through mid-October, but come prepared for anything—surprise snowstorms, fierce winds, and intense thunderstorms can strike even in summer. Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime.
extremeCox Knoll
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Cox Knoll, a beast of a mountain pass tucked away in central Utah's Sanpete County! We're talking serious elevation here – a whopping 10,275 feet above sea level. You'll find this gem chilling within the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Now, don't expect smooth sailing; this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a gravel road that gets rocky, tippy, and bumpy in sections (it's called FR0020, if you're looking for it). Definitely impassable in the winter months. This trail is seriously steep and really meant for seasoned off-roaders with 4x4s. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, or you have a fear of heights, maybe sit this one out. Oh, and if it's been raining, prepare for some seriously muddy conditions! But the views? Absolutely worth it! Just remember to take it slow, stay alert, and soak in the stunning scenery.
easyA scenic paved road to Santiam Pass in central Oregon
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through central Oregon? You HAVE to experience Santiam Pass! Perched at 4,826 feet, this beauty straddles Linn and Jefferson counties and offers a serious dose of Cascade Mountain magic. Locals sometimes call it Lakes Pass, Minto Pass, or even Hogg Pass, but whatever you call it, the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is paved from start to finish. The 18.1-mile stretch winds from Santiam Junction in the west to Black Butte Ranch in the east. You'll likely be able to drive it year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – those winter months can bring short, but intense closures. Heads up, snow bunnies! As you climb, you'll spot the turnoff for Hoodoo Ski Area, perfect for downhill and cross-country thrills from December to March. Hoodoo's been around since the 40s, so you KNOW it's a local favorite. Get ready for some incredible views!
moderateLake Minnewanka Scenic Drive: A Comprehensive Travel Guide
🇨🇦 Canada
Hey fellow adventurers! If you're cruising around Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, you absolutely HAVE to take the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive. Seriously, it's a total gem! Just a hop, skip, and a jump from the town of Banff, Alberta, you'll find this paved loop road ready to whisk you away to the breathtaking Lake Minnewanka – or "Lake of the Spirits," as the Stoney Indians called it. This 13km (8-mile) loop, also known as Lake Minnewanka Scenic Loop, starts and ends right off the Trans-Canada Highway. And while you could technically zip around it in 20-30 minutes, trust me, you'll want to budget way more time. The highest point is at 1,537m (5,042ft), showcasing epic mountain views. The road is open year-round, though parts are closed November to April. This drive is all about soaking up the scenery. You'll pass Two Jack Lake, Johnson Lake, and of course, the stunning Lake Minnewanka. Plus, you'll even get a glimpse of the eerie ghost town of Bankhead. Keep your eyes peeled, wildlife is abundant here, especially in the spring. Bighorn sheep love hanging out near the road, and you might spot elk, deer, foxes, wolves, coyotes, and maybe even a bear if you're super lucky! In the winter, it's a fantastic spot to catch the mesmerizing Northern Lights.