How to get to Athabasca Glacier by car?
Canada, north-america
6 km
2,120 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Canadian Rockies, and you're cruising towards a giant river of ice! The Athabasca Glacier is THE glacier to see in North America, a 3.7-mile-long, one-kilometer-wide icy spectacle nestled in Alberta.
And guess what? You can practically drive right up to it! They say it's the most accessible glacier by car on the planet! The road, Snocoach Road, is paved, starting from the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). It's a quick 1.36-mile jaunt, taking you to the Ice Explorer boarding station at a whopping 6,955 feet above sea level. You'll climb 443 feet in elevation, making for a pretty steady incline.
Word of warning: this glacier is melting at an alarming rate, and it has some hidden dangers! There are crevasses—deep, sneaky cracks in the ice. Stay safe and stick to the designated areas. You can only drive this road in the warmer months. It's usually closed from mid-October to mid-April. It is located in the southern end of Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies. Get ready for some seriously stunning views!
Where is it?
How to get to Athabasca Glacier by car? is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 56.8334, -106.1688
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,120 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 56.8334, -106.1688
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Melendrez Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure awaits in Arizona! Melendrez Pass, nestled in Pima County within the Coronado National Forest, is a must-do if you're craving some off-the-beaten-path exploration. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. You'll find the turnoff south of Sonoita, where things kick off from the smooth AZ-83 onto Forest Road 229. The road stretches for about , starting paved but turning to gravel for the final 5 miles. Trust me, it gets a little rough in the last 0.3 miles, so you'll want a high-clearance 4x4! The elevation gain is gentle, but there are several river crossings and some seriously rocky patches that demand your attention. Given its perch high in the Santa Rita Mountains, keep an eye on the weather forecast before you head out. Rain or snow can turn this drive into a real challenge. But here's the reward: breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, chances to spot some cool local wildlife, and plenty of spots to pull over and soak it all in. It’s the perfect day trip for anyone wanting to escape the crowds and connect with nature.
hardDawson Saddle
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Dawson Saddle! This beauty sits way up high in the Los Angeles County mountains of California, clocking in at a cool 7,923 feet above sea level. You'll reach it via the legendary Angeles Crest Highway, a ribbon of asphalt that's been winding through these hills since 1929. The road's in decent shape, so no worries there, but be warned – it's a climb! You'll definitely feel the elevation as you ascend. And pro tip: during winter, this stretch from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gap usually gets shut down thanks to rockfalls and avalanche risks. But when it's open? The scenery is absolutely epic! Get ready for some serious photo ops.
extremeHow long is Douglas Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride over Douglas Pass in Colorado! This beauty, sitting pretty at 8,287 feet, can be found in Garfield County. You'll cruise along Colorado Highway 139, aka Douglas Pass Road, for about 70.4 miles. This north-south route connects Rangely to Loma and was one of the original highways in the 1920s. It wasn't fully paved until 1972! Being nestled high in the Bookcliff Mountains, winter weather can be intense, so occasional closures are possible. Usually, though, you can access it year-round. The views from the top are insane, especially the La Sal Mountains in the distance! Now, fair warning: Douglas Pass sees a lot of traffic, including big rigs heading north from Grand Junction. Expect hairpin turns, narrow sections hugging the rock face, and erosion that can lead to surprises. The south side has some seriously steep spots, hitting a 7% grade. If you're feeling adventurous once you're at the pass, a small dirt road heads even higher to a communication tower (8,818 feet) with three crazy hairpin turns. 4WD is definitely recommended for that little detour!
easyDriving the road to Mesa del Nayar with spectacular views
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Mexico, leaving the charming town of Jesús María (a cool 1,400 feet above sea level) behind you, headed towards the coast at Ruiz, Nayarit. This isn't just any drive; it's a 87-mile (140 km) adventure on highway 44 through the heart of the Sierra Madre mountains. Get ready for some serious eye candy because the views of the Mesa del Nayar mountain mesa and its canyons are unreal. The road itself? It's a smooth, paved beauty built in 2013. But hold on, this isn't a straight shot; it's a winding path that climbs up to a mountain pass (almost 6,000 feet!) near Mesa del Nayar, treating you to even more breathtaking vistas of coastal mountains and dramatic canyons. The curves are nicely graded, but be warned: there are *a lot* of them. And when you're heading downhill, engine braking is your best friend; there are even two braking ramps along the way just in case. Don't miss the T-junction where Mexico 23 meets Mexico 44 just past Jesús María, opening up even more stunning Sierra Madre Mountain views towards Camino a Canoas or Ruta Tepehuana. Trust me, this drive is all about the journey, not just the destination.