Road trip guide: Conquering the Haines Highway
Canada, north-america
245 km
1,012 m
easy
Year-round
Dude, you HAVE to check out the Haines Highway. Seriously, this drive from Alaska to the Yukon is mind-blowing, especially in the fall!
It's also known as Haines Cut-Off or just Haines Road. The whole thing is paved, so no need to worry about gravel. Clocking in at 152 miles (245 km), it links Haines, Alaska, with Haines Junction in the Yukon, and it follows the old trails used by the Chilkat/Tinglit First Nations. Pretty cool, huh?
The highway is open all year and usually clear of snow by May. It's a good, two-lane road. If you're thinking of driving between September 15th and June 1st, peep the weather forecast first.
Built way back in 1943 by the U.S. Army, this road hugs the Chilkat River for over 20 miles north of Haines. It climbs to a max elevation of 3,320 feet (1.012m). The views? Epic! Think crazy mountains with glaciers. You’ll cruise past high peaks, glaciers, rivers, and lakes the whole way. You’ll go from coastal forests to alpine tundra, climb up to the summit, cruise through an alpine valley, and then gently descend to Haines Junction. Word of warning: there aren't any services along the way, so fuel up and stock up on supplies before you hit the road!
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering the Haines Highway is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 53.1724, -106.9646
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 245 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,012 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 53.1724, -106.9646
Related Roads in north-america
hardTravel guide to the top of Gem Peak in MT
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're hunting for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Montana, Gem Peak is calling your name. Nestled way up high in Sanders County, in the southern reaches of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, this peak tops out at a cool 6,092 feet. The road up, Forest Road 2205, is all dirt and gravel, a proper mountain track. You *can* technically make it in a regular car, but trust me, you'll be way happier in a 4x4 with some decent clearance. Keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly. This is a single-lane road with some serious exposure – think stunning views on one side, and a sheer drop on the other! The last couple of miles get pretty rocky, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. Starting from Idaho Point Road, this 4-mile climb is located within the Kootenai National Forest. It's a steep one, with grades hitting up to 13% in places. At the summit, you'll find a historic fire lookout tower that's been standing tall since 1921. The views? Absolutely epic. Just be sure to take it slow, enjoy the scenery, and maybe pack a picnic for the top!
easyWhere is Sandia Crest?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Sandia Crest, nestled in the Cibola National Forest just outside Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a MUST. We're talking serious altitude here - 10,678 feet! The NM-536, also known as the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway, is your perfectly paved, 13.3-mile ticket to the top. It’s smooth sailing for any vehicle, so no need to leave the family sedan at home. Built way back in '27 and fully paved by '60, this road is a classic. The asphalt is in great shape, recently resurfaced. Expect around 20 switchbacks as you climb. Keep an eye out for a bit of dirt on those tighter corners though! Motorcycle enthusiasts, this one's for you. The winding road is a dream. Just be aware that those summer storms can bring some wild temperature swings. And speaking of climb, get ready for some steep sections. We're talking gradients up to 9% in spots! You’ll gain 3,763 feet over those 13.3 miles, averaging around a 5.35% grade. Factor in around 25 minutes of driving time *without* stops, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop! The views are insane, stretching across the high desert and dense forests of the Sandia Mountains. At the summit, you'll find a parking area, restaurant, gift shop, and accessible viewing areas and facilities. Oh, and did I mention the panoramic views of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande, Mount Taylor, and the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains? Seriously, the perspective from the top overlooking Albuquerque is simply breathtaking. Prepare to be wowed!
easyThe Mysterious Light of Saratoga on the haunted Ghost Road Scenic Drive of Texas
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, ghost hunters and thrill-seekers, listen up! Bragg Road (aka Ghost Road Scenic Drive) in Hardin County, Texas, is calling your name. Picture this: you're cruising 75 miles northeast of Pasadena, deep in the southeastern heart of Texas, surrounded by the eerie beauty of the Big Thicket. This isn't just any road; it's THE most haunted road in Texas, they say! This legendary stretch of road, located outside of Saratoga, earned its spooky reputation in the early 1900s thanks to tales of a mysterious light – the Light of Saratoga. People claim to see this ghostly orb appear and disappear at random on dark nights. Legend has it that it's the lantern of a railroad worker who lost his head in a tragic accident, forever searching for it along this very road. Spooky, right? The road itself is an unpaved, super-straight shot that used to be a railroad track connecting Bragg Station and Saratoga. Built in 1901 and converted to a road after 1934, it's wide enough for two cars now. Expect a dry, dusty ride – unless it's been raining, then things can get muddy. Traffic is light, but stay alert, especially after dark! Clocking in at 7.8 miles (12.55km), this eerie route runs north-south between Farm-to-Market Road 1293 (near the ghost town of Bragg) and Farm-to-Market Road 787 (near Saratoga). Drive carefully!
hardHow long is Deception Pass Bridge?
🇺🇸 Usa
Deception Pass Bridge is located in the U.S. state of Washington. It’s a two-lane bridge spanning the Deception Pass, and connects Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island in the Puget Sound region. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. How long is Deception Pass Bridge? The iconic steel bridge is an integral part of the Deception Pass State Park and provides access to various recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Combined, the two spans are 1,486 feet in length; 180 feet above the water. The bridge carries Washington State Route 20. Over 1,500 tons of steel were used to construct the two spans. Roughly 15,000 cars cross the bridge each day. Is Deception Pass Bridge scary? Opened in 1935, the bridge offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular tourist attraction. If the drive over this foggy strait in the Puget Sound isn't particularly scary to you, try walking over the narrow pedestrian lane at the edge of the bridge. That's where you'll find especially hair-raising views of the rushing water directly below. An epic road to Mount Lemmon in Arizona Hurricane Ridge Road is Washington's Best Driving Road Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.