How to Get by Car to Marmot Basin in Alberta?
Canada, north-america
13.5 km
1,989 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you're heading to Alberta, Canada, you HAVE to check out the drive up to Marmot Basin ski resort. We're talking a climb to 1,989m (6,525 ft) above sea level in the heart of Jasper National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, no less!
The adventure kicks off from the AB-93A, and the climb is a super manageable 13.5 km (8.38 miles). You'll gain a solid 828 meters of elevation along the way, mostly on a smooth asphalt road with gradients around 5-7%.
They call this beauty Marmot Road, and it's mostly paved, but be warned: the final 1.5 km turns to dirt. Don’t worry, though – it's totally doable in most cars.
The real star of the show? The views! Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Just a heads-up: mountain weather is no joke, so make sure your ride is ready for anything. Trust me, this drive is worth it!
Where is it?
How to Get by Car to Marmot Basin in Alberta? is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 59.6920, -106.9436
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 13.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,989 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 59.6920, -106.9436
Related Roads in north-america
hardPowderface Trail Road in Alberta: Navigating Kananaskis Country's Scenic Challenge
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Alberta, Canada, you HAVE to check out the Powderface Trail in Kananaskis Country. Seriously, this drive is unreal. It's about 34 km (21 miles) of pure, unadulterated wilderness connecting Highway 68 to AB-66. Think winding gravel roads that snake through forests and hug alongside rushing creeks. Picture-perfect, right? Now, a heads-up: this isn’t your Sunday drive. The start of the trail is pretty clear, with a sign that basically says "enter at your own risk". It's like a rollercoaster with twists, turns, and some seriously steep sections. The gravel can be loose, and things can get a little bumpy, so it’s best to be prepared. Also, be prepared for no cell service so remember to pack snacks and maybe a paper map, just in case. And keep your eyes peeled for wandering livestock! You'll climb up to 1,854m (6,082ft) above sea level, so the views are absolutely breathtaking. Pro tip: this trail is closed from December 1st to May 15th, give or take, depending on the weather. Don't even THINK about trying it when it's closed!
moderateOscura Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever heard of Oscura Peak in New Mexico? This bad boy tops out at a whopping 8,628 feet! You'll find it nestled in the Oscura Mountains, deep in Socorro County. Now, before you pack your bags, there's a catch. The road up, Wsmr S Rte 331, is all gravel, which sounds cool and rugged, right? Well, hold your horses! This isn't your average scenic drive. This is a military area, and civilian vehicles are strictly off-limits. So, while the views are probably epic, you’ll have to admire this peak from afar. Bummer, I know!
extremeWhere does California State Route 39 start and end?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along State Route 39 (SR 39), straddling the line between Orange and Los Angeles counties in California. This isn't just any road trip; it's a mountain adventure in the San Gabriel range, with switchbacks that'll keep you on your toes! Starting from the Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1), this fully paved path winds for about 50 miles up to Islip Saddle on the Angeles Crest Highway. Now, here's the twist: the northern part, famously known as San Gabriel Canyon Road, has been closed since '78. Yep, you heard that right – closed! Back in the day, SR 39 was meant to connect the coast with the mountains, even playing a role in "Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift." But Mother Nature had other plans. Rockslides, mudslides, and plain ol' wear and tear led to parts of the highway being abandoned. A big rockslide in 2005 pretty much sealed the deal, shutting it down to regular traffic indefinitely. So, can you drive it? Well, it's a mixed bag. Some sections are dirt, others eroded. You can hike or bike it, but be warned: major parts are washed out, especially on the west side of Mount Islip. And let's not forget the extreme snow, avalanches, and rockslides that can hit seasonally. It's passable for emergency vehicles, but those narrow dirt sections near the rockslide areas? Not exactly passenger-car friendly. Despite all that, remnants of this once-busy road are still there, whispering stories of California's past. If you're up for a bit of exploration and a touch of history, this "Forbidden Highway" offers a unique, if slightly rugged, experience.
moderateOld Maverick Road is the easiest off-road road in Big Bend NP
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for a desert adventure on Old Maverick Road, a super chill off-road route in Big Bend National Park, Texas! You'll find it in the western part of the state, hugging the west side of the park. This isn't your average paved path – it's a 12.6-mile (20.27km) dirt road winding through the Terlingua Creek badlands. Keep an eye on the weather, though! Rainstorms can cause high water and flooding, making it impassable. Some washes get pretty gnarly after a downpour. If you're in a car with low clearance, proceed with caution—there are some rough spots and blind corners. RVs and low-riders should probably skip this one altogether. The road connects Maverick Junction and Santa Elena Canyon, and it's all about those views. Plan about an hour to drive it straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop! There are a few cool historic spots and scenic overlooks, especially of the Terlingua Creek. As you approach the Rio Grande and Santa Elena, you'll catch glimpses of the canyon walls, towering over 1,000 feet high. Make sure to hit the observation point and the hiking trail for the full Santa Elena Canyon experience with cliffs that soar up to 1,500 feet.