Is Sunwapta Pass in Canada’s Alberta province paved?
Canada, north-america
151 km
2,069 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Sunwapta Pass, chilling at 6,788 feet in Alberta, Canada, right in the heart of the snow-dusted Canadian Rockies. And yes, it's paved the whole way! You'll be cruising on Highway 93 north, also known as the Icefields Parkway, considered the highest road in Canada's national parks. This beauty connects Jasper and Banff with a string of hairpin turns as you climb.
The drive is 93.82 miles (151 km) of pure scenic bliss running from Jasper to Saskatchewan River Crossing, marking the border between Banff and Jasper National Parks. Sunwapta Pass is the second-highest point on this route.
Built in 1940, this road can get crowded, especially on weekends and during peak holiday season. July and August see a flood of up to 100,000 vehicles a month!
Trust me, the drive is worth it. The views are beyond words, seriously, you'll want to stop every five minutes for photos. The higher you climb, the better the scenery gets. Just incredible!
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 151 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,069 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateA paved mountain road to Ute Pass in Grand County
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ute Pass! This stunner sits way up high in Colorado's Grand County, clocking in at a cool 9,593 feet above sea level. You'll find this paved beauty, also known as Ute Pass Road (County Road 3), nestled in the heart of Arapaho National Forest. It's generally open year-round, but be warned: Mother Nature might throw a winter tantrum and close it temporarily. Trust me, though, it's worth the gamble. The views are EPIC. Think pristine Rocky Mountain wilderness, jaw-dropping vistas of the Gore Range, and the untouched beauty of the Eagle's Nest Wilderness Area. The road gets a little steep, with grades hitting 8.0% in places, so get ready for some exciting ramps! The whole shebang stretches for 27.1 miles, winding from CO-9 up to Parshall on US-40. There's a big parking lot at the summit where you can catch your breath and soak it all in. Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for local residents – bears, moose, and all sorts of wildlife call this area home!
extremeWhere is Teton Peak Located?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're in Wyoming, right? Southern tip of Grand Teton National Park. Picture this: Teton Peak, towering over Jackson Hole valley. Views for days, stretching all the way to Idaho. You get there via Highway 22 (Teton Pass) – legendary, but be warned: 10% grades! Then, at the pass summit, there's this gnarly, short-but-intense access road leading straight up to the peak. Think seriously steep. We're talking 14% gradients on loose gravel and dirt. It's technically closed off with a gate – access is mainly for the radio towers and forest folks, but hikers and mountain bikers still love it. It’s not long, only 0.8 miles. But you gain over 220 feet in elevation, so get ready to feel the burn! The average gradient is 8.6%, but with the altitude, it feels way steeper. Oh, and a HUGE heads up: bear country! Seriously, carry bear spray! And don't even think about trying this before late June. It's usually snowed in until then, and clear by late September. This ain't your average Sunday drive, but the views... totally worth it.
extremeWhy is the Imperial Express SuperChair in Colorado famous?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Colorado, right? And you want a thrill? Check out the road to the Imperial Express SuperChair at Breckenridge Ski Area! This isn't just any drive; it's a climb to one of the highest chairlifts in North America, sitting pretty high up. The road itself? Let's just say it's an adventure. We're talking about one of the highest roads in Colorado, with some seriously steep sections. Think gradients that will have your engine working hard. Now, this road isn't about smooth cruising. It's primarily a maintenance route used when the snow melts, so expect a raw, rugged feel. The final stretch? Get ready for views and a little bit of the jitters – it's not for the faint of heart. Just picture yourself scaling that mountain with incredible scenery all around!
hardWhere is Yaqui Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Yaqui Pass! You'll find this gem nestled in sunny San Diego County, California, just west of Ocotillo Wells within Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Yaqui Pass Road (County Highway S3) is a fully paved route clocking in at around 6.8 miles. Don't let the pavement fool you, though – this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. Get ready for a climb with grades ranging from 4-10%! The road hugs the canyon walls with plenty of twists and turns, so keep your eyes peeled for other vehicles and cyclists. But here's the payoff: the views are simply incredible. You'll be treated to sweeping vistas as you wind your way up to 1,725 feet above sea level. This route links CA-78 to Borrego Springs Road and makes for a memorable desert adventure!