How long is the Duffey Lake Road?

How long is the Duffey Lake Road?

Canada, north-america

Length

129 km

Elevation

1,291 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Canada
Continent
north-america
Length
129 km
Max Elevation
1,291 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Is the road to Alma paved?easy

Is the road to Alma paved?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so you're heading to Alma, Colorado? Prepare for some seriously high-altitude adventures! This little gem, nestled in Park County, boasts the title of the highest incorporated town in North America, sitting pretty at a whopping 10,578 feet above sea level. The road to get there? Smooth sailing! State Highway 9 is completely paved, so no need for a heavy-duty off-roader. You'll find Alma north of Fairplay (the Park County seat) and south of Frisco, making it a great stop on a Colorado road trip. The drive itself is about 31.9 miles long, a scenic north-south stretch from Fairplay to Frisco. Keep an eye out for incredible views of the Tenmile Range of the Rocky Mountains as you go. Alma has roots dating back to the 1800s during Colorado's gold rush. Heads up on the weather: Alma's got a subarctic climate, meaning long, chilly winters and short, mild summers. Snow is a real possibility any time of year, and the winter months can get pretty snowy, so be prepared for all kinds of conditions!

How long is Ephraim Canyon Road in Utah?extreme

How long is Ephraim Canyon Road in Utah?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, picture this: cruising through central Utah on the seriously stunning Ephraim Canyon Road! This gem cuts right through the Manti–La Sal National Forest, winding its way from the cute town of Ephraim all the way to Orangeville. We're talking about a 45.8-mile (73.70km) adventure that'll have your camera working overtime. Heads up: this road is getting a makeover! It's on its way to being fully paved, so stay tuned for updates. But don't think it's a walk in the park! This drive is a bit of a beast, climbing up to a whopping 10,321 feet (3,146m) above sea level. You'll be tackling some steep climbs – think 5,000 feet in just 15 miles – and navigating some tight corners, so take it slow and enjoy the ride. A high-clearance vehicle is a must for this one. The views are absolutely worth it, though – trust me!

An epic road to Mount Lemmon in Arizonaeasy

An epic road to Mount Lemmon in Arizona

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Mount Lemmon Highway, Arizona's epic climb! Just 45 miles north of Tucson, this beauty winds its way up to a whopping 9,159 feet. It's a fave for cyclists, and honestly, anyone who loves a good road with incredible views. They call it the Catalina Highway Scenic Drive for a reason. Starting near Tucson, you'll be cruising for about 32.5 miles, gaining a massive 7,329 feet in elevation! Yeah, it gets steep – hitting a max grade of 10% in spots. That translates to an average gradient of 4.27%. Translation: prepare for some serious climbing! This isn't a straight shot, folks. Expect curves, twists, and turns that'll keep you on your toes. HUGE RVs and long trailers might struggle a bit. But trust me, the payoff is worth it. Give yourself 1 to 1.5 hours for the drive, not counting all the stops you'll want to make. Why stops? Oh, just for the sweeping views, outlandish rock formations, and vistas that'll take your breath away. You'll find plenty of pull-offs to soak it all in. Heads up: winter can bring the white stuff – like, over 200 inches of snow annually! The peak is significantly cooler than down below, so be prepared for potential closures. But that snow also makes it a super popular escape, even if the road is only open partially. The road to the summit is generally open year round, but winter weather may cause temporary closures.

What’s Needles Eye in South Dakota famous for?hard

What’s Needles Eye in South Dakota famous for?

🇺🇸 Usa

Cruising through Custer State Park in South Dakota? You HAVE to experience Needles Eye! This isn't just a road; it's an adventure carved right through the Black Hills. Picture this: you're on Highway 87, part of the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, winding 14 miles through granite spires and lush pines. The real star is the Needles Eye Tunnel—an 8'4" wide, 12' high passage blasted straight through the rock. It's cozy, to say the least! One car at a time, folks, so be ready to take turns and maybe hold your breath! RVs and big trailers? Probably best to skip this part. The views are absolutely worth it, though. Those needle-like granite formations are stunning, and the road itself is a masterpiece, completed back in 1922. Factor in about 45 minutes to an hour to really soak it all in, driving a leisurely pace. Keep in mind that this route is generally open from April to October, as it usually closes for winter due to snow. And remember there's a park entrance fee. Get ready for tight hairpin turns, mind-blowing scenery, and a drive you won't soon forget!