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
hardDriving the scenic Elk Mountain Summit Drive in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Elk Mountain in Wyoming is calling your name! This beast of a peak clocks in at a whopping 11,171 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. You'll find it in Carbon County, about 7 miles from the town of Elk Mountain (named after a Sioux chief, how cool is that?). Now, here's the deal: this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. We're talking totally unpaved, so your trusty 4x4 is a must. Starting near Rattlesnake Pass, the 8-mile trek to the top is STEEP – we're talking a maximum 15% gradient in places! Get ready to climb over 3,500 feet, with an average incline of 8.41%. The views from the top? Totally worth it. You're smack-dab in the Medicine Bow Mountains. Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed in from late October until almost July, so plan your trip accordingly. Oh, and there's a radio station broadcaster (KBDY) at the summit, for some extra interesting scenery. Happy trails!
hardThe Chicken Corners Trail in Moab is a breathtaking road along the Colorado River
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on the Chicken Corners Trail, located in Utah's San Juan County! This epic 14.8-mile adventure hugs the Colorado River downstream, serving up views that'll make your jaw drop. Ever wondered about that name? Legend has it, the trail's narrowest point overlooking the river was where the "least" chicken-hearted traveler dared to pass. Talk about a test of courage! The terrain's a mix of gravel, red dirt, sand, and sandstone, making it perfect for a high-clearance 4x4 SUV. While you might not even need to engage 4WD most of the time, don't even think about attempting this in a low-clearance vehicle. Prepare for a passenger's trust to be seriously tested. On one side, the river flows; on the other, a straight 450-foot drop. It's wide enough, but those high shelf roads can be intimidating! Reaching a peak of 4,475 feet at Hurrah Pass, this trail is generally accessible year-round, but spring and fall are prime time. Morning drives are especially magical for snapping those envy-inducing photos and dodging the crowds. This trail serves up some of the most stunning vistas in the Moab area. The view of the Colorado River from Chicken Corners is simply breathtaking. The road culminates at a dramatic cliff, where a narrow path leads to a viewpoint near the Goose Neck. Brace yourself for a few turns that'll have you peering straight down into canyons, but trust me, it's SO worth it. And hey, from Chicken Corners, keep an eye out for Thelma & Louise Point across the river – a nod to the iconic movie's unforgettable ending.
hardWhere is Williams Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're just outside the ghost town of Hancock, Colorado, smack-dab on the Chaffee/Gunnison county line, bordering San Isabel and Gunnison National Forests. You're about to tackle Williams Pass, a crazy high mountain pass topping out at 11,788 feet! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a five-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated, unpaved Jeep trail, called Williams Pass Jeep Trail (NFST #298). Think rocky, narrow, and if it's been raining? Mud bogs galore! This bumpy ride, following an old 1880s toll road through an alpine meadow, is seriously challenging, especially when you get squeezed tight amongst the trees and shrubs. Starting from Alpine Tunnel National Forest System Road #839 (NFSR) and climbing north to the Continental Divide onto NFSR #295, you'll be hitting some steep sections with gradients up to 8%. High-clearance 4x4 vehicles are a must. Seriously, don't even think about it otherwise. Here's the catch: Williams Pass is only open for a few weeks each year, usually in August (if the weather plays nice). After being closed for a whopping 12 years, it reopened in '97, but even then, some years it just doesn't open at all. So, check the conditions before you go, or you might find yourself seriously bummed!
moderateDriving the enthralling Notom-Bullfrog Road in Capitol Reef NP
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising the Notom-Bullfrog Road in Utah's Capitol Reef National Park is an absolute MUST if you're in the area. This beauty traces the eastern edge of the Waterpocket Fold, a geological marvel that'll have you glued to your windows! Spanning Wayne and Garfield counties, this route clocks in at about 32.5 miles. You'll start smooth sailing on pavement for the first 15 miles, then things get a little more adventurous with a well-maintained dirt, sand, and gravel surface. Most cars can handle it in good weather, but definitely check in at the visitor center before you go. This road tops out at 5,725 feet above sea level, and Mother Nature can be unpredictable here — recent storms or floods can make it impassable, even for 4x4s. Give yourself up to two hours each way, and that's without stops (which, trust me, you'll want to make!). The scenery is phenomenal, and there are tons of chances to explore narrow canyons and hit the backcountry trails like Lower Muley Twist and Halls Creek Narrows. Get ready for some seriously epic views!