
How to Travel the Wild Road to Idaho Peak in British Columbia
Canada, north-america
11.7 km
2,121 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Idaho Peak in British Columbia, Canada! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. At 2,121 meters (that's nearly 7,000 feet!) you're practically touching the sky.
Nestled in the West Kootenay region, this hidden gem boasts a lookout tower with mind-blowing views of the Selkirk Mountains and Slocan Lake. Seriously, your Instagram will thank you.
Now, let's talk about the road. Idaho Peak Road is a wild child β unpaved, rough, narrow, and seriously steep. Think switchbacks galore! Keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic because passing spots are rare. And pro-tip: give your brakes a breather on the way down.
Good news: if you've got a high-clearance vehicle, you should be golden. Low riders? Maybe sit this one out. The climb starts in Sandon, winding 11.7 km (about 7.3 miles) with a hefty 1,074-meter climb and an average gradient of 9.17%. Translation? It's a workout for your car!
Heads up, this epic drive is only open from about mid-July to mid-August. Mother Nature calls the shots!
Where is it?
How to Travel the Wild Road to Idaho Peak in British Columbia is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 54.2060, -106.6959
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 11.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,121 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 54.2060, -106.6959
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