
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
moderateAlberta Park Reservoir
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're in Colorado, itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Check out Alberta Park Reservoir in Mineral County! Perched high in the San Juan Mountains at a cool 10,259 feet, you’ll find it by taking USFS Road 391. Fair warning: this road's usually buried in snow by late fall, so plan accordingly. Even when it's not, keep an eye out for tricky winter conditions. The good news? It’s a well-maintained dirt road—you don't need a burly 4x4 to get there. Just a regular car will do. The drive itself is short and sweet: just under two miles from Highway 160. It ends at a parking lot, and from there, the reservoir is all yours to explore! Get ready for some stunning mountain views.
hardJames Peak Lake: Only Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skills
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! James Peak Lake in Colorado's Gilpin County is calling! This alpine gem sits way up high at 11,256 feet, nestled right below the stunning east face of James Peak. Getting there? It's a wild, unpaved ride – about a mile of shelf road that's not for the faint of heart. Seriously, you'll need a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive beast. This road gets steep and rocky, plus it’s mostly above the treeline, so prepare for some incredible views, but be careful. Starting from the James Peak Lookout parking lot, you'll follow an old wagon road across some pretty loose rock. Heads up: this trail is closed to private vehicles. Expect it to be chilly and windy, and remember, snow can hang around even into July at that altitude! But hey, the lake itself? Totally worth it. It's named after Dr. Edwin James, a cool botanist from way back when. Get ready for an unforgettable mountain experience!
moderateWhere is Porphyry Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna conquer a mountain in central Montana's Lewis and Clark National Forest? Porphyry Peak is calling your name! Perched right on the county line, this beauty tops out at a cool 8,202 feet (2,500 meters). At the summit, you'll find the Porphyry Peak Lookout Tower, the perfect spot to soak in those jaw-dropping views of the Little Belt Mountains. Now, about the road... Forest Service Road 834 is your path to glory. It's a decent trek to the top, and you'll definitely feel the climb. Heads up: even though this road is usually open year-round, winter can throw some curveballs. Make sure you're prepped for tough winter driving conditions before you head out!
hardWhere is Left Hand Reservoir?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've found an incredible spot tucked away in north-central Colorado, deep within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests: Left Hand Reservoir. But getting there? That's half the fun! The road? Let's just say it's...rustic. Think totally unpaved, rough and ready terrain. We're talking a serious 4WD situation here, folks. High clearance is a MUST. Forget your standard car—you'll need something that can handle big ruts that might give you some approach and departure angle problems. SUVs? Proceed with extreme caution (or maybe just skip it). And watch out for those high winds! The route is steep and you'll be thankful for low-range gearing. And have your camera ready, because there are plenty of tree stumps, rocks, and boulders along the sides of the trail that'll make for some epic photos. Keep in mind this isn't a year-round destination. Due to its location in the Front Range of the southern Rocky Mountains, the road's only open from about mid-June to mid-October. The unpaved section starts off of the paved Forest Road 112 (Brainard Lake Road) and stretches for roughly 3.8 miles. Over that distance, you'll climb about 600 vertical feet. Worth it for the views!