Driving the Wild 4x4 Road to the Lookout at Cornwall Hills in British Columbia
Canada, north-america
21.8 km
2,037 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ever dreamed of conquering a seriously epic mountain road in British Columbia, Canada? Cornwall Hills is calling your name! This beast tops out at a whopping 2,037m (6,683ft), making it one of the highest drives in the country.
You'll find it nestled in the Thompson–Nicola Regional District, within Cornwall Hills Provincial Park. The summit? It's legendary! Hang gliders launch themselves into the wild blue yonder, and a vintage lookout tower (built way back in the 50s!) watches over everything.
Now, here's the lowdown: this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is entirely unpaved, rough as guts, and downright rocky. Seriously, a high-clearance 4x4 is a MUST. We’re talking a 21.8 km (13.54 miles) climb from the Trans-Canada Highway, gaining 1,575m in elevation – that's an average gradient of 7.22%!
Perched high in the Clear Range, Cornwall Hills is usually snowed in until at least the first week of June. And even then, watch out for deep mud holes – rainy days turn this road into a slippery, slidy mess. But hey, the views? Absolutely unbeatable. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
Where is it?
Driving the Wild 4x4 Road to the Lookout at Cornwall Hills in British Columbia is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 55.6896, -110.0628
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 21.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,037 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 55.6896, -110.0628
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Blackhall Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Blackhall Mountain in Wyoming is calling your name. Situated near the Colorado border within the Medicine Bow National Forest, this peak tops out at a whopping 10,974 feet! Named after James Blackhall, a Forest Supervisor, the summit boasts a lookout tower with views that stretch for miles. The journey? It's about 18 miles of gravel road (FDR 409) starting from Encampment. But be warned, the last 3 miles are no joke! You'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to navigate those jagged rocks. This old access road from the 60s has seen better days, so keep your eyes peeled and your GPS handy – there are trails everywhere! Expect an awesome summer drive up there in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, but it's usually closed during the winter. Trust me, the views are worth the climb!
easyAn all-weather paved road to Sandia Crest in New Mexico
🇺🇸 Usa
Just a hop, skip, and a jump from Albuquerque in northern New Mexico, you'll find Sandia Crest, a must-do drive inside the Cibola National Forest! This peak punches way up there, hitting 10,678 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest roads in the whole state! The route to the top, NM-536 (aka the Sandia Crest Scenic Byway), is 13.3 miles of pure, paved joy starting from San Antonito. Seriously, any car can handle it! And guess what? The summit's got it all: parking, a restaurant, a gift shop, plus accessible views and restrooms. Built way back in 1927 and fully paved by 1960, this baby's been loved for decades. The road itself? It's in great shape, all nice and smooth after a recent resurfacing. Expect around 20 switchbacks on this two-lane beauty, but nothing too crazy. Keep an eye out for a little dirt on those tight corners, though! Motorcyclists, take note: this is your winding paradise. Just remember, summer storms can bring some serious temperature drops, so be prepared! It's a pretty steep climb, hitting a max gradient of 9% in spots. Over those 13.3 miles from San Antonito, you'll gain 3,763 feet, averaging about a 5.35% grade. The whole drive takes about 25 minutes non-stop, but you'll want to pull over. Trust me, the scenery is epic, transitioning from high desert to thick Sandia Mountain forests. You'll be treated to knockout views of Albuquerque, the Rio Grande, Mount Taylor, and the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The panoramic views of Albuquerque and the surrounding landscape from the summit are seriously next-level. Don't miss it!
hardA steep paved road to Tejon Pass in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through California and looking for an epic drive? Check out Tejon Pass! Nestled in Kern County, this high mountain pass tops out at 4,160 feet. The Spanish even named it after a badger ("Tejón") way back in 1806, thanks to a chance encounter with one. Located in Southern California, it's your main artery between the Central Valley and Los Angeles. You'll be rolling on Interstate 5 the whole way, the main north-south drag. This gateway offers some seriously steep sections. For truckers, there are even a couple of runaway ramps near the top—just in case! Locals often call this stretch "the Grapevine," especially the gnarly 5 1/2-mile section with a 6% grade. From the summit heading north, prepare for a 2,613-foot descent over 11.6 miles! Going southbound, it's about 22 miles of rolling hills before you hit the 5-mile grade, dropping 1,603 feet over 7.5 miles. The whole shebang runs for about 76 miles between Bakersfield and Santa Clarita. Word to the wise: the weather can be a real wildcard. Sunny skies can turn snowy in a flash. Winter can bring closures, and even when it's open, watch out for ice—especially with those steep grades and holiday traffic. But, overall, it's a must-do for anyone who loves hitting the open road and seeing some awesome views.
moderateTravel guide to Hunt Mountain, in the Big Horn Range
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're craving a wild Wyoming adventure? Let me tell you about Hunt Mountain Road! Tucked away in Big Horn County, inside the Bighorn National Forest, this baby climbs up to a whopping 10,045 feet! It's a 22.6-mile stretch of gravel and dirt (officially U.S.F.S. Road 10) that connects Highway 14A with Highway 14 in the northern part of the Big Horn Range. The road is generally well-maintained, so you probably won't need 4WD unless things get super muddy or snowy. Keep in mind, this is definitely a summer-only kind of trip. But the views? Oh man, the views are totally worth it! Just picture yourself cruising through the mountains, breathing in that fresh air, and feeling like you're on top of the world. Get ready for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience!