Explore the Scenic Beauty of Alberta Provincial Highway 40
Canada, north-america
1,021 km
2,217 m
easy
Year-round
# Alberta Highway 40: A Must-Drive Alpine Adventure
If you're looking for one of Canada's most stunning road trips, Highway 40 in Alberta absolutely delivers. This epic 1,021 km (634 miles) stretch winds from the small mountain town of Coleman in the southwest all the way up to Grande Prairie in the northwest—and trust me, every kilometer is worth it.
You'll know this route by a few names: Highway 40, the Bighorn Highway, or the Kananaskis Trail. Fair warning though—some sections are paved while others are gravel, so come prepared for a bit of variety.
The real showstopper? Highwood Pass, where you'll summit at an impressive 2,217m (7,273ft)—the highest elevation of any highway crossing in Canada. You'll be cruising right near the treeline, surrounded by snow patches that stubbornly stick around even during summer months. It's genuinely spectacular, but heads up: this section closes annually from December 1 to June 14, and winter weather can shut things down without warning elsewhere on the route.
What makes this drive truly special is the wildlife and scenery. Throughout your journey, you'll spot bears, elk, moose, mountain goats, and coyotes roaming against a backdrop of jaw-dropping mountain vistas. The Canadian Rockies frame every turn, making this one of those road trips that'll have you stopping constantly for photos.
Whether you're after a day trip or a longer adventure, Highway 40 captures the raw beauty of western Alberta in a way that'll stay with you long after you've returned home.
Where is it?
Explore the Scenic Beauty of Alberta Provincial Highway 40 is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 56.1537, -107.6203
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 1,021 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,217 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 56.1537, -107.6203
Related Roads in north-america
hardThe Knoll
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! The Knoll in east-central Utah's Grand County is calling your name! This high mountain peak sits at a cool 6,240 feet above sea level. The road up? Mostly smooth sailing on asphalt (UT-313), but hold onto your hats for the final 800 feet or so – that's where the gravel fun begins! This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, folks. Experienced off-roaders will LOVE this trail. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to conquer this one, and be prepared for some seriously steep climbs. But trust me, the views are totally worth it!
hardIs Moki Dugway paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Utah Route 261, just north of Mexican Hat. Everything's paved, smooth sailing... until BAM! You hit the Moki Dugway. This isn't your average road, folks. It's a three-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated graded dirt switchbacks carved right into the Cedar Mesa cliff face. We're talking serious hairpin turns and an 11% grade descent, dropping you a whopping 1,100 feet. Built way back in 1958 to haul ore, this road connects Utah Highway 95 with US Highway 163. Is it dangerous? Well, the state recommends vehicles under 28 feet and 10,000 pounds. Basically, most cars are fine, but maybe leave the RV at home. And yeah, there aren't any guardrails, so keep your eyes on the road! But let's be real, you're not here for easy. You're here for the views, and the Moki Dugway delivers. We're talking jaw-dropping panoramas of Valley of the Gods and even distant glimpses of Monument Valley. There's a parking area at the top just begging for a photoshoot. The Dugway's usually open year-round, but watch out for storms. Rain turns this dirt road into a muddy mess, and even 4x4s can struggle. So, check the weather, pack your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardCopper Canyon Road (Barrancas del Cobre)
🇲🇽 Mexico
# Copper Canyon's Wild Ride: Mexico's Most Dramatic Drive Ready for an adrenaline rush? The Copper Canyon region in Chihuahua's Sierra Madre Occidental delivers one of North America's most thrilling driving experiences. Here's the thing – this canyon system isn't just impressive; it's actually bigger and deeper than the Grand Canyon, made up of six interconnected canyons that'll make your jaw drop. The real star of the show is the Creel-to-Batopilas route, a 140-kilometer roller coaster that'll test your nerve and your car's suspension. You'll start in the cool, forested highlands at 2,340 meters and plummet nearly 1,800 meters down into the subtropical heart of Batopilas Canyon. The road finally got paved in recent years (progress!), but don't get too comfortable – expect plenty of heart-stopping cliff-edge sections that are, uh, creatively lacking in guardrails. What makes this drive unforgettable isn't just the hairpin turns and elevation drop. You'll wind through Raramuri (Tarahumara) indigenous communities and witness an insane ecological shift – from alpine pine forests to tropical palms – all in a few hours of driving. It's like road-tripping through multiple climate zones without ever getting out of your car. Buckle up; this journey is absolutely wild.
hardWhere is Walton Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Walton Peak in Colorado! This beauty sits way up high. You'll find it in northern Colorado, not far from another peak. Heads up: the road to the top ain't for the faint of heart. We're talking a drive up a considerable distance where you'll be grinding uphill for a good climb. That means a pretty consistent gradient, so get ready. And your reward at the summit? A radio communication tower, the height of technology on the mountain. Word to the wise: this road is totally impassable in the winter, so plan accordingly!