If you love to drive, you’ll love the road to Smith-Dorrien Pass
Canada, north-america
70.2 km
1,909 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, so you're headed to Kananaskis in Alberta, Canada? Buckle up for the Smith-Dorrien Pass! This beauty sits at a cool 6,263 feet above sea level and is basically the highlight of the Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail (aka Highway 742).
This gravel road stretches for about 43 miles from south of Canmore to the Kananaskis Trail (Highway 40). Don't expect smooth sailing; it's a bit dusty and washboardy, but nothing a regular car can't handle.
Keep in mind, this is the Rockies, so winter can be brutal. Even in summer, the dust can be intense, especially in the 80 km/h zones. Leave some space between you and the car in front of you so you don't end up with a cracked windshield. Watch out for wildlife too! There are some rough patches and a narrow, steep, winding section near Canmore. Oh, and pro tip: don't count on having cell service out there. But hey, the scenery is totally worth it!
Where is it?
If you love to drive, you’ll love the road to Smith-Dorrien Pass is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 54.4113, -111.3267
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 70.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,909 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 54.4113, -111.3267
Related Roads in north-america
moderateEureka Highway is a remote drive in the northernmost territory of Canada
🇨🇦 Canada
Eureka Highway is an all weather highway located in Nunavut, the largest, northernmost and newest territory of Canada. The highway is centrally located on Ellesmere Island, in the northern part of the country. The road is totally unpaved. It’s 20 km (12 mi) long and runs from Eureka Weather Station to CFB Eureka and the Eureka Airport. Eureka is a small research base on Fosheim Peninsula, Ellesmere Island, Qikiqtaaluk Region, in the Canadian territory of Nunavut, and it's the second-northernmost permanent research community in the world. The station was established in 1947. While the precipitation at Eureka is so low it is classed as a desert, the snow that does fall stays around for the whole winter because of the low temperatures. Keeping the road open is an on-going activity. Between mid-October and late February, the area is plunged into total darkness. Pic: By Ansgar Walk - photo taken by Ansgar Walk, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=606190 Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
extremeTravel Guide: Saline Valley Road in Mojave
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic adventure on Saline Valley Road, a super scenic track cutting through the heart of the Mojave Desert in California! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a challenging backcountry route in Death Valley National Park that'll test your mettle. You'll find this road tucked away in one of the most remote spots in California, stretching north to south through the vast Saline Valley. Picture a huge, arid valley nestled within the Inyo Mountains Wilderness Area. Keep in mind there are absolutely zero services available out there, so come prepared. Originally built to haul borax and salt back in the early 1900s, the road now spans a whopping 95 miles (153 km). The elevation ranges wildly from 1,094 to 7,593 feet (333 to 2,314m). Expect mostly unpaved conditions with lots of washboard sections. It's often heavily corrugated and sandy in spots, with sporadic maintenance. As you climb higher, it gets twisty with some serious drop-offs. The road is bumpy and rough, with curves, drop-offs, and deep, loose sand to keep you on your toes. High ground clearance is a must, and 4x4 might be needed in winter. Off-road tires and a full-size spare are highly recommended. Take breaks – your back will thank you! Technically, any vehicle can pass, but long stretches are extremely rough with sharp, primitive rock gravel. The road's open year-round, but winter can bring closures due to snow, ice, or washouts. October to May is prime time, although higher elevations might be snowed in. Spring and fall are especially nice, with temperatures in the 50-85 degree range. The Inyo County Road Department often marks the road as "CLOSED" after floods or winter snows, but those signs often stay up to deter unprepared drivers. The route goes through two mountain passes: the Inyo Mountains in the north and the Nelson Range in the south. The northern pass is higher but better maintained and closer to the hot springs. Remember, this isn't a Park Service Road; Inyo County handles maintenance. The drive treats you to some of Death Valley's most incredible landscapes. Think sweeping views of salt marsh, sand dunes, warm springs, and the majestic Inyo Mountains.
moderateBreckenridge Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, gearheads, listen up! Ready for an off-road adventure in Sequoia National Forest? Breckenridge Mountain in Kern County, California is calling your name! This beast of a peak tops out at 7,516 feet, and getting there is NOT for the faint of heart. The road? Let's just say it's "rustic." Think gravel, rocks, tippy sections, and bumps galore. A high-clearance 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's essential! This trail is best tackled by experienced off-roaders. You'll probably want to skip it between October and June thanks to weather. The summit’s views are worth it. You'll also find a bunch of TV antennas, microwave towers, and a cool old lookout tower from way back in 1942 (it even served as an aircraft warning site during World War II!). Quick heads up: that tower is still in operation, so be respectful. One last thing: weather is king (or queen) here. Check the forecast before you head up, and if there's any chance of thunderstorms, save this adventure for another day. Lightning and lookout towers definitely don't mix!
moderateBig Horn Reservoir
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to check out Big Horn in Colorado's El Paso County. We're talking SERIOUSLY high altitude here—12,227 feet! It's one of the highest roads in the entire state, nestled right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Now, fair warning: the road to the top is a bit…rustic. Think gravel, rocks, and a bumpy, tippy ride. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this one. And be aware this road is typically closed from October to June, depending on the weather. But oh my gosh, the views are worth it! Just keep in mind that you're up super high, so expect strong winds and crazy-fast weather changes. Seriously, be prepared for cold temps and howling winds, even in summer. You might even see some snow! But trust me, the wild, raw beauty of this place is unforgettable.