How to get by car to the summit of Blackcomb Mountain in BC?
Canada, north-america
120 km
2,252 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Wanna hit one of the highest spots in Canada? Head to Blackcomb Mountain in British Columbia! This peak hits an altitude of 2,252 meters (7,388 feet), so buckle up for some serious views.
You'll find this gem about 120 km (75 miles) north of Vancouver, hanging out near Whistler. It's nestled right in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Blackcomb’s got a cool backstory: it transformed from untouched mountain to ski haven back in '66, and now it’s part of the massive Whistler Blackcomb resort. And get this – it's linked to Whistler Mountain by the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which is a record-breaker for distance and height! Prepare for mind-blowing panoramas! The mountain's named after the dark glaciers and rocks you'll spot way up high.
Now, about that road to the top… Forget pavement; it’s all rugged and unpaved. It’s basically a service road for the chairlifts. Trust me, you'll need a 4x4 to handle the super-steep inclines. This shelf road gets seriously narrow, with some heart-stopping drop-offs.
Keep in mind, once winter hits, this road is a no-go. But when it's open, you're in for some unreal scenery in the Fitzsimmons Range of the Garibaldi Ranges!
Where is it?
How to get by car to the summit of Blackcomb Mountain in BC? is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 55.7439, -108.0447
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 120 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,252 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 55.7439, -108.0447
Related Roads in north-america
moderateAn Unforgettable Drive to Blueberry-Paulson Summit in BC
🇨🇦 Canada
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!
moderateWhere is Slide Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're headed to Slide Lake in Colorado? Awesome choice! Picture this: you're just north of Leadville, smack-dab in the heart of Colorado's San Isabel National Forest. First things first: ditch the sedan. You'll be tackling Forest Road 145, a completely unpaved adventure that demands a 4x4. Trust me on this one. The road clocks in at just under 5 miles. You’ll gain about 1,570 feet in elevation, so yeah, it’s a climb! The average incline is around 6%, so expect some steady uphill action. Along the way, keep an eye out for a parking area on the right. You can spot a 10th Mountain Division Hut nestled in the trees on the left. This is a cool piece of history honoring the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division. The road winds onward through some seriously dense forest before ending at the Slide Lake Trailhead. There's a picnic table, a dispersed campsite, and parking spots scattered among the trees. From there, it’s a leisurely half-mile hike to the lake. Keep in mind: this road is typically only open from July to October. Colorado snows are no joke! So plan your trip accordingly for the best views and safest travels.
hardWhy is it called Mount Lowe?
🇺🇸 Usa
The Mount Lowe Fire Road, nestled in sunny Los Angeles County, California, is a real blast from the past! Named after Professor Thaddeus S.C. Lowe, this gravel fire trail winds its way for about 8.5 miles (13.67km) from Brown Mountain Truck Trail to Mt Wilson Red Box Road. It's a steep climb, mind you, with gradients hitting a hefty 20% in places. Built on the remnants of a scenic tourist railway (that whisked visitors up to Mount Lowe and Echo Mountain back in the day — think 1893!), this road offers more than just a workout. You can explore the ruins at Echo Mountain and the Alpine Tavern, and spot fascinating bits of Americana and relics from yesteryear. Think old tunnels, bridges, and hotel ruins. It's also your jumping-off point to conquer San Gabriel Peak, Mt. Disappointment, and a few other peaks in the area. While the lower section is paved, most of the trail is unpaved, snaking through the Angeles National Forest with amazing views of mountains, canyons, and pine forests. Be warned, it's closed to motorized vehicles (barrier at both ends!), so plan on hiking or biking. The last half-mile or so leading to Eaton Saddle can be a bit tricky, often impassable to vehicles, and goes right through a tunnel. This section clings to the dramatic south face of San Gabriel Peak. Definitely a trip for those who love a bit of history and a good leg burn!
easyHow long is the Energy Loop: Huntington-Eccles Scenic Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for the Energy Loop: Huntington-Eccles Scenic Byway in central Utah! This paved beauty clocks in at 86 miles (138 km) and is practically the only paved path you'll find winding across the Wasatch Plateau. You'll cruise from Fairview to Huntington (southeast) and then up to Colton (northeast) via SR-31, and a mix of SR 31/264/96 on the northern portion of the loop. Nestled within the Manti-La Sal National Forest, this scenic byway peaks at a cool 9,799ft (2.987m) above sea level in the Wasatch Mountains. Keep an eye on the calendar, though – snow and weather can definitely play a role in when this road is open. Expect about 2-3 hours of driving time if you're just trying to get from point A to point B, but trust me, you'll want to stop. This area is a haven for hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping, and the views? Absolutely stunning, no matter the season. Plus, there are interpretive signs dotted along the way, giving you the lowdown on the area's history and nature. Get ready for an unforgettable Utah adventure!