Surrey Lake Summit is the highest point on Coquihalla Highway
Canada, north-america
193 km
1,444 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through British Columbia on the Coquihalla Highway (that's Highway 5, for the map nerds), winding your way from Kamloops to Hope, passing through Merritt. This is no boring drive, though! You're headed for Surrey Lake Summit, perched at a cool 1,444 meters (4,738 feet).
The whole 193 km (119 miles) of road is paved, so no need for a heavy-duty off-roader. Surrey Lake Summit is usually open year-round, beckoning you with its stunning scenery. However, Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva, especially in winter. Expect potential closures or restrictions when the snow starts flying! Trust me, those winter storms can be brutal, even for seasoned drivers. We're talking sudden snow squalls, blowing snow, and visibility-killing fog. So, from October to April, make sure you've got winter tires or chains – it's the law, and frankly, it's just smart. This pass, named after the serene Surrey Lake, will test you with its wintry conditions, but reward you with views you won't soon forget.
Where is it?
Surrey Lake Summit is the highest point on Coquihalla Highway is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 55.0848, -104.4625
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 193 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,444 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 55.0848, -104.4625
Related Roads in north-america
extremeSmith Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Smith Peak in California's Plumas National Forest is calling your name, but this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a climb to 7,677 feet (2,340m) up a seriously rugged, gravelly road. Think rocky, bumpy, and guaranteed to keep you on your toes! If unpaved mountain roads make you sweat, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is practically mandatory, and if heights aren't your thing, you might want to reconsider. It's a pretty steep climb, and if it's been raining? Muddy conditions could turn this into a real challenge. But, oh, the views! And at the top? A fire lookout awaits! So, if you're up for a bit of an adrenaline rush and some killer scenery, Smith Peak might just be your next unforgettable adventure.
extremeWhere is Mount Ord in Arizona?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you wanna tackle Mount Ord in Arizona? This peak sits pretty at 7,128 feet in Maricopa County, nestled within the Tonto National Forest. The road up, Forest Road 27, is a 7.6-mile dirt track starting from the Duthie-Martin Highway. Now, listen up: the beginning is doable in most cars, but trust me, you'll want a 4x4 with good clearance for the rest. It's a narrow, shelf road that can be a bit unnerving if you're not a fan of heights. Expect some tight turns, ruts, and areas where the brush gets a little too friendly. The climb is a solid workout for your vehicle, gaining almost 4,000 feet in elevation with an average gradient of nearly 10%. Keep your eyes peeled for other trucks on the road as there are some serious drop-offs and hairpin turns along the way. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are insane! From the summit, you're treated to panoramic vistas of the Tonto National Forest, the Mogollon Rim, Lake Roosevelt, the Four Peaks Mountains, and Saguaro Lake. The peak itself is home to communication towers and a forest service tower. Just watch out for spiders and snakes – some of the local residents pack a punch. Oh, and one more thing: in winter, expect snow. So, gear up and get ready for an unforgettable Arizona adventure.
moderateKenosha Pass, a 5 stars road in the Rocky Mountains
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're cruising through Colorado and want a scenic drive? Kenosha Pass is calling your name! This beauty sits at just over 10,000 feet in Park County, and it's a super accessible, paved route – no special vehicle needed. Highway 285 takes you on a 12-mile journey from Jefferson to Grant, with gentle curves and grades that won't make you sweat. The east side is a breeze, while the west has a bit more of a climb. Nestled in the Rockies, Kenosha Pass is famous for its vibrant aspen trees painting the landscape in autumn. The summit boasts spacious parking areas, perfect for soaking in those panoramic views. You'll be treated to incredible sights of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt. Feeling adventurous? A small gravel road south of the pass takes you even higher, topping out at over 12,300 feet!
hardHow to get by car to the summit of Whistler Mountain in BC?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! British Columbia is calling with Whistler Mountain, clocking in at a whopping 7,135 feet above sea level. You'll find this gem about 75 miles north of Vancouver, nestled near Whistler Village, inside Garibaldi Provincial Park. Originally dubbed London Mountain (hello, fog!), it got a name upgrade thanks to the whistling marmots chilling on the slopes. Now, about that "road" to the summit... It's basically an unpaved chairlift access track. We're talking 4x4 territory ONLY due to the serious steepness. Picture this: super narrow shelf road, major drop-offs, and views that'll make you forget the potential peril. Oh, and pro tip: forget about this route in winter. It becomes a total no-go zone, buried under snow. But when the weather's right? Get ready for some incredible scenery in the Fitzsimmons Range of the Garibaldi Ranges!