Range Road 51A

Range Road 51A

Canada, north-america

Length

32.2 km

Elevation

2,005 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Range Road 51A in British Columbia is calling your name! Seriously, this is one of Canada's highest roads, snaking through the Highwood area of Kananaskis in the majestic Canadian Rockies.

This gravel road stretches for about 32 km, and is generally well maintained. Picture this: a winding route that will take your breath away, running north to south with insane views the entire time.

Word of caution: this isn't a Sunday drive for the faint of heart. You'll want to watch out for strong winds (especially in the afternoon!), and be prepared for crazy-fast weather changes. The road can get narrow in spots, with some seriously steep inclines, and it's not suitable for big trucks. Definitely leave the trailer at home!

Linking AB-40 and AB-532 E, this mountain road tops out at a whopping 2,005 meters (6,578 feet) above sea level at a spot aptly named "The Hump." Keep in mind, this beauty is typically closed from December to May, so plan your trip accordingly! Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery.

Where is it?

Range Road 51A is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 55.7075, -103.1045

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Canada
Continent
north-america
Length
32.2 km
Max Elevation
2,005 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
55.7075, -103.1045

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Silver Lake?moderate

Where is Silver Lake?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, picture this: Silver Lake, tucked away high in the Oregon mountains. Just north of this stunning lake, a rugged gravel road climbs to an epic viewpoint at 11,164 feet. This isn't your Sunday drive – this is an *adventure*. We're talking a totally unpaved road, all gravel and rocks. Think narrow sections, serious drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat, and a roadbed that's more like a boulder field. High-clearance vehicles *only*, people! This old mining road climbs a quick 2.6 miles, but packs in a punch with a major elevation gain. The scenery? Unreal. But be warned, Mother Nature shuts this show down in the winter with snow and harsh conditions. It’s impassable!

Where is Marias Pass?hard

Where is Marias Pass?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Alright, road trip lovers, let's talk Marias Pass! Nestled in northwestern Montana, right where Glacier National Park kisses Flathead County, this beauty clocks in at 5,255 feet above sea level. It's one of the chillest ways to cross the Continental Divide, making it a super important route. You'll find the Marias Pass Obelisk, a tribute to Teddy Roosevelt, proudly standing at the summit. The pass gets its name from the Marias River, a nod from Meriwether Lewis to his cousin Maria Wood. Cruising through the pass is a breeze on the fully paved U.S. Highway 2. The whole shebang stretches for about 28.9 miles, from Pinnacle to Bison. Generally, this route stays open all year round, but remember, we're talking about the Rockies here. Expect cold winters, loads of snow, and those fleeting, cool summers. Keep an eye on the weather, especially when the snow starts flying! You'll be treated to some seriously stunning scenery, no matter the season.

An Unforgettable Drive to Snowstorm Peak in COhard

An Unforgettable Drive to Snowstorm Peak in CO

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Snowstorm Peak in Colorado's La Plata County! This baby tops out at a cool 12,037 feet, so be ready for some serious altitude. You'll find it northwest of Durango, nestled in the San Juan National Forest. Heads up: this isn't a Sunday drive kind of road. It's a short but steep 0.7-mile unpaved old mining route that climbs with a max 14% gradient. You'll need 4WD and decent clearance to tackle it. Think tight turns, sharp rocks, and views that'll make your jaw drop. Fair warning though, Snowstorm Peak lives up to its name! The road is usually snowed in from late spring to late fall, so plan your trip accordingly. Keep an eye out for relics from the past – you'll spot cool old mining equipment and abandoned buildings along the way. Trust me, the scenery is worth the bumpy ride!

Where is Monte Cristo Road?extreme

Where is Monte Cristo Road?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Alright, adventurers, let's talk Monte Cristo Road! Nestled in eastern Snohomish County, in the northwestern part of Washington, this ain't your average Sunday drive. You'll find the trailhead off the Mountain Loop Highway at a decent elevation, and it leads to what's left of Monte Cristo, a ghost town abandoned way back in 1907, sitting pretty high up itself. Now, this trail clocks in at just under 4 miles – sounds easy, right? Well, hold your horses. The South Fork Sauk River got a little feisty a few years back and washed out the road, leaving a gap where a bridge used to be. Heads up: This trek is strictly for foot traffic or other non-motorized travel. Seriously, do NOT try to drive it! It's gated, but open for hikers and bikers willing to explore. The washed-out shores and missing chunks of road are a clear sign – vehicles need not apply. Snohomish County is not warrantying anything for vehicular traffic. Oh, and one more thing – remember those mining operations back in the day? The river water is still carrying some heavy metals and arsenic, so skip the refreshing river dip. Despite the hazards, it's a scenic spot to see the remains of a fascinating town, with tales and photos that bring the past to life. Hike at your own risk, but soak in the history and rugged beauty!