Where is Highwood Pass?
Canada, north-america
140 km
2,217 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a drive over Highwood Pass! Perched way up at 2,217m (7,273ft) in Alberta's Kananaskis Country, this is supposedly Canada's highest paved road.
Find it just 140 km southwest of Calgary, hanging out in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, south of Lower Kananaskis Lake.
The road, is a 148 km (92 mile) stretch of pavement that'll take you from Kananaskis to Longview.
Heads up: you might find some ice and snow, and the road gets pretty steep in spots (think 7% grades). Oh, and keep an eye out for bears!
This route is usually closed from December to mid-June because of heavy snow and wildlife migrations.
You'll be driving right near the tree line, so get ready for some incredible alpine scenery in the Canadian Rockies. Just a warning, the summit can be super windy, and the weather changes fast.
The drive itself takes about 1.5-2 hours if you don't stop, but trust me, you'll want to! The views are seriously amazing and worth a full day of exploring.
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 140 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,217 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
easyOlympic Peninsula Loop Drive, an unbelievable adventure in Washington
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for the ultimate Pacific Northwest adventure: the Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive! This scenic journey winds through western Washington, showcasing the state's incredible forests, wildlife, and natural beauty. The loop starts and ends in Seattle, taking you south around the Olympic Peninsula via US Highways 101 and 12, and Washington Highway 8. Clocking in at 329 miles (531 km), this paved route immerses you in the diverse ecosystems of the region. While you *could* technically drive the whole thing in 8 hours non-stop, you'll want at least three days (or more!) to truly soak it all in. Picture this: picturesque shoreline, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, stunning mountain vistas, and even a lush rainforest. Side adventures abound! Timing-wise, May and early June are prime for waterfall viewing, but be aware that higher elevations may still have snow, and beaches can be foggy. July to September brings drier weather and sunshine, but also more crowds. Fall is gorgeous with colorful foliage, and winter offers dramatic, wild beaches—just be prepared for rain. Trust me, this drive is worth it! The Olympic Peninsula Loop is pure road trip bliss.
hardWhere is Colorado Mines Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in central Colorado, smack-dab in the Arapaho National Forest, and you're itching for a serious dose of altitude. Colorado Mines Peak is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about one of the highest roads in Colorado, topping out at a cool 12,506 feet. The whole reason it's called Colorado Mines Peak is because the Colorado School of Mines has a weather station chilling at the summit. Now, the road itself? It's a 2-mile (3.21 km) unpaved service road—Colorado Mines Peak Road—with some super-long switchbacks and a steep grade averaging 11.7%. Expect an elevation gain of 1,250ft (381m). Heads up, though: private vehicles aren't allowed! Plus, being in the heart of Colorado, this road is usually buried under snow during the winter, so plan your trip for later in the season when things have thawed out. Once you reach the top, yeah, there are a bunch of communication towers and equipment (think 1950s vibes). But honestly, who cares when you're surrounded by unbelievable views in every single direction?
moderateHow to get by car to Puerto Cancun in Baja California Sur?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising down the Baja California Peninsula, heading towards the hidden gem of Puerto Cancún, a sweet little fishing village right on Magdalena Bay. Forget fancy highways, this is an adventure! You'll be bumping along Carretera a Puerto Cancún, a 45.8 km (28-mile) dirt and gravel road that's pretty easy to handle, though keep an eye out for some sandy spots as you get closer to the beach. The adventure kicks off from the México 1 Road, right at the parking for Las Brisas del Desierto (grab a bite before you go!). For almost the entire 41.7 km stretch, it’s straight as an arrow with amazing mountain views. Just watch out for the local cattle enjoying the scenery, too! It's a real off-the-beaten-path experience.
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.