Is the road to McBride Peak unpaved?

Is the road to McBride Peak unpaved?

Canada, north-america

Length

12.2 km

Elevation

2,049 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in British Columbia, Canada, lies McBride Peak, clocking in at a hefty 2,049m (6,722ft)! This isn't just a drive; it's a climb, possibly the *top* climb in Canada, with an average gradient of 10.81%.

Forget pavement. Rainbow Falls Road, also known as Teare Mountain Road, is a wild, unpaved adventure. We're talking steep, narrow, and rough terrain with hairpin turns that'll test your skills. 4x4 with good clearance is a MUST. Leave the RV and trailer at home, trust me on this one.

The journey from Yellowhead Highway stretches 12.2 km (7.58 miles), packing in a staggering 1,320 meters of elevation gain. That's an average of 10.81%, but be warned: some ramps crank up to a heart-pounding 22-26%!

This beauty is in the Robson Valley, so the full ascent is usually only doable in the summer, weather permitting. But oh, is it worth it! A viewpoint halfway up gives you drop-dead gorgeous views of the Robson Valley, Fraser River, McBride area, and the Cariboo Mountains. Just below the peak, you'll find the remains of the old "Top Lookout," abandoned but brimming with history since 1930. Seriously, this place is epic!

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Road Details

Country
Canada
Continent
north-america
Length
12.2 km
Max Elevation
2,049 m
Difficulty
hard

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