Where is Tibbitt Contwoyto winter road?
Canada, north-america
600 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Ever dreamed of driving on water? The Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road in Northern Canada is your chance! This incredible ice road, born in 1982, stretches up to 600 kilometers (372 miles) across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Imagine cruising over frozen lakes – they make up 85% of the route! The rest is on land, hopping between lakes.
Starting about 65 km (40 mi) east of Yellowknife, this frozen highway twists and turns, ending (depending on the year) near the Ekati or Jericho Diamond Mines. It's not just a scenic drive; it's a vital supply line for mines, accessible only a few months each year (February to early April).
The journey takes about 14-18 hours. Speed is seriously controlled to protect the ice, often down to a crawl of 25 km/h (16 mph), or even 10 km/h (6.2 mph) in some spots! Prepare for extreme conditions: high winds, storms, and limited visibility are common. Despite the challenges, this ice road is surprisingly safe, with constant monitoring and strict rules. So, if you're seeking a truly unique adventure, the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road awaits, offering breathtaking, desolate beauty and a drive you'll never forget.
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 600 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateIs the road to Slumgullion Pass paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Dude, Slumgullion Pass in Colorado is a MUST for your next road trip! We're talking Hinsdale County, smack-dab in the San Juan Mountains, and the views? Epic! This baby's a fully paved rollercoaster, part of the Silver Thread Scenic Byway (aka Highway 149), stretching for 50 miles from Lake City to Creede. Don't let the "fully paved" part fool you – the north side is seriously steep, boasting the gnarliest grade of any paved road in Colorado (nearly 10%)! The climb from Lake City is a leg-burner: 783 meters up over just 7 miles, averaging a 6.9% grade, and it kicks off with almost 10% right away! Keep your eyes peeled for elk, deer, moose, and even bighorn sheep chilling by the roadside. Sitting pretty at 11,574 feet, Slumgullion Pass is one of Colorado's highest paved passes. It's generally an easy drive, but those steep sections and a few tight turns will keep you on your toes. The road's maintained year-round, even in winter, though you'll definitely want to check conditions before heading out if there's been recent snow. Make sure to pull over at Windy Point Overlook, just a couple miles west of the pass. The panoramic views of those 13,000+ foot peaks are totally worth it!
extremeWhere does the Coquihalla Highway start and end?
🇨🇦 Canada
The Coquihalla Highway, or "the Coq" as the locals call it, is a wild ride through British Columbia's backcountry. This stretch of Highway 5 clocks in at 193 km (119 miles), connecting Kamloops and Hope (near the Fraser Valley) via Merritt. It's all paved, so no need for a 4x4! Originally built in 1941 and expanded for Expo 86, the Coq gets its name from the Coquihalla River. But don't let the name fool you, this isn't just a scenic river route. This road climbs! You'll be scaling Coquihalla Pass at 1,249m (4,097ft) and zipping past Great Bear Snowshed, topping out at 1,444m (4,738 ft) above sea level. While usually open year-round, winter here is no joke. Sudden snowstorms, blowing snow, and fog can turn the drive treacherous. Keep an eye out for those avalanche chutes, a stark reminder of the rugged terrain. Winter tires or chains are a must from October to April. Even though it's a modern four-to-six-lane highway, the Coq is steep, and some truckers avoid it because of the extra fuel needed for the inclines. In summer, watch your engine temp – that uphill grade can cause overheating. Be prepared for sudden weather changes – signs along the way will warn you. So, gear up, pack extra winter clothes, and maybe a sleeping bag (just in case!), and get ready for a memorable drive. The highway is generally well-maintained, but be aware of possible frost heaves and uneven pavement. Drive defensively, and you'll be rewarded with incredible views!
extremeWhere is Monte Cristo Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventurers, let's talk Monte Cristo Road! Nestled in eastern Snohomish County, in the northwestern part of Washington, this ain't your average Sunday drive. You'll find the trailhead off the Mountain Loop Highway at a decent elevation, and it leads to what's left of Monte Cristo, a ghost town abandoned way back in 1907, sitting pretty high up itself. Now, this trail clocks in at just under 4 miles – sounds easy, right? Well, hold your horses. The South Fork Sauk River got a little feisty a few years back and washed out the road, leaving a gap where a bridge used to be. Heads up: This trek is strictly for foot traffic or other non-motorized travel. Seriously, do NOT try to drive it! It's gated, but open for hikers and bikers willing to explore. The washed-out shores and missing chunks of road are a clear sign – vehicles need not apply. Snohomish County is not warrantying anything for vehicular traffic. Oh, and one more thing – remember those mining operations back in the day? The river water is still carrying some heavy metals and arsenic, so skip the refreshing river dip. Despite the hazards, it's a scenic spot to see the remains of a fascinating town, with tales and photos that bring the past to life. Hike at your own risk, but soak in the history and rugged beauty!
hardChopaka Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an epic adventure in Washington state? Check out Chopaka Mountain! This beauty tops out at 6,243 feet, straddling the US-Canada border in Okanogan County. Getting to the summit is half the fun – we're talking Ninemile Creek Road, a gravel track that winds its way up through the North Cascades. Expect a bumpy ride with loose rocks and some seriously steep sections. Most cars can handle it, but be warned: summer thunderstorms can turn those gravel roads into a 4x4 nightmare! Heads up, the road's usually snowed in from October to June. But when it's open, the views from the Cold Springs Trailhead parking lot at the top are totally worth it. You're smack-dab in the Chopaka Mountain Natural Area Preserve, surrounded by some seriously stunning scenery. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!