Is Hwy 40 in Alberta paved?
Canada, north-america
1,021 km
2,217 m
easy
Year-round
Highway 40 in Alberta? Oh, you HAVE to drive it! This epic road, also called the Bighorn Highway or Kananaskis Trail, stretches for 1,021 km (634 miles) from Coleman, nestled in the southwest Alberta Rockies, all the way up to Grande Prairie in the northwest.
Now, here's the thing: it's a mix of paved and gravel, so be prepared for a bit of everything. And keep an eye on road closures – winter weather can shut it down, especially between Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and Hwy 541 (usually closed December 1 to June 14).
But trust me, the views are worth it! This road winds through the Canadian Rockies, peaking at a whopping 2,217m (7,273ft). That's the highest highway elevation in the whole country! You'll be cruising near the treeline, where you might even spot some lingering snow in summer. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – bears, elk, moose, mountain goats, coyotes... it's a nature lover's paradise! Seriously, if you want a scenic day trip to explore Canada and southern Alberta, this is it. Breathtaking views guaranteed!
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 1,021 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,217 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
moderateTake the Scenic Route and Discover Nancy Greene Summit in BC
🇨🇦 Canada
Hey fellow road trippers! Ever heard of Nancy Greene Summit in beautiful British Columbia? This paved beauty, also known as Highway 3B, winds its way through the Monashee Mountains for about 28 km (17 miles), connecting Rossland to the Crowsnest Highway. The pass itself sits at a cool 1,581m (5,187ft), named after the nearby Nancy Greene Lake. Fair warning: this road isn't for the faint of heart! You'll be tackling some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 10.8%. Located within Nancy Greene Provincial Park, the summit is usually open year-round, offering stunning views. But be prepared for anything! Winter can throw some serious curveballs – think heavy snowfall and strong winds. Conditions can change quickly, so always check the forecast. Winter tires or chains are a must from October to April. Trust me, those snowstorms and blowing snow are no joke!
hardCounty Road 861
🇺🇸 Usa
County Road 861 is a very scenic high mountain road located in the San Juan Mountains, Gunnison County, in the U.S. State of Colorado. The road runs entirely over 2.760m above the sea level. It’s unpaved with some very narrow sections, totally impassable for 2 cars at the same time. The trail is 7.72km (4.8 miles) long. 4x4 vehicle required. The road is not plowed in winters. Its highest elevation is at 3.092m (10,144ft) above the sea level. The road offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. The area is notorious for severe thunderstorms and lightning on summer afternoons. Conditions can quickly change and become dangerous. Risk Management: Staying Safe on High-Fatality and Technical Roads Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhat is the highest paved road in every US State? The Ultimate List
🇺🇸 Usa
# Chasing State Summits: America's Most Epic Mountain Drives Ever wanted to drive to the literal top of your state? There's something magical about pushing your car to the highest point in the land—where the air gets thinner, the views get bigger, and your engine works harder than ever before. From the jaw-dropping Colorado Rockies to the historic mountain passes of the Appalachians, these are the roads that take you to the absolute peak. This isn't just about elevation numbers (though those are impressive). It's about experiencing the real challenges of high-altitude driving: those heart-pounding gradients, the sudden weather shifts that can catch you off guard, and the engineering marvels that make it all possible. Whether you're a seasoned mountain driver or just looking for your next adventure, these state summits deliver the kind of experiences that stick with you. Ready to explore? Our interactive map is your guide to discovering some of the most breathtaking roads across the country. Zoom in, plan your route, and get inspired for your next road trip. **Found a hidden gem?** If you know of an incredible mountain road that should be on everyone's radar, we want to hear about it! Send us your suggestions and help us build the ultimate collection of America's best driving routes.
hardSitgreaves Pass in Arizona is a fabulous road if you are not scared of heights
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Wanna ditch the boring interstate and inject some serious adrenaline into your next road trip? Then point your GPS towards Sitgreaves Pass in Arizona's Black Mountains! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about Oatman Road (aka Historic U.S. 66 W), a twisty, turning, 22-mile stretch of pure driving bliss (and maybe a little terror, if you're honest). Nestled between Kingman and Oatman, it's a climb to 3,595 feet with views that'll make your jaw drop... literally. The road itself? Let's just say it's intimate. Narrow lanes, hairpin turns that’ll test your steering skills, and zero shoulder to forgive mistakes. Oh, and those guardrails? Scarce! You'll be clinging to the side of the mountain with nothing but a few wooden posts and a flimsy chain between you and a serious drop. Keep an eye out for the rusted-out car wrecks serving as a warning for those who took a turn too hot. Expect a slow and steady pace. Some sections will have you crawling at 20mph, especially with that 12% gradient kicking in. Normal cars are fine, but big RVs? Proceed with EXTREME caution. Seriously, this isn't the place for them. And definitely skip it if the weather's dodgy or the sun's gone down. Allow at least 45 minutes without stops, but let's be real, you'll want to stop. There are plenty of pull-offs begging for photo ops, with glimpses of old mining ruins to add some historical flavor to the scenery. Just please, keep your eyes on the road while you're actually driving! Trust me, the white-knuckle drive is totally worth it for the bragging rights (and the incredible views). Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on Sitgreaves Pass!