Take the Scenic Route and Discover Sinclair Pass in BC

Take the Scenic Route and Discover Sinclair Pass in BC

Canada, north-america

Length

62.9 km

Elevation

1,486 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Sinclair Pass in beautiful British Columbia, Canada! Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, inside Kootenay National Park, this paved beauty, aka Highway 93, clocks in at about 63 kilometers (or 39 miles) stretching between Radium Hot Springs and Vermilion Crossing.

This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. Get ready for some serious climbing! The road gets STEEP, with grades hitting up to 11% in sections. It's a two-lane highway that winds its way up to 1,486 meters (4,875 feet) above sea level. Oh, and pro tip: keep an eye out! This area is known for avalanches and rock slides, so always be aware of your surroundings. Despite the hazards, the views are absolutely breathtaking. So buckle up and get ready to experience some epic mountain scenery!

Where is it?

Take the Scenic Route and Discover Sinclair Pass in BC is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 56.6862, -105.1020

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Canada
Continent
north-america
Length
62.9 km
Max Elevation
1,486 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
56.6862, -105.1020

Related Roads in north-america

Big Horn Reservoirmoderate

Big Horn Reservoir

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to check out Big Horn in Colorado's El Paso County. We're talking SERIOUSLY high altitude here—12,227 feet! It's one of the highest roads in the entire state, nestled right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Now, fair warning: the road to the top is a bit…rustic. Think gravel, rocks, and a bumpy, tippy ride. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this one. And be aware this road is typically closed from October to June, depending on the weather. But oh my gosh, the views are worth it! Just keep in mind that you're up super high, so expect strong winds and crazy-fast weather changes. Seriously, be prepared for cold temps and howling winds, even in summer. You might even see some snow! But trust me, the wild, raw beauty of this place is unforgettable.

Where is Lippincott Mine Road?extreme

Where is Lippincott Mine Road?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Lippincott Mine Road in Death Valley National Park! This 7-mile beast, nestled in Inyo County, California, between Lone Pine and Stovepipe Wells, is NOT for the faint of heart (or your average sedan). Forget paved perfection; we're talking raw, unadulterated dirt all the way. This isn't a leisurely drive; it's a white-knuckle adventure demanding a 4x4 high-clearance vehicle and some serious off-roading chops. Seriously, if your ride isn't up to snuff, turn back now. Built way back in 1906 to access the Lippincott Mine, this old road is a shortcut, but it comes at a price. We're talking super steep grades, super narrow passages, and cliff-edge washouts that'll have you questioning your life choices. One wrong move and you're staring down a seriously steep drop – hundreds of feet, with not nearly enough of a slope to save you! The climb starts at 2,256 feet and tops out at a saddle at 3,876 feet. This saddle offers a stunning view, perfect for a breather (and maybe a little prayer). You'll be dodging boulders, navigating potential vehicle-breaking rocks, and battling Death Valley's infamous heat. Oh, and did I mention there's no cell service, no water, and no tow trucks? You're on your own out there! Despite the dangers, the scenery is epic. But don't get too distracted – keep your eyes on the road (what's left of it!). Remember, uphill traffic has the right-of-way. And be aware that the road can be closed after heavy rains. So, if you're feeling brave (and prepared!), Lippincott Mine Road promises an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping experience. Just don't say I didn't warn you!

A scenic unpaved road to Cordova Pass in southern Coloradomoderate

A scenic unpaved road to Cordova Pass in southern Colorado

🇺🇸 Usa

Nestled high in southern Colorado, Cordova Pass tops out at a whopping 11,248 feet! You'll find it in Huerfano County, offering a taste of the wild west. Originally called Apishapa Pass, it was renamed in 1934 after Jose De Jesus Cordova, a local legend. The unpaved road itself was built the same year. Most of the time, your average car can make it, but be warned: there are ruts from past mud-slinging adventures that can be tricky in a low-rider. And near the top, watch out for sneaky potholes hiding in the shadows – your suspension will thank you. While it’s generally not too tough, if rain or snow are on the horizon, best to bring a 4x4 friend. The route connects near Gulnare, Colorado, to the paved highway over Cuchara Pass. Heads up, if you're coming from Cuchara Pass (that's FR364), it's a rocky, dirt road – not ideal for RVs or long trailers. East of the pass, on County Road 46, the road gets even bumpier until you hit the south end of the National Forest. Keep in mind, this beauty is usually snowed in from mid-November to late May. There's a parking area with a fee station, restrooms (sometimes open), and picnic spots for a scenic break. Tucked inside San Isabel National Forest, right by the Spanish Peaks Wilderness, the drive is seriously stunning. If you're rolling in from the east, you'll cruise under Cordova Arch (aka Apishapa Arch), a WPA masterpiece from the 30s. This arch is a total showstopper, slicing right through one of the dramatic igneous rock walls that fan out from the Spanish Peaks.

Where is Lily Lake?moderate

Where is Lily Lake?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so you're heading to central Colorado, north of Leadville, right? Wanna find a hidden gem? Check out Lily Lake! This alpine beauty sits way up high at 10,606 feet in the San Isabel National Forest. Now, getting there is part of the adventure. Forest Road 131 is the name, and unpaved is the game! Seriously, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 for this one. From U.S. Route 24, it's only about 2.8 miles to the lake, but you'll climb almost 500 feet. The road is steep in sections, gaining some 149 meters in altitude at an average 3.31% gradient! Think rocky, bumpy, and totally worth it. FYI, this road is usually only open from July to October, depending on the snow. But picture this: crystal-clear water, towering peaks, and the kind of solitude you can only find off the beaten path. Trust me, the views are insane!