Range Road 51A
Canada, north-america
32.2 km
2,005 m
hard
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
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
extremeHow to reach the Sheep Ridge summit track?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, folks, buckle up for Sheep Ridge in Park County, Colorado! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a short but seriously sweet off-road trail that punches way above its weight class. You'll find the trailhead south of Denver, smack-dab in the heart of Pike National Forest. From there, it's a climb up a completely unpaved forest service road for just under a mile towards the summit. Named after the nearby Sheep Creek, this track will test your mettle. Now, is it stock SUV friendly? Eh, maybe. Think rugged gravel, loose rocks, ruts galore, and some seriously steep climbs. If your ride's got some decent clearance and tires, you stand a chance. Otherwise, you might be wishing you had a bit more oomph. Timing is everything up here at 11,213 feet. This road is typically closed from late fall 'til early summer when the snow melts. Even in summer, watch out for those afternoon thunderstorms that can turn the gravel into a slick, muddy mess. Keep an eye on those Pike National Forest service updates before you go. So, why bother? Well, Sheep Ridge is a killer add-on if you're already exploring the area. You get a quick, technical climb to an awesome viewpoint without the crowds you find elsewhere in Colorado. It's a perfect quick mountain fix for local 4x4 enthusiasts who want some adrenaline and solitude.
moderateWhere is Leviathan Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Leviathan Peak in California's Alpine County is calling your name with killer remote views and a summit sitting pretty at 8,963ft. Find this gem southeast of Lake Tahoe, nestled within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near the Nevada border. What awaits you at the top? A communication site that's been there since the 60s, and the old Forest Service Leviathan Fire Lookout. The 360-degree views are unreal – think Sierra Mountain range vistas, neighboring peaks, and the Nevada desert shimmering in the distance. Now, the road... It's Leviathan Peak Road (Forest Road 31057), and it's all dirt. Seriously, 4WD is your best friend here. You can cruise most of the way, then hike the last quarter-mile to the fire tower after you reach a locked gate. The tippy-top is service vehicles only. Clocking in at just 1.4 miles from California State Route 89 (Robert M. Jackson Memorial Highway), south of ..., this climb packs a punch with a 708 ft elevation gain and an average gradient of 9.6%. Heads up: this road is a no-go in winter (usually closed from late November to early April due to its location high in the Sierra Nevada). And, word to the wise, it gets seriously windy up there!
moderateSchultz Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a scenic Arizona adventure on Schultz Pass Road (aka FR 420)! This backcountry drive climbs to a cool 8,097 feet, offering incredible views of the San Francisco Peaks and a refreshing escape into ponderosa pine forests. The road itself is gravel, but usually fine for regular cars in good weather. Just be aware that parts might close due to fire or winter snow, so check conditions beforehand. Think picnic spots galore, amazing hiking trails, and camping heaven. A high-clearance vehicle isn't essential for this maintained road, but it might give you a smoother ride on certain sections. Overall, expect an easy, scenic cruise with epic views!
extremeInfrastructure and Environmental Risk Factors
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're heading up to Bear Lake in Colorado. It's all paved, so no off-roading needed, but the views? Absolutely stunning. Or, how about tackling the Carlsbad Caverns switchbacks in New Mexico? This one's a bit more intense—we're talking a seriously steep 20-degree grade! Hold on tight, it's a wild ride. Want more? Come check out some spectacular roads across the globe!