How to Get by Car to Marmot Basin in Alberta?
Canada, north-america
13.5 km
1,989 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you're heading to Alberta, Canada, you HAVE to check out the drive up to Marmot Basin ski resort. We're talking a climb to 1,989m (6,525 ft) above sea level in the heart of Jasper National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, no less!
The adventure kicks off from the AB-93A, and the climb is a super manageable 13.5 km (8.38 miles). You'll gain a solid 828 meters of elevation along the way, mostly on a smooth asphalt road with gradients around 5-7%.
They call this beauty Marmot Road, and it's mostly paved, but be warned: the final 1.5 km turns to dirt. Don’t worry, though – it's totally doable in most cars.
The real star of the show? The views! Nestled high in the Canadian Rockies, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Just a heads-up: mountain weather is no joke, so make sure your ride is ready for anything. Trust me, this drive is worth it!
Where is it?
How to Get by Car to Marmot Basin in Alberta? is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 59.6920, -106.9436
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 13.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,989 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 59.6920, -106.9436
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Mount Tilton?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up adventurers, because we're heading to Mount Tilton in the heart of Colorado's White River National Forest, just south of Aspen! This beast of a peak tops out at a whopping 12,391 feet! The adventure begins on County Road 740, aka Cement Creek Road (FSR #740), and let me tell you, it's an unpaved rollercoaster! From the paved CO-135, you've got about 16.2 miles of rugged terrain to conquer before reaching the summit. Get ready for a serious workout – we're talking an elevation gain of 3,800 feet! The road is usually closed in winter, with access typically possible from mid-June to October, conditions depending. And hold on tight, because you'll be facing some steep climbs - expect grades hitting up to 22.6% in certain spots!
hardWeston Pass in Colorado: The Road to Riches
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey adventurers! Let's talk about Weston Pass, a high-altitude gem nestled in the heart of Colorado, clocking in at a whopping 11,938 feet above sea level. You'll find it straddling Park and Lake counties in central Colorado. This unpaved beauty, also known as County Road 22 (Co Rte 7), stretches for about 26.6 miles between US-24 and US-285. Now, the road isn't too tricky, but keep an eye out for a few rocky patches, especially if your vehicle sits low. Heads up: the eastern side is generally easier to navigate compared to the western slope. Coming from Highway 285 to the east, most passenger cars can handle it with a bit of care. However, if you're approaching from Highway 24 to the west, high clearance and maybe even 4-wheel drive are recommended. Be prepared for some washboards near the bottom that can make for a bumpy ride. For the full traverse, a 4WD vehicle with high clearance is your best bet, especially with some sections hitting a steep 12% gradient. Keep in mind that Weston Pass is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July, so plan accordingly. Historically, this route, located within Pike National Forest, was a bustling toll road back in the 1860s and 1870s, earning the nickname "The Road to Riches." It was used by everyone from Native Americans to prospectors chasing gold and silver dreams, serving as a vital wagon road between Fairplay and Leadville. Today, prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery. Along the way, you'll spot remnants of old cabins, charming beaver dams, and panoramic mountain vistas. Near the summit, you'll even find Weston Pass Hut, a backcountry lodging that boasts the highest elevation of its kind in Colorado. For the thrill-seekers, there's a 4x4 trail on the west side leading up to an old gold mine – definitely a challenge that requires some expertise and good clearance.
extremeCove Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Cove Mountain in Utah's Sanpete County is calling your name! This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about a legit mountain pass topping out at 10,675 feet! Situated in the stunning Wasatch Plateau, Forest Road 0061 (that's your route) is a gravelly, 4x4-only kinda road. Heads up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Severe weather is a HUGE no-no. Avalanches, serious snowfall, and landslides are real possibilities, and ice patches can pop up outta nowhere. Translation? This track is rugged, rocky, and demands respect. But, oh man, the views are worth it if you're prepared! Just be sure to check the weather forecast before you head out to this one of the highest roads in Utah and bring your A-game driving skills.
extremeMarcellina Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna tackle a seriously epic mountain pass in the heart of Colorado? Then Marcellina Pass is calling your name! This beast clocks in at a whopping 10,343 feet above sea level, nestled in Gunnison County. Heads up: you'll need a 4x4 for this one. We're talking Forest Road 826, a gravel track that winds its way up through Gunnison National Forest northwest of Crested Butte. But fair warning, this route isn't for the faint of heart. Keep a close eye on the weather forecast, because Mother Nature can throw some serious curveballs here. We're talking avalanches, heavy snow, landslides – the works! Plus, expect a bit of rockiness and mud along the way, and icy patches. But the views? Oh man, the views make it all worthwhile!