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
extremeShrine Mountain Inn
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Eagle County, Colorado? Sweet! You HAVE to check out Shrine Mountain Inn. Picture this: three cozy cabins – Walters, Chucks, and Jays – nestled high up in the Gore Range, between Vail Pass and the cute town of Red Cliff. You'll be cruising on Shrine Pass Road (FSR 709), and let me tell you, the views are insane as you climb to 11,256 feet! The road's mostly gravel and usually in decent shape, but it can get a bit narrow and rocky in spots. I'd recommend an SUV or 4WD, just to be safe, though sometimes a high-clearance 2WD vehicle can make it. This gem is usually open from June to September, but remember you're in the mountains! The weather can flip on a dime, and they close the road sometimes, so check conditions before you go. High altitude and crazy weather are always a possibility here, no matter the season. Trust me, it's worth it for those views!
moderateThe Alaskan Road to Nowhere is a lonely drive out in the middle of nowhere
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Alaska, in the Alexander Archipelago to be exact, cruising down a gravel road. Locals jokingly call it the "Road to Nowhere," which is officially the Gravina Island Highway. It stretches for about 3.2 miles, and you can open her up to 35 mph...if you dare. Here's the backstory: this highway was supposed to be part of a grand plan to link Ketchikan International Airport to the city of Ketchikan with a fancy bridge. But, plot twist, the bridge got scrapped! So, what's left? A beautifully paved road surrounded by Alaskan wilderness—muskeg and scrub forest as far as the eye can see. It even has wide shoulders and curves, all ready for the traffic that never came. Now, this isn't your typical scenic route. It doesn't connect anything major or lead to any must-see attractions. It's just...there. Construction finished in 2008, and despite the bridge being canceled, the highway got built anyway. The end result? A $25 million road that stops abruptly where the bridge should have been. Hence, the "Road to Nowhere" moniker. It's a bit of a head-scratcher, but hey, at least the scenery is pretty!
hardCook Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright thrill-seekers, listen up! Cook Peak in Kern County, California is calling your name if you're craving a rugged off-road adventure. We're talking a seriously rocky and bumpy climb up Cook Peak Lookout Road to a whopping 5,262 feet above sea level. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking gravel, steep inclines, and the kind of tippy terrain that'll test your off-road skills. A 4x4 is a MUST, and if you're not comfortable with heights, maybe sit this one out. Rainy conditions can turn the road into a muddy mess, so plan accordingly. The views from the top? Totally worth the white-knuckle drive! Just be aware you'll be sharing the summit with some communication towers. Get ready for an epic off-road experience with killer scenery!
hardA rough 4x4 road to Taylor Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Taylor Pass, one of Colorado's highest roads at a whopping 11,948 feet! You'll find this beauty straddling Gunnison and Pitkin counties, west of Denver, deep in the heart of Colorado. Word has it that the pass is named after some old mining dude, Jim Taylor, who was chasing gold dreams way back in the 1860s. Now, heads up: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking a full-on unpaved adventure on Express Creek Road (Forest Service Road 15C). From the paved Castle Creek Road, it's a 4.7-mile climb, and trust me, you'll want a serious 4x4 with high clearance. Regular cars need not apply. Seriously, this road is not for the faint of heart! It's rough and rocky, with at least one creek crossing that'll test your skills. Take it slow through the creek – there can be some tricky holes. And getting out with wet tires can be a challenge, so scout your line first! If you're scared of heights, parts of the north side might make you sweat. Gold Hill and Difficult Pass are accessed from the north side, too. Keep in mind, this area is usually snowed in from October to July. Prime time is late summer, but watch out for early snows in October. But the payoff is HUGE! We're talking killer alpine scenery in the Elk Range. This is a true 4x4 experience, super scenic. Plan on about 2 hours to make the drive. It's a real climb, but the views from the top are unreal – think Elk and Collegiate Peaks Ranges stretching out forever. Hit it in summer (June, July, August) and the alpine wildflowers are insane. Or go in early fall for aspen trees exploding with color in the hillsides and Castle Creek Valley. Located in the Gunnison National Forest, expect some seriously steep sections up to a 20% gradient. You'll climb 2,490 feet from Castle Creek Road, averaging about a 10% grade. Get ready for an adventure!