How long is the Duffey Lake Road?
Canada, north-america
129 km
1,291 m
hard
Year-round
Highway 99, aka Duffey Lake Road in British Columbia, Canada, is a hidden gem for road trip enthusiasts. Winding 129 km (80.1 miles) from Whistler to Lillooet, this paved beauty (since '91!) carves through the Coastal Mountains, offering views that'll stick with you.
But hold on, it’s not just a pretty face! Duffey Lake Road throws some serious curves your way – think steep climbs, hairpin turns that can test even the sturdiest brakes, and dramatic drop-offs. You'll find yourself navigating single-lane bridges and keeping an eye out for potential rockfalls (it's a mountain road, after all). And while it's usually open year-round, winter can bring closures. Summer is definitely the prime time to experience this road.
The payoff? Jaw-dropping scenery and a summit at 1,291m (4,235ft). Give yourself about 2 hours if you're driving straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. It's a legendary ride among motorcyclists and car lovers alike.
Looking for a longer adventure? The Duffey Lake Loop is a 575 km (360 mile) circuit from Vancouver, through Pemberton, onto the Duffey Lake Road, and back down the highway. Ideally, split it over two days, or tackle it in one epic push!
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 129 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,291 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardKendall Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Silverton, Colorado, and you've got a serious itch for a high-altitude thrill, County Road 33 (aka Kendall Mountain Road) is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking seven miles of rugged, rocky unpaved road climbing up to a whopping 13,061 feet! Think serious drop-offs and a boulder-strewn path that will test your driving skills (and maybe your nerves). Beginner off-roaders, you might want to sit this one out. You'll need a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for this adventure. And make sure your radiator is in tip-top shape, because it's a long, slow grind to the top. Expect a gravelly, bumpy surface and tight spots where passing is…unadvisable. Oh, and keep an eye on the weather – this high up, snow can shut things down from October to June, and even summer days can bring thick fog. But if you're up for the challenge? The views are INSANE. Think panoramic vistas of Silverton, the legendary Route 550, and a sea of majestic peaks. At around 12,800 feet, most vehicles will need to park it, but a trail continues to the tippy-top. This road is a true test of your vehicle, your nerve, and your sense of adventure!
moderateCottonwood Canyon Road in Utah: adventure and beauty, not for everyone
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on Cottonwood Canyon Road, a scenic byway winding through Kane County, Utah, just north of Page, Arizona, and nestled in the stunning Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Also known as K7000 or Cottonwood Canyons Scenic Backway, this 74km (46-mile) dirt road connects Cannonville with Highway 89, near Big Water. Originally a maintenance road for power lines, it's now a pathway to incredible views! The road is usually open year-round, *weather permitting*, and takes around 2 hours to drive, depending on how many photo stops you make! The first 9 miles from Cannonville are paved until you reach the turnoff for Kodachrome Basin State Park. After that, it's graded dirt with a clay base that becomes an absolute mud pit when wet. While a hardy 2WD car can handle it in dry conditions, a 4x4 is definitely more comfortable. But beware, even SUVs can get stuck after rain! This road transforms into a slippery mess when wet, and flash floods can wash out sections, especially during summer thunderstorms. The surface can also be rough in places due to less maintenance recently. This road is NOT suitable for RVs or trailers. Before you go, check conditions at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Cannonville. There are no services along the route, so pack food, water, and emergency supplies. And remember, if rain or snow is forecast, stay away!
hardWhere is Brian Head Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around Iron County, Utah, and you're craving some serious altitude, you HAVE to check out the road up to Brian Head Peak. Seriously, this is one of the highest roads in the whole state, clocking in way above sea level. You'll find this gem north of Cedar Breaks National Monument, nestled in Dixie National Forest, in the southwestern corner of Utah. Be warned, though, the air is thin up here, so take it easy and don't stand up too fast! What awaits you at the summit? An old-school Forest Service lookout – it feels like stepping back in time! On a clear day, the views stretch on forever. Now, the road itself is an adventure. It's unpaved, a little rough and bumpy, but totally doable in a regular car. Just make sure your brakes are in tip-top shape, because there are some seriously steep drop-offs with no guardrails! This road was built the old fashioned way, using some heavy machinery but with the aid of horses. Just be mindful as you navigate the winding paths that skirt the edge of the mountain. How long is this epic climb? The unpaved section stretches for only a few miles from the main paved road, but it packs a punch. You'll gain serious elevation, making for a pretty steep gradient in some spots. Heads up, this road is typically open from late spring/early summer through fall, depending on the snow. So, if you're planning a winter trip, you might have to wait for the thaw.
hardMalemute Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Ready for a real Colorado high? Malemute Peak, clocking in at almost 13,000 feet, is calling your name! You'll find it nestled in Pitkin County, deep in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking Montezuma Basin Road: gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bump. Think of it as a massage for your tires... if your tires are into that sort of thing. Winter? Forget about it – this road's snoozing under a blanket of snow. Experienced off-roaders, this is your playground! But seriously, if you get nervous on unpaved mountain roads, maybe sit this one out. A trusty 4x4 is an absolute must, and a healthy respect for heights is a major plus. Expect some seriously steep sections and potentially muddy conditions if it's been raining. But hey, the views! And you'll be cruising past old mining relics, so you're basically driving through history. Just breathe deep, keep your eyes on the trail, and get ready for an epic adventure!