Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road closed permanently on April 2017
Canada, north-america
177 km
2 m
hard
Year-round
Imagine driving across a frozen river and ocean! The Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road was a real thing in Canada's Northwest Territories, stretching 177km (109 miles) from Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk. Talk about an off-the-beaten-path adventure!
Part of the legendary Dempster Highway, this icy marvel was one of the world's most northern roads. For a few months each winter (December to March), when the Mackenzie River Delta froze solid, it transformed into a highway of ice. The rest of the year, Tuktoyaktuk was only accessible by plane or boat.
While it was open, it was a vital supply route, servicing gas hydrate fields and remote outposts. Picture convoys of trucks hauling fuel, equipment, and supplies across the frozen landscape!
The road wasn't for the faint of heart. The ice, though about 8 feet thick, was riddled with cracks and ridges. Inuvik's freezing temperatures, hovering between -7°C and -17°C during the day, made for an icy ride.
Sadly, this iconic ice road closed for good on April 29, 2017. It was replaced by the all-weather Inuvik-Tuktoyaktuk Highway.
Where is it?
Tuktoyaktuk Winter Road closed permanently on April 2017 is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 53.7845, -106.8559
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 177 km
- Max Elevation
- 2 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 53.7845, -106.8559
Related Roads in north-america
extremeDriving the challenging Forest Road 120 in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Forest Road 120 in Wyoming's Park County is calling your name—if you're up for a real backcountry experience. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 15.5-mile (24.94km) shortcut off the US-212 Beartooth Highway that climbs to a whopping 10,183 feet (3.104m) in the Northern Rockies. Now, here's the deal: this road is unpaved, rough around the edges, and can be seriously treacherous. Weather? Expect the unexpected—conditions can change on a dime, and closures are common. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Only tackle this beauty when it's dry. Oh, and a word to the wise: altitude is a serious factor here. If you've got respiratory or heart issues, maybe sit this one out. But, if you're prepared for a rugged ride with stunning scenery, and you're ready to share the landscape with the local grizzlies, Forest Road 120 is an unforgettable detour. Just be sure to check conditions before you go!
moderateA haunted road to Hecker Pass in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because we're heading to Hecker Pass! You'll find this beauty nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, straddling Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties in sunny California. This isn't just any drive, it's a 17.7-mile (28.48km) stretch of fully paved road – Hecker Pass Road, aka the western part of CA-152. Winding from Watsonville on the west side to Gilroy on the east, you'll climb to a modest 1,338 feet (408 meters). Keep an eye out for wildlife, and maybe an eye on your rearview mirror too… This road has a history that stretches back to 1928, and some say it comes with a ghostly hitchhiker! Local lore whispers of a woman in a white dress who haunts the pass. Are you brave enough to drive it at night?
moderateWhen was Cadillac Summit Road built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Craving epic views? Head to Cadillac Mountain in Maine's Acadia National Park! This beauty is the highest point on the U.S. East Coast, clocking in at 1,499 feet. The scenic Cadillac Summit Road, a fully paved 3.3-mile ribbon of asphalt, winds up from Park Loop Road, gaining about 945 feet in elevation at an average grade of 5.42%. Note that RVs and trailers over 21 feet are a no-go on this road. It’s typically open from late April to December, weather permitting, so plan accordingly. Trust me, the views are worth the trip! You'll find panoramic vistas all along the way, with plenty of spots to pull over and soak it all in. The summit is a popular spot for catching the sunrise (though it's only the "first" sunrise during fall and winter!). Up top, you'll find a parking lot, restrooms, and even a gift shop. Word to the wise: summer can get *crowded*, so reservations are required during peak season (May to October). On a clear day, you might even glimpse Mount Katahdin way off in the distance. A few heads-ups: drive slowly and keep your eyes on the road. The cliffs can be steep, and it's easy to get distracted by the scenery. This road gets packed, so be patient and watch out for other cars and pedestrians. Speed limit is 25 mph, which you'll want to heed!
hardWhere Is Montana Mountain Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through central Arizona and crave a serious off-road experience, Montana Mountain Trail in the Superstition Wilderness is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a high-desert loop that'll test your skills and reward you with views for days. Think dramatic climbs up the mountain, a few river crossings to keep things interesting, and panoramic vistas of the desert meeting the mountains. The trail? It's a bit of a wildcard. Most of the way it's decently wide and graded, but be prepared for steep, rutted spots and areas where it gets narrow and rough. A stock vehicle with good ground clearance is definitely your best friend here. Heads up: this road climbs high, topping out well above sea level! If you're thinking of hitting it after a snowfall, think again. Those steep sections can get super sketchy. And in winter, parts of the loop can become impassable if there's been any snow. But trust me, if you're up for the challenge, the views in the Tonto National Forest are totally worth it. Get ready for some seriously diverse scenery and a ride you won't soon forget!