Princeton Summerland Road is a drive with superb views in BC
Canada, north-america
93.2 km
1,120 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through British Columbia, Canada, you HAVE to check out the Princeton Summerland Road. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience, connecting Princeton in the Similkameen region to Summerland on the west side of Okanagan Lake. Locals call the Princeton end "the Five-Mile," so keep an ear out!
Clocking in at around 93 km (almost 58 miles), this route is a sweet mix of smooth curves and incredible views. About 60 km is paved, but the rest is packed gravel, so be prepared for some potentially bumpy sections. It's a backroad adventure, but not too wild. You'll climb to about 1,120m (over 3,600ft) above sea level, so hold on tight on those steeper sections! Just a heads-up: the area can get mudslides and washouts, so keep an eye on the weather.
Without stops, plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours to soak it all in. This road traces the old Kettle Valley Railway, and the scenery is seriously stunning. Think wide-open spaces, crisp air, and views that will make your jaw drop. Trust me, this road is a photographer's dream come true!
Where is it?
Princeton Summerland Road is a drive with superb views in BC is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 54.3836, -107.7059
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 93.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,120 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 54.3836, -107.7059
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow long is the Old Fall River Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Deep in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, there's a hidden gem called Old Fall River Road. This 10.7-mile dirt road is an absolute must-do for adventurous souls. This isn't your average scenic drive. We're talking a one-way, uphill climb that winds its way to a whopping 11,817 feet above sea level! Picture this: hairpin turns, no guardrails, and drop-offs that will make your heart race. But trust me, the views are worth it. The road is usually open from July through October. All passenger vehicles can make the trip in dry weather. Just take your time (the speed limit is a leisurely 15 mph) and soak it all in. The whole experience is a slow, immersive journey that'll take about 40 minutes to drive with two hours round trip. You'll wind through forests so dense you can practically touch the trees. Keep an eye out for wildlife and make sure to stop at the many pull-offs to really appreciate the scenery. Heads up: this road was built back in the early 1900s, so it's got some history! Also, be sure to pick up a guidebook at the visitors center for all the juicy details. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure in the Rockies, Old Fall River Road is calling your name!
hardA tough desert road to Towne Pass in CA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Death Valley National Park on CA-190, a completely paved road slicing through the west side. This is Towne Pass, peaking at a cool 4,970 feet in Inyo County, California. The road links Panamint Valley and Stovepipe Wells, serving up some seriously breathtaking views. But heads up, this isn't a Sunday drive. The road's windy with a ton of curves, so daylight is your friend here. Plus, it gets steep, with grades hitting 15% in spots. Keep your speed in check – even though the limit's 55 mph, you'll want to drop it down to 30 mph for those tight turns. Word on the street is they're even planning some road work to straighten out the twistiest parts and make it safer. Basically, Towne Pass is a stunning drive, just keep your wits about you and enjoy the ride!
hardWhy is it called Steese Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a road trip idea that's pure Alaskan gold: the Steese Highway. This beauty winds its way from Fairbanks all the way to Circle, a quirky little town on the Yukon River practically knocking on the Arctic Circle's door. This 156-mile stretch, also known as the Steese Expressway, is named after a U.S. Army General, James G. Steese, who helped build it back in the day. What can you expect? Well, the first 81 miles are paved, smooth sailing. After that, it's a well-maintained gravel road – think of it as adding a little texture to your adventure! Just remember, it can get narrow and winding in sections. Don't worry about being stranded in the snow, though! The Steese Highway is generally open year-round. The road climaxes at Eagle Summit, a lofty perch sitting at 3,652 feet. And let me tell you, the views are insane! The road cuts through a whole buffet of Alaskan landscapes, from lush riverside forests along the Chatanika River to the windswept alpine tundra around Twelvemile and Eagle summits. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready for this one!
extremeWhere is McMillan Peak in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies, because McMillan Peak in Colorado is calling your name! This bad boy sits pretty in San Juan County, just north of Silverton, right in the heart of the Million Dollar Highway zone. So, what's the deal? Well, you're looking at a short but seriously intense 3.2 km (2-mile) climb up to the summit, where a rad telecommunications antenna chills. Don't let the short distance fool you; this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a whopping 447 meters of elevation gain, averaging a crazy 14% gradient! Now, listen up: you NEED a high-clearance 4WD beast to even think about tackling this. Forget your cute crossover; this is strictly for the off-road pros. The unpaved road is a mix of loose gravel, dirt, and rocky bits, so low-range gearing is your best friend. Plus, the road is narrow with zero guardrails. Heads up, this peak is a summer fling only. We're talking late June to mid-September, tops. The rest of the year, it's a snowy wonderland, and not in a good way. Avalanches are a real danger, so always check local conditions before you head out. The main things to watch out for are the STEEPNESS and the unpredictable weather. Afternoon thunderstorms can turn that dry dirt into a slippery mudslide in seconds. And FYI, you're off the grid up there – no cell service, so pack accordingly and make sure your rig is in tip-top shape, especially those brakes and the cooling system! But hey, you'll be rewarded with insane views of the Red Mountains and the historic mining district. This place is all about the views!