How long is Highway 40 in BC?
Canada, north-america
105 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Highway 40 in British Columbia, Canada, is a wild ride stretching 105 km (65 miles) from Lillooet (nestled in a mountain paradise on the Fraser River) to Gold Bridge in the Bridge River Valley. You'll know you're on the right track as you head west on what locals call the Moha Road, Bridge River Road, or Lillooet-Pioneer Roads (aka Road 40).
This isn't just a Sunday drive, though! Expect some narrow sections with 11%-13% grade switchbacks. The road is mostly paved but often dusty. High clearance is a definite plus, and keep an eye out for logging trucks and other industrial traffic sharing the road.
Heads up: Cell service is basically nonexistent, and rocks (big and small) are frequent road hazards. Winter means no maintenance or snowplowing, and rockslides are common year-round, so stay alert for falling rocks and wildlife. Avalanche hazards pop up in the winter, too.
Budget around 2.5 to 3 hours for the drive, without stops. The scenery is worth every second! You'll journey from the dry canyons near Lillooet, through the dramatic Bridge River Gorge, along the unreal turquoise waters of Carpenter Lake, and finally into the Coast Mountains near Gold Bridge. The colors and water levels of Carpenter Lake are constantly changing with the seasons. Waterfalls and wildlife sightings are common!
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 105 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardOso Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure in New Mexico's Cibola County, Oso Ridge is calling your name. This bad boy tops out at 8,727 feet, so be prepared for some serious altitude. Now, let's be real: the road to the top (Forest Service 187A) is *not* for the faint of heart. We're talking gravel, rocks, bumps, and plenty of "tippy" moments. Think of it as a rugged massage for your 4x4 – because, trust me, you'll need one! This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, and you'll want some off-roading experience under your belt. Mother Nature usually shuts this route down from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. Your reward for conquering this beast? Stunning views from the summit and a cool fire lookout tower that's been standing tall since 1965.
hardPearl Pass is one of the last roads to open in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Pearl Pass: Colorado's High-Altitude Adventure! Located high in the heart of Colorado, this pass hits an elevation of 12,723 feet (3,878m), making it one of the state's highest roads. You'll find it straddling Pitkin and Gunnison counties, deep in eastern Colorado. Pearl Pass Road (#102) isn't paved – it's a 16.9-mile (27.19km) stretch of rugged, unadulterated off-road heaven. Once an old mining route linking Crested Butte and Aspen, it's now a thrilling 4x4 trail. This isn't a drive for the faint of heart. You'll need a serious 4x4 to tackle the boulder fields, steep climbs, water crossings, and narrow shelf roads. Expect some seriously rough patches, including a half-mile stretch with a grade of over 25%! Buckle up tight for those rocky, rollercoaster sections. Once you're over the pass, the route mellows out, save for a marshy area. It's got fewer obstacles than some CO trails, but the rocks, rock slides, and scenery are epic. Speaking of scenery, the Rocky Mountain views are unbeatable, with diverse landscapes around every bend. The pass crosses the Continental Divide. Be warned: snow often lingers into late July, and sometimes the pass doesn't fully open at all. It’s usually only passable for a few weeks in late summer, and heavy snow years can block the summit completely. Snow and ice are common at higher elevations well into summer. Give yourself 5-6 hours to soak it all in. Tucked within Gunnison National Forest between Aspen and Crested Butte, Pearl Pass is a truly unforgettable Colorado adventure.
extremePajarito Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're in north-central New Mexico, specifically Los Alamos County, and craving a serious off-road experience, then Pajarito Mountain is calling your name! This peak punches up to a whopping 10,360 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. Nestled on the eastern flank of the Jemez Mountains, the road to the top is a beast – think gravel, seriously rocky, and downright treacherous in spots. You absolutely need a 4x4 to even consider this one. Keep a close eye on the weather, because things can change on a dime up there, and closures are common. Seriously, only attempt this when it's dry! A word to the wise: if you have any respiratory or heart issues, this isn't the drive for you. The altitude and extreme weather are no joke, no matter the time of year. And be prepared for wind – it’s a constant companion at these heights. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, the views are probably insane!
extremeDriving the rough 4x4 road to Poughkeepsie Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
# Poughkeepsie Pass: Colorado's Ultimate High-Altitude Challenge Nestled in the stunning San Juan Mountains near Ouray, Poughkeepsie Pass (also called California Pass) sits at a breathtaking 12,919 feet above sea level, making it one of Colorado's highest drivable roads. This 11.5-mile beast of a route runs west-east from Ironton to Animas Forks, passing just south of picturesque Lake Como. Here's the thing though—this isn't your typical scenic mountain drive. County Road 19 is a gavel and rocky nightmare that demands serious respect. We're talking about a steep, rough track that's exclusively for high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. Jeeps have been known to roll here, and that's not an exaggeration. You'll encounter erosion, loose rocks, deep mud holes, and obstacles up to 5 feet high, plus near-vertical grades that'll make your palms sweat. The infamous "The Wall" used to be a mandatory climb or turn-around situation—until 2015 when a bypass finally got built. Even so, you'll absolutely need differential lockers and a winch before even thinking about attempting this. A particularly sharp, steep hairpin curve becomes extra treacherous on the way down, and water crossings with strong currents can appear without warning. This trail has crushed the confidence of experienced drivers and isn't for casual adventurers. Novices shouldn't even consider it—you need genuine 4x4 expertise and a vehicle that can handle serious punishment. Snow typically stays until April, so the season runs April through October when conditions allow. The payoff? Absolutely stunning views that make every white-knuckle moment worth it.