
Driving the scenic Stewart-Cassiar Highway in British Columbia
Canada, north-america
874 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for the Stewart-Cassiar Highway (aka Highway 37, Dease Lake Highway, Stikine Highway, or Terrace–Kitimat Highway!) This 874 km (543 mi) beauty in British Columbia is your ticket to some seriously isolated and wild landscapes.
Built back in '75, this north-south route stretches from Kitimat up to Upper Liard (where it meets the Alaska Highway). Expect a mix of surfaces – mostly hardtop, but with a kilometer or so of gravel to keep things interesting. The northern stretch is paved with a sealcoat, which is narrower than usual asphalt. Watch out for a few 8% grades and a couple of switchbacks that'll test your turning skills.
Heads up: this road is basic. We're talking narrow lanes, limited or no shoulders, and sometimes loose gravel, so take it slow to protect your ride (and other drivers!). Keep an eye out for those one-lane bridges too!
Open year-round, this highway is the most northwestern in BC, and it's often called the rugged alternative to the Alaska Highway. You'll be driving through some of the most untouched scenery in North America, with absolute solitude for miles. Forget about your phone – there's zero cell service here.
But the payoff? Oh man, the payoff! You'll be treated to mind-blowing mountain views that stretch on forever, and some incredible wildlife spotting opportunities. If you're craving an epic, off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Stewart-Cassiar is calling your name!
Where is it?
Driving the scenic Stewart-Cassiar Highway in British Columbia is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 56.2726, -106.3063
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 874 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 56.2726, -106.3063
Related Roads in north-america
easyWhere is Luther Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for Luther Pass! This baby sits way up high in California, about 10 miles south of Lake Tahoe, practically hugging the Nevada border. You're looking at 7,755 feet above sea level – that’s serious altitude! Locals call the road Luther Pass Road, officially Highway 89. It’s named after some rancher guy from way back when. The whole stretch is totally paved, so no need for the off-road tires this time. The drive itself? About 11 miles, cruising between Meyers and Sorensens. But don’t let that fool you, it's got some serious hills, averaging a 6% grade for a good chunk of the ride! Speaking of views, get ready for a feast! Lush forests, sprawling meadows, and those classic Sierra Nevada mountains as your backdrop. Fall is extra special, the colors are insane! Heads up though, this pass is up in the northern Sierra Nevada, so winter brings snow and ice. The road's usually plowed, but always check the conditions before you go. Trust me, you want to be prepared for that kind of weather!
moderateWhat is the new name for Squaw Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! If you're cruising around Colorado and looking for a scenic mountain escape, you HAVE to check out Mestaa’Ėhehe Pass (formerly known as Squaw Pass). Nestled in Clear Creek County between Evergreen and Idaho Springs, this beauty climbs to a whopping 9,790 feet! The road, now known as Mestaa’Ėhehe Road (or Colorado State Highway 103), is a fully paved, 30.8-mile ribbon of asphalt that winds through the Arapaho National Forest. Just be warned, it's a bit of a leg burner for your car – some sections max out at an 8% grade! Built way back in the day (the first version in 1923, and fully paved by '56), it's super accessible from Denver. Keep in mind that even though it's open year-round, Mother Nature can be a real diva. Snow can definitely shut things down in the winter, so always check conditions before you go. But if you catch it on a good day, you're in for some seriously stunning Front Range views!
moderateWhere is Mangas Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk Mangas Mountain in western New Mexico, practically hugging the Arizona border in the Apache National Forest. Picture this: you're cruising on dirt roads for roughly miles after leaving the pavement. Don't expect a Sunday drive, though. It's mostly a but there are a couple of spots, especially near that'll make you pucker up! You'll climb feet in elevation, so yeah, it's a steady climb. The views from the top are incredible, with overlooks to the east, south, and west. Heads up though: there's a up there, so maybe skip it if there's lightning in the area.
extremeWhere is Cottonwood Canyon?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Cottonwood Canyon Road is a wild ride through the heart of Death Valley! This Inyo County, California gem is a true desert adventure. You'll find this canyon clinging to the northern edge of Death Valley National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for the namesake cottonwood trees that line the stream at the end of the road. Plus, there's even a spur road to Marble Canyon – just look for the metal post about 2 miles in! Now, about that road... it's unpaved and primitive for its entire length, about 25 miles running deep into the Cottonwood Mountains! You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle for the first 8 miles to handle the sand, washboard, and rocks. But beyond that, you NEED 4x4 to conquer the deep sand, rocky washes, tight corners, and the occasional boulder. Fair warning: the last mile and a half can be seriously washed out. Speaking of washouts, this road is super sensitive to rain, so check local conditions before you go. Conditions can change in a heartbeat here, so be prepared for anything. But if you're up for a challenge, Cottonwood Canyon Road delivers with some seriously stunning desert scenery!