Why is Athabasca Glacier famous?
Canada, north-america
6 km
2,120 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park to be exact, heading to the legendary Athabasca Glacier. This glacier is a sight to behold, a 6 km long, icy river and probably the most accessible glacier you'll ever see from a car!
The road, Snocoach Road, is totally paved and winds its way up from Highway 93 for about 2.2 km. You'll climb 135 meters in elevation, ending up at 2,120 m above sea level at the Ice Explorer boarding station. It's a fairly steep climb with an average gradient of 6.13%, but trust me, the views are worth it.
Heads up, though! This road is closed during the winter months (mid-October to mid-April), so plan accordingly. And remember, the glacier itself has hidden dangers like crevasses, so stick to the safe zones. Get ready for some unreal scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,120 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Scanlon Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Scanlon Road in southern Nevada is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking 20 miles of pure, unadulterated adventure near the historic Gold Butte townsite and the Scanlon Ferry Colorado River Crossing. Now, let's be real – this road earns its reputation. The last stretch? Super narrow, super rocky, and honestly, might be better explored on foot. That final climb gains a whopping 1,040 feet in just over a mile. Think of it as a StairMaster from hell, but with way better views. The northern parts *might* be doable in a 2WD high-clearance vehicle, but trust me, you'll want 4WD as you head south. Expect washed-out sections and plenty of sand. But here's the kicker: you're heading into one seriously isolated area. We're talking zero services. No restrooms, no water, no gas, no food – nada. You need to be 100% self-reliant and come prepared for anything. Pack extra everything, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, and make sure your tires have some serious sidewall protection. But for those who crave the off-the-grid experience and breathtaking scenery, Scanlon Road is an unforgettable ride. Just remember to tread carefully!
extremeWhen was the Kern Canyon Road built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through California and craving a thrill? Kern Canyon Road (Highway 178) is calling your name! This 40-mile ribbon of asphalt stretches from Bakersfield to Lake Isabella in the Southern Sierra Nevada, and it's a wild ride. Built way back in the day (think 1890s to 1924!) to help construct the Kern River #1 powerhouse, this road is now famous for its curves, narrow lanes, and those heart-stopping drop-offs right next to the Kern River. You'll be hugging the turns and white-knuckling it until you hit that sweet four-lane stretch halfway through the canyon. Word of warning: this beauty can be a beast. Kern Canyon Road has a reputation, and not all of it is good. It's known for being dangerous, so stay sharp behind the wheel. Rock slides are a real possibility due to the canyon walls expanding and contracting with the weather. But oh, the scenery! Think rocky cliffs, the dam-controlled Kern River glistening below, and vistas that'll make your jaw drop. Just keep your eyes on the road! One last thing: the Kern River is gorgeous, but treat it with respect. Swimming here is seriously risky due to strong currents, cold water, and hidden dangers. Stay back from the edge, keep a close eye on kids, and never underestimate the power of the river.
hardHana Highway: 617 turns and 46 one-lane bridges in Hawaii
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Road to Hana: Maui's Epic Coastal Adventure Buckle up for one of the world's most stunning drives! Located on the eastern side of Maui, the legendary Road to Hana stretches 52 miles from Kahului and delivers pure magic at every turn. Picture this: mountains towering on one side, the sparkling ocean on the other, and hidden waterfalls stealing your attention around every corner. It's tropical paradise on wheels. Fair warning though—this road is seriously curvy. We're talking about 617 switchbacks packed into those 52 miles. You'll cross 56 bridges (46 of them are just one lane wide), navigate steep cliffs, dodge falling rocks, and deal with those confusing mile markers that keep resetting. Oh, and did we mention it rains constantly? Wet roads and blind curves are part of the deal here. The payoff? Absolutely worth it. The drive meanders through lush rainforests, past black-sand beaches, through valleys, and along dramatic coastal cliffs. It's basically nature's greatest hits collection. Most people take 3-4 hours for the complete journey—and that's with stops. Pro tip: hit the road on a weekday morning to avoid the 1,000+ daily tourists. The road itself is fully paved and in decent shape—not dangerous, just genuinely challenging. Take those tight U-curves slowly and use your horn to alert oncoming traffic. The trickiest bit comes about half a mile after mile marker 6, where you've got barely any wiggle room. Built in the 1800s and fully paved by 1962, the Road to Hana has earned its reputation as one of Earth's best coastal drives. Start early, take your time, and prepare to have your mind blown.
hardDiscovering the Beauty of Old Fall River Road: A Journey Through Colorado's Wilderness
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Old Fall River Road, a super scenic dirt road snaking its way through Larimer County, Colorado. It's basically one of the highest drives you can do in the state! This beauty is about 10.7 miles long, heading east to west in Rocky Mountain National Park, connecting Fall River Road to Fall River Pass on Trail Ridge Road. It's all unpaved, but don't worry, you don't need a special car – any regular vehicle can handle it in dry weather. You'll climb to a whopping 11,817 feet above sea level! Usually, it's open from around the Fourth of July to October, so plan accordingly. Expect about 40 minutes for the drive, but honestly, give yourself a couple of hours for the round trip to soak it all in. This isn't a race; it's a chance to get up close and personal with nature. Seriously, the trees are so close, you can practically touch them! Now, fair warning: this road has some serious heights, and there are NO guardrails. It’s a one-way uphill adventure with tons of switchbacks, and the speed limit is a chill 15 mph. It's narrow and curvy, so take your time. You don’t want to rush it anyway! The road's width is pretty tight, sometimes only 14 feet, so passing isn’t easy. There are some pull-offs, but they can be far between. If hairpin turns and dirt roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. However, if you’re up for the adventure, it's an unforgettable experience.