Smith Dorrien Trail is a dusty scenic drive of Canada
Canada, north-america
70.2 km
1,909 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Kananaskis in Alberta, Canada, on the legendary Smith Dorrien Trail! Highway 742, as it's also known, stretches for about 70 km (43 miles) from just south of Canmore all the way to the Kananaskis Trail (Highway 40).
This isn't your average highway drive, though. It's a gravel road, so expect a bit of dust and washboards – part of the adventure, right? You don't need a fancy SUV or anything, it's generally pretty easy driving.
Perched high in the Canadian Rockies, you'll climb to the Smith-Dorrien Pass, soaring to about 1,909 meters (6,263 feet) above sea level. Even in summer, be ready for some serious snow!
Set aside about 1.5 to 2 hours to soak it all in. The route carves through the stunning Smith-Dorrien Valley. Seriously, the views are worth every second. Keep your eyes peeled for moose – they love hanging out here!
The biggest thing to keep in mind? Dust! Since it's a gravel road, give other vehicles plenty of space so you don't end up with a cracked windshield. Watch for wildlife too. Some sections can be rough, and there's a narrow, steep, winding grade near Canmore. That 80 kph section can get pretty dicey in summer because of the dust. Also, heads up: there’s no cell service out there, so be prepared!
Where is it?
Smith Dorrien Trail is a dusty scenic drive of Canada is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 53.0159, -107.0564
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 70.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,909 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 53.0159, -107.0564
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Wondervu Hill?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Wondervu Hill! This epic mountain pass sits way up high at 8,671 feet in Colorado, offering some seriously jaw-dropping views. You'll find it south of Boulder, right on the line between Boulder and Jefferson counties in the northern part of the state. The road, Coal Creek Canyon Road (CO 72), is paved the whole way, so no need for a special vehicle. Generally, it's open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather forecast in winter – things can get a little dicey and lead to closures. The climb is about 6.2 miles long, heading west to east from Highway 93, and let me tell you, it's a STEEP one! You'll definitely feel those inclines as you make your way up, but the views are so worth it. Get ready for some major scenery!
extremeDriving the infamous Atigun Pass in Alaska
🇺🇸 Usa
Atigun Pass: the rooftop of Alaska! This epic mountain pass sits at a whopping 4,822 feet above sea level, making it the highest year-round pass in the state. Found way up north in the Brooks Range, near Coldfoot, it's a major milestone on the Dalton Highway (mile marker 244, to be exact). Think of it as the only road-based doorway through the Brooks Range, connecting Alaska's oil-rich North Slope with the rest of the state. Now, hold on tight, because the road is steep! We're talking 11-12% grades that will test your driving skills. The road itself is all gravel, adding to the adventure. Be warned: this area is super remote, and the weather can turn on a dime. Keep an eye out for avalanches in the winter! But hey, the views are out of this world. Look for Dall sheep hanging out on the mountainsides. Plus, you'll be crossing the Continental Divide! Rivers on one side flow to the Arctic Ocean, while the others head to the Bering Sea. And because it’s above the Arctic Circle, expect winter temps to plummet way below zero! Permafrost is also a major player here, thicker and more common north of the pass. If you're a fan of seriously scenic drives, Atigun Pass is a must-do! Just be prepared for a challenging, unforgettable ride.
hardWhere is Bully Choop Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
is a high mountain peak at an elevation of above sea level, located in the U.S. state of California Where is Bully Choop Mountain? , on the boundary between Trinity and Shasta counties , in the northern part of California. Why is it called Bully Choop Mountain? Set high on the western edge of the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area , the peak is named after the Indian phrase What’s at the summit of Bully Choop Mountain? At the summit, there’s a California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Control in 1978 , still in active service, and a at the base of the lookout. How long is the road to Bully Choop Mountain? The rough road is totally Bully Choop Mountain Road Is the road to Bully Choop Mountain scary? The road is not recommended, as it can be for most drivers. It’s . On narrow parts, if you encounter another vehicle, you’ll need to find a for one of you to pull over. Pic&video: tiz20032 Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel: Where Trains and Cars Share a Narrow, 2.5-Mile Tunnel Travel guide to the top of Crystal Mountain in Washington 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.
hardWhere is Brown Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on Brown Mountain Road, tucked away east of the summit in southwestern Colorado! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking serious altitude here, reaching some of the highest points in the state. Think of it as the Million Dollar Highway's adventurous cousin. Now, heads up: the road to the top is unpaved, so 4x4 is a must. The views from the summit? Totally worth it! Plus, you'll be cruising past cool old mining relics along the way. This epic route clocks in at roughly 7 miles, kicking off from U.S. 550. Keep in mind, this road's usually closed until later in the season. The weather up there can flip on a dime, and snow conditions can be super unpredictable, so always stay alert!