When was Bow Pass in Alberta built?
Canada, north-america
75.8 km
2,088 m
hard
Year-round
Bow Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.088m (6,850ft) above sea level, located in the Canadian province of Alberta. It's
one of the highest roads of the country.
When was Bow Pass in Alberta built?
Located within the Banff National Park, on the western part of Alberta,
the road was completed in 1940.
Is Bow Pass in Alberta paved?
The road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called
(also known as Highway 93 north), the highest road in Canada’s national parks. A minor paved road, west of the pass, climbs up to
How long is Bow Pass in Alberta?
The pass is 75.8 km (47.09 miles) long, running south-north from Lake Louise to Saskatchewan River Crossing.
Is Bow Pass in Alberta open?
Set high in the Waputik Range, part of the Canadian Rockies, the pass is the highest point on the road. It is typically open all year round but snow can be expected at any time of year and extreme weather is common in winter
Is Bow Pass in Alberta worth it?
The drive is very scenic and the views cannot be captures in photos. It’s an impressive example of road engineering, producing better and better scenery as you climb higher.
It does get busier at weekends and in the main holiday season. The parkway is busy in July and August with up to 100,000 vehicles a month.
Lytton-Lillooet Highway is a scenic drive along the Fraser river
Saskatchewan Highway 955 is worth the white-knuckle drive
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.
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 75.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,088 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhen Was the Road to Nez Perce Pass Built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: straddling the Idaho-Montana border at a cool 6,601 feet, you'll find Nez Perce Pass. This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road, folks. Built way back in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this 93.6-mile beauty stretches from W Fork Road in Idaho to Dixie Road in Montana. Expect a mix of paved and unpaved sections as you wind through the Bitterroot Mountains. They call it everything from Forest Road 468 to the Magruder Corridor Road, so keep your eyes peeled for signs! Now, a word of caution: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Snow can shut it down anytime, and there's no plow service. Translation? Check conditions before you go. And with rugged terrain, you're looking at a leisurely 12-15 mph pace. But trust me, the views are worth it! You'll be smack-dab between the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness. At the summit, there's even a parking area (with a helicopter pad, just in case!). Oh, and get ready to jump an hour ahead — you're crossing into Mountain Time from Pacific Time! This drive isn't just a road trip; it's an adventure.
hardHow long is the Durango-Mazatlan Highway?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Get ready for an epic adventure on Mexico 40D, the Autopista Durango-Mazatlán! This isn't just a road; it's a mind-blowing feat of engineering slicing through the western Sierra Madre. Think 115 bridges and 61 tunnels – seriously impressive! Spanning 211km (131 miles), this route is a scenic alternative to the old Espinazo del Diablo ("Devil's Backbone"). You'll trade terrifying drops for incredible landscapes – from lush tropical vibes to towering pine forests and even desert scenery. Talk about a visual feast! Starting in Durango, the capital city nestled at 1,880 meters (6,168 feet), you'll wind your way down to the sunny resort town of Mazatlán on the Pacific coast. A word of caution: While paved, this road can throw some curveballs your way. Watch out for potential landslides, potholes, and the occasional blocked tunnel. Also, keep an eye on asphalt conditions, especially during the rainy season. Opened in 2013, the highest point of the road reaches nearly 9,000 feet, so winter can bring ice and even snow closures. Don't miss the Tunel el Sinaloense, a 9183-foot (1.7-mile) tunnel. But the real showstopper is the Baluarte Bridge (Puente Baluarte). It's a record-breaker – the highest cable-stayed bridge on the planet, and the tallest in the Americas. Just try not to be too distracted by the dizzying 403-meter drop to the canyon floor as you cruise along its 1,124-meter length!
moderateA rugged single-lane road to Surveyors Ridge in ID
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Surveyors Ridge! You'll find this beauty tucked away in Idaho's Shoshone County, chilling at a cool 6,187 feet. Getting there is part of the fun – it's all about Road 395A, a totally unpaved, single-lane track with just enough pullouts to keep things interesting. Think rugged! If your ride's got low clearance, maybe sit this one out. And heads up, things can get slick when it's wet. The prize at the top? A lookout tower with views that'll knock your socks off! Built way back in 1931 and revamped in '64, it gives you a killer panorama of Snow Peak and the endless mountains all around. Just a heads up, you're out there! The nearest town with actual services, St. Regis, Montana, is a good 2.5-hour drive away. Plan accordingly!
moderatePtarmigan Peak: Ultimate 4wd destination
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ptarmigan Hill in central Colorado's Eagle County is calling your name! This beast sits at a whopping 12,076 feet, making it one of Colorado's highest drivable peaks. Tucked away in the Rockies at the north end of the Sawatch Range, the road to the top is all rugged, unpaved goodness. Seriously, you're gonna need a 4x4 to conquer this one. You'll find this gem inside the White River National Forest. The climb is short but intense – we're talking 1,934 feet in less than half a mile, with a total elevation gain of 1,079 feet! Sadly, this route is totally snowed in during the winter. But the payoff? Epic! From the summit, prepare to be blown away by panoramic views of the Gore and Tenmile Mountain Ranges. You'll even catch glimpses of the iconic Mount of the Holy Cross and a sliver of I-70. Trust me; it's worth every bump and grind.