How long is the Smith Dorrien Trail?
Canada, north-america
70.2 km
1,909 m
hard
Year-round
Craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Head to Kananaskis in Alberta and discover the Smith Dorrien Trail (Highway 742)! This beauty stretches for about 70 km from south of Canmore to the Kananaskis Trail (Highway 40), carving its way through the stunning Smith-Dorrien Valley.
Fair warning: ditch the sports car. It’s a gravel road, so expect some dust and washboards. Most cars can handle it, though. This high-altitude route peaks at around 1,909 meters, so even in summer, be ready for some snow!
Plan on about 1.5 to 2 hours of driving time if you don’t stop (but you *will* want to stop!). The scenery is incredible. Speaking of stopping, keep your eyes peeled for moose!
The biggest thing to watch out for is dust, so keep a good distance between vehicles. The road gets pretty rough in spots, and near Canmore, there’s a narrow, steep, winding section. And remember, there's no cell service out there, so be prepared!
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 70.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,909 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Doherty Slide?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Oregon Route 140, right near the Oregon-Nevada line, overlooking the vast Warner Valley. This is Doherty Slide, also known as Doherty Rim, and it's a high mountain ridge sitting pretty at 6,246 feet. This stretch of road, connecting northwestern Nevada to southern Oregon, is 109 miles long, running from US-395 (just north of Lakeview, Oregon) all the way to NV-140 (south of Denio, Nevada). It's paved, but don't let that fool you! Located about 20 miles east of Adel, you'll see a sign near the summit that's pretty clear: "Take Your Time, Don’t Rush, And You’ll Get There Alive." And they're not kidding. This is a narrow two-lane highway with absolutely no guardrail. That's right – just you and a serious drop-off. Speaking of steep, get ready for a climb! There's an 8% grade that lasts for three miles, and another sign that warns, "Trucks Use Low Gear". Seriously, the shoulder is basically a vertical drop of a thousand feet! A final, huge yellow sign screams, “This Is Your Final Warning! Turn Back Now If You Have A Heart Condition!" The views are incredible, formed by ancient lava flows, but you'll probably be too busy concentrating to fully enjoy them!
moderateCaminos de Sierra de Juarez (San Juan Petlapa Road)
🇲🇽 Mexico
Craving a Mexican adventure that'll test your driving skills and reward you with unforgettable views? The road to San Juan Petlapa is calling! Forget your average highway – this route, starting near Villa Diaz Ordaz, is a wild ride through the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains. Imagine this: you begin at 1720 meters above sea level and climb rapidly to Cuajimoloyas at a staggering 3170 meters in just 20 kilometers! From there, you'll descend into valleys, hitting lows around 850 meters, before winding back up again. Weave through charming towns perched on mountainsides, each turn revealing even more breathtaking scenery. Be prepared for switchbacks galore, especially in the stretch between San Cristobal Lachirioag and San Juan Tabaá – over 40 in just 10 kilometers as you carve your way through a canyon! After navigating past San Cristobal Lachirioag and San Idelfonso Villa Alta, you'll tackle another series of hairpin turns near Santa María Temaxcalapa, climbing to a mountain pass of 2400 meters. Finally, a rapid descent brings you to San Juan Petlapa at 660 meters. Keep in mind that the road is rough paved in several sections, with high grades and tight switchbacks, and even towns to drive through! As of now, there's some construction happening beyond San Juan Petlapa towards Jocotepec. This drive is not for the faint of heart, but the stunning mountain vistas and unique cultural experiences make it an adventure you won't soon forget.
moderateNorth Star Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a Colorado thrill, you HAVE to check out North Star Mountain. We're talking serious altitude here - a whopping 12,992 feet! Located in Summit County, this is one of the highest drives in the state. Fair warning: this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. This is a proper 4x4 kinda adventure. Co Rd 2 is a gravelly, rocky, and sometimes bumpy old mine trail that winds its way up through the Mosquito Range. Expect high winds pretty much year-round, and even in summer, be prepared for a potential snowy surprise. Keep in mind that access can change due to private mining claims, so stay alert! This road is generally impassable between October and June, weather depending, of course. But trust me, when you finally reach the top (or Zenobia Peak along the way), the views are absolutely worth it. Get ready for some seriously scenic backcountry beauty!
hardIs the road to Kendall Peak in Colorado unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Kendall Peak Road in Colorado's San Juan County! We're talking about an unpaved, rocky, and exhilarating climb up County Road 33 (aka Kendall Mountain Road). Starting near Silverton, this 7-mile journey is strictly for high-clearance 4WD vehicles only. And, pro-tip: make sure your radiator is in tip-top shape. Expect some serious drop-offs and a boulder-strewn path that'll test your off-roading skills. Novices, maybe sit this one out. The elevation gains are intense, topping out around 12,800 feet where most vehicles have to park. From there, a trail will take you the rest of the way to the peak. Be warned: shelf roads with zero room to pass are part of the adventure! This high in the San Juan Mountains, weather is a real factor. Summer thunderstorms can roll in fast, and winter... well, winter pretty much shuts it down. Plan your trip for the summer months for the best chance of access. But, oh, those views! The San Juan and Rio Grande National Forests stretch out in every direction. From the top, you'll get killer panoramas of Silverton and all the surrounding peaks. It's a chance to witness some of Colorado's most secluded landscapes. Trust me; it's worth the white-knuckle drive.