How long is Edgerton Highway?
Usa, north-america
53.91 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in Alaska's Big Delta, near Chitina in the Copper River Valley. You're about to cruise down the Edgerton Highway, a fully paved, totally accessible road stretching for a sweet 33.5 miles.
Starting from the Richardson Highway (AK-4) at Pippin Lake, you'll head towards Chitina, right on the Copper River's west shore. Fun fact: the first 6 miles are almost dead straight, which is seriously rare for twisty Alaskan roads!
Locals call it the Edgerton Cutoff, and it's open year-round, but watch out for winter closures due to crazy weather. Good news though – you can find food, gas, lodging, and even RV parks along the way.
Give yourself about an hour to drive it straight through, but honestly, you'll want to stop. The views are unreal, and it's the perfect gateway to Liberty Falls and the stunning scenery that’s drawing more and more people to this corner of Alaska. Trust me, your camera roll will thank you!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 53.91 km
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
easyChristmas Tree Pass is an enjoyable drive through the desert of Nevada
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Christmas Tree Pass in Nevada! This isn't your typical Vegas experience. We're talking about a 16.3-mile dirt road (NPS Road 20) snaking through the Newberry Mountains, hitting a peak of 3,969 feet. Find it by heading outside Laughlin off NV-163 or coming from Searchlight on US-93. The views are seriously amazing – classic Nevada desert landscapes giving way to mountain scenery. You'll be cruising through the Lake Mead National Recreation Area so there are hiking and rock scrambling opportunities along the way! The road's generally in good shape but watch out for some steep and rough patches, especially on the east side just below the summit. High clearance is helpful in spots. Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes! The real highlight? The pass is named for *the* Christmas Tree – a local tradition of decorating a tree along the route with ornaments. Plus, don't miss Grapevine Canyon! Seriously cool ancient rock art is etched into the granite boulders. Allocate about an hour to drive, not including stops, along this route sacred to Native American tribes.
hardGarfield Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a serious dose of Rocky Mountain high, you HAVE to check out Garfield Peak in Colorado's Chaffee County. We're talking a lung-busting 12,372 feet above sea level! The road up, Lincoln Creek Road (aka County Road 23), is a real beast. Think gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lotta "hold on tight!" This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. You'll be tackling this 11-mile stretch off CO-82 in the Sawatch Range, and trust me, it's steep. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one, and a healthy respect for heights! Wet conditions can turn the road into a muddy mess, so keep an eye on the weather. Oh, and pro tip: don't even THINK about trying this between October and June – it's totally impassable then. The peak itself is named after President James A. Garfield and is a great spot to visit Maggie Gulch mine. But the real reward is the insane scenery. Seriously, the views from the top are worth every white-knuckle moment. So, if you're an experienced off-roader looking for a challenge, Garfield Peak needs to be on your list!
hardA steep unpaved road to Whitehorn Mountain in AB
🇨🇦 Canada
Alright adventure seekers, let's talk Whitehorn Mountain in Alberta, Canada! This peak hits a whopping 2,525m (8,284ft), making it one of the highest roads you can find in the country. Nestled in the southern part of Alberta, practically kissing the British Columbia border within Banff National Park, lies this gem. Now, hold on tight, because the road to the top is pure, unadulterated dirt. We're talking a service road for a chairlift, so expect some seriously steep climbs. A 4x4 isn't just recommended – it's essential. From the smooth paved Trans-Canada Highway, you've got about 7.0 km (4.34 miles) of rugged terrain to conquer before reaching the summit. Perched high in the Canadian Rockies, you can usually tackle this beast from mid-May to the end of November. Get ready for some breathtaking views!
moderateRoad trip guide: Boreas Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Boreas Pass! This high-altitude gem sits at 11,505 feet in the Colorado Rockies, offering killer views between Breckenridge and Como. You'll find it smack-dab on the Summit and Park county line, nestled in the White River National Forest. This 20-mile route follows the path of gold rush prospectors and a historic narrow-gauge railroad that ran from 1872 to 1938! It’s now a county road (CR 10/Forest Service Road 404) that winds through some seriously stunning scenery. The road is a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, but usually passable by 2WD vehicles in good weather. Be prepared for some washboards and embedded rocks along the way. It can get pretty narrow in spots with two-way traffic, and watch out for bicyclists! At the top, there's parking and Ken's Cabin, a historic mountain hut. Budget about an hour for the drive, but you'll want to stop! The views are incredible, especially in the fall when the aspen trees are blazing with color. You'll also get great perspectives of Mount Silverheels and the Tenmile Range. Plus, there are some cool ghost towns nearby if you're into that. Heads up: Boreas Pass is closed to vehicles from October to May, so plan accordingly!