An Unforgettable Drive to Blueberry-Paulson Summit in BC
Canada, north-america
81 km
1,517 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to British Columbia, right? Then you HAVE to check out Blueberry-Paulson Summit, or Bonanza Pass as some folks call it. This epic mountain pass sits way up high at 1,517m (almost 5,000 feet!) in the Monashee Mountains.
You'll find it in southern BC, not far from the US border. The Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3), also known as the Southern Trans-Provincial Highway, is the road you'll be cruising on, and it's paved the whole way! This stretch clocks in at around 81km (50 miles) of pure driving bliss from the border heading north to Ootischenia.
Now, the views are incredible. Seriously, jaw-dropping. But be warned: Mother Nature can throw a curveball, especially in winter. We're talking sudden snowstorms, white-out conditions, and temps that can plummet to -30°C! Plus, those avalanche chutes you'll see on the mountainsides? Yeah, they're a stark reminder of how steep this terrain really is. So, from October to April, winter tires or chains are a MUST. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!
Where is it?
An Unforgettable Drive to Blueberry-Paulson Summit in BC is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 56.4064, -106.0795
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 81 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,517 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 56.4064, -106.0795
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow many miles is Mt Hamilton?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Santa Clara County? You HAVE to hit Mt. Hamilton Road! They say it’s got 365 curves – one for every day of the year! Seriously, prepare for some serious switchbacks (motion sickness pills might be a good idea!). This beauty is actually part of California State Route 130, and clocks in at around 19 miles of pure, paved driving bliss. You'll be climbing to a whopping 4,206 feet above sea level, where you'll find the Lick Observatory – the first mountaintop observatory. Cyclists love this route, so keep an eye out and share the road. Fun fact: this road was built way back in 1875–76 to haul equipment up to the observatory with horse-drawn wagons. So the grades are pretty gentle, but the road is narrow in spots and those curves are no joke. Being high up in the Diablo Range, Mt. Hamilton can get snow in the winter. It gets cooler as you climb, so pack a jacket. This mountain can be unpredictable, occasionally a cold, wet storm from the Gulf of Alaska or Canada, Mt. Hamilton gets significant snowfall. But is it worth it? ABSOLUTELY. The views of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley are breathtaking. On a clear day, you can even spot the Sierra Nevada way off in the distance. Heads up: there are no gas stations or restaurants on the road or at the summit, so fuel up and pack some snacks before you go. Mount Hamilton is 20 miles east of San Jose, and this journey has spectacular, even spine-tingling views.
hardEast Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever heard of East Peak in El Dorado County, California? This bad boy clocks in at a whopping 9,491 feet above sea level, making it one of California's highest drivable points. Nestled in the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, the road up is... let's just say "rustic." We're talking rocky, gravelly goodness – a proper 4x4 playground. Word on the street is, it's actually a chairlift access trail that doubles as a service road for the nearby ski station. Now, don't go thinking this is a Sunday drive. The slope is seriously steep, with some sections hitting a crazy 30% incline. Plus, it's covered in loose stones and gets even rockier as you climb. The window to tackle this beast is super tight, usually late August. Oh, and did I mention the wind? It's practically a permanent resident up there. And even in summer, you might get a surprise visit from Jack Frost. Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold is an understatement. But hey, if you're after a challenge and some epic views, East Peak might just be your new favorite spot.
moderateThe road to Etna Summit in CA has it all
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, fellow wanderers, let me tell you about Etna Summit in Northern California's Klamath National Forest! This beauty sits at a cool 5,994 feet above sea level in Siskiyou County. The road, connecting Forks of Salmon to Etna in the Scott Valley, is now fully paved, stretching for almost 40 miles of pure driving bliss. But hold on, it’s not all smooth sailing. Prepare for a wild ride with a whopping 3,713-foot drop in just 12 miles! We’re talking serious snaketrack action where you'll be hugging 1st gear the whole way down. Brakes? Not your best friend here. Expect a slow and steady pace of 10-15 mph on a road that's rough in spots and often just one lane. This is remote territory, so come prepared – limited services are available. Summer afternoons can get scorching, so pack plenty of water. And a friendly tip: give that horn a good blast on those blind curves! Not recommended for RVs, trailers, or newbie mountain drivers. Despite the challenges, the road surface is generally good, and the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking! Expect constantly changing vistas that will leave you in awe. Trust me, this is one unforgettable road trip.
hardWhere is Cabresto Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so Cabresto Lake is tucked way up in the Carson National Forest of northern New Mexico – think seriously high country at 9,255 feet! Getting there is… an adventure. Forest Road 134A, or Cabresto Lake Road, is a twisty, turny beast. We're talking a super rocky, narrow track with about 15 hairpin turns and some serious drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Definitely not a winter drive! While you *might* get a regular car up there if it's dry, a 4x4 with good clearance is the way to go. Seriously, leave the RV at home; the road has sections that are basically one-way with cliffs on either side. It's about 2.1 miles from the main forest road and it climbs like crazy – over 800 feet of elevation gain! Some sections hit a 14% grade so hold on tight. But is it worth it? Totally! The road ends right at Cabresto Lake Campground, a small spot with just a few campsites surrounded by insane mountain views. Plus, it's one of the only places in New Mexico where you can catch brook trout. So, if you're up for a challenging drive and some incredible scenery, Cabresto Lake is calling your name.