A Memorable Road Trip to Bow Summit in the Canadian Rockies
Canada, north-america
1.1 km
2,098 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Bow Summit in Alberta is a MUST-SEE, clocking in at 2,098m (6,883ft) and boasting some of the highest drivable views in Canada. You'll find it nestled in Banff National Park, practically waving hello to British Columbia.
The payoff? A parking lot with ridiculously gorgeous views of Peyto Lake.
The road itself? A quick and sweet 1.1km (0.68 miles) paved jaunt off the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North), Canada's highest national park road. You'll climb to a max elevation of 2,110m (6,922ft).
Keep in mind, this baby's tucked high in the Waputik Range of the Canadian Rockies, so plan your trip for summer. Snow can linger well into June, sometimes even July!
Where is it?
A Memorable Road Trip to Bow Summit in the Canadian Rockies is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 56.2049, -103.3031
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 1.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,098 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 56.2049, -103.3031
Related Roads in north-america
extremeThe Bloody Ortega Highway: California's Deadly Road with a Haunted Past
🇺🇸 Usa
California's Ortega Highway, snaking between Riverside and Orange counties, is one wild ride! This two-lane beauty connects San Juan Capistrano near the coast to Lake Elsinore inland, stretching for about 28 miles. Don't let the gorgeous mountain views, pine forests, and valleys fool you - this road has a reputation! With nicknames like Dead Man's Curve and Blood Alley, it's known for its tricky turns and sadly, its accidents, especially among motorcyclists. Built back in the day, it's a paved road that winds its way through the Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, named after a Spanish explorer. It's perfect for an adrenaline rush! But hold on, there's more to the story! Legend has it that the Ortega Highway is haunted. You'll be passing through an old Indian trail where mountain lions roam and hawks circle, and it was once a dumping ground for serial killers. Keep an eye out for ghostly hitchhikers, crazed gnomes, the Grim Reaper, and other spooky figures along the way!
hardPegleg Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're in Lassen County, California, and itching for a thrill, Pegleg Mountain is calling your name. This bad boy tops out at 7,106 feet! The road up there? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta steepness. Definitely needs a 4x4 and some serious off-road skills. Winter? Forget about it – this road is a no-go zone when the snow flies. And if heights make your palms sweat, maybe grab a postcard instead. But, oh the views! Trust me, they're worth the white-knuckle drive. And up top, you'll find a fire lookout tower, perfect for soaking in the panoramic vistas. Get ready for an unforgettable climb!
hardCan you drive through La Veta Pass in CO?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for a real Colorado adventure? Then check out La Veta Pass! This bad boy sits way up high at 9,396 feet, straddling Costilla and Huerfano counties. Can you drive it? Absolutely, if you're prepared! We're talking about the *original* La Veta Pass, aka County Road 443, and it's a totally unpaved gem. You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle, but the payoff is a seriously uncrowded drive. How long is this slice of off-road heaven? It's a sweet 5.6 miles snaking off Highway 160 in south-central Colorado. Back in the day, there was even a narrow-gauge railroad chugging through here! It later became a wagon road and finally a highway in the early '20s. Just a heads-up: being nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains means this road is a no-go in winter. And if you make it to the top, keep an eye out for the Uptop Historic District, a legit ghost town!
hardWest Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! West Mountain in Utah's San Juan County is calling your name, but don't think this is just another Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously high mountain pass, peaking at a whopping 10,872 feet! Nestled in the Blue Mountains, this beauty is Forestal Road 0354, and she's a gravel queen – steep, rough, and ready to test your mettle. Forget your low-riders; you'll absolutely need a 4WD beast to tackle this one. The weather here is a total wildcard, changing on a dime, and road closures are pretty common. But, oh man, are the views worth it! Miles and miles of winding mountain roads with scenery that'll knock your socks off. Word to the wise: this road gets super muddy and slippery after rain, so come prepared. Seriously, do your homework and check conditions before you head out. And a big NOPE if you’re not comfy with heights or sketchy terrain, or if you have respiratory or heart problems. This road is a beast, especially when wet or dark. But if you’re prepped and ready for an adventure, West Mountain will reward you with views you won’t soon forget!