Is the road to Kicking Horse Pass paved?

Is the road to Kicking Horse Pass paved?

Canada, north-america

Length

25.8 km

Elevation

1,683 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, road trip enthusiasts! Kicking Horse Pass is calling your name! Perched way up high at 1,683m (that's 5,521ft for those playing at home), right on the Alberta/British Columbia border in Canada, this mountain pass is an absolute stunner.

The road? Smooth as butter, all paved and ready for your road trip playlist. You'll find it nestled between Yoho and Banff National Parks, part of the famous highway that carved its way through in '62. Keep your eyes peeled โ€“ this is the highest point on the whole shebang! But Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting, so watch out for the occasional rockslide, debris torrent, or even an avalanche!

This epic pass stretches for 25.8 km (16.03 miles) from Lake Louise (Banff National Park) to Field, BC (Yoho National Park). And the name? Legend has it that back in 1858, explorer Dr. James Hector got a swift kick in the chest from his horse right here! Ouch! But hey, at least it gave us a memorable name for this incredible drive. The scenery? Unforgettable. Trust me, you'll want to stop every five minutes for a photo!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Canada
Continent
north-america
Length
25.8 km
Max Elevation
1,683 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Ski Apache?hard

Where is Ski Apache?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Ski Apache! This New Mexico gem sits way up high in the Lincoln National Forest, near Ruidoso. We're talking seriously high โ€“ the road peaks at a cool 10,098 feet! If you're not a fan of heights, be prepared for a little bit of an adrenaline rush. The route? It's New Mexico Highway 532, also known as Ski Run Road. You'll hop on near Alto (off NM-48), and it's about 11.9 miles of paved road to the top. But don't let "paved" fool you. This baby is steep and bumpy! Speaking of steep, get ready for some serious inclines โ€“ we're talking a maximum gradient of 12% in spots! Plus, the road is seriously twisty, with some seriously sharp turns. Downhill? Be ready to brake hard! There are some barriers, but in other places, it's just you and the view. The good news is that the road is generally open year-round, letting you soak in the stunning views of Sierra Blanca. The catch? Winter can get wild. Short closures are possible, and chains might be required. Keep an eye on the weather! But if youโ€™re up for a challenge, Ski Apache is a wild ride, both literally and figuratively.

Where is Monument Hill?hard

Where is Monument Hill?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Okay, Monument Hill in southwest Colorado โ€“ you ready for this? You'll find it tucked away in La Plata County, sitting pretty high at 10,672 feet. We're talking serious San Juan Mountain views! County Road 204 will get you there. The whole trip from Durango is about 18 miles, but hold on tight because you'll climb over 4,000 feet in that short stretch. Expect narrow sections and super steep inclines, so a 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's a must-have. Keep an eye on the weather, too. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and forget about it in winter. This road is totally snowed in, so plan your trip for the warmer months!

Titus Canyon Road is a rugged drive in Death Valleyextreme

Titus Canyon Road is a rugged drive in Death Valley

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Hey fellow adventurers! Ever dreamt of exploring a wild, rugged trail right next to Death Valley? Then Titus Canyon Road is calling your name! Located on the eastern edge of Death Valley in California's Mojave Desert, this is one of the park's most epic backcountry drives. The road stretches for about 26.6 miles (42.80 km), starting from Nevada Highway 374, snaking its way through stunning scenery, and ending up on Scotty's Castle Road. Be warned: it's totally unpaved. They also call it Leadfield Road, by the way. Now, letโ€™s talk terrain. This isn't your average Sunday drive. It's a well-maintained, one-way gravel road, but things get steep and narrow in spots. A 2WD-HC vehicle can usually handle it in dry conditions, but there are rocky sections that might challenge a regular passenger car. As you approach Red Pass โ€“ named for its vibrant red rocks โ€“ the road gets even tighter. The last 1.5 miles are seriously narrow, with canyon walls squeezing in to just 20 feet apart! There's even a detour near the entrance with a seriously rough patch where it's a good idea to scout the area out beforehand. You'll climb to an elevation of 5,213ft (1,589m) at Red Pass, offering incredible panoramic views. Take a moment to soak it all in! The roadโ€™s often closed during winter due to snow and can be extremely dangerous during rain, with flash flood risks in the narrow sections. Always check the weather and road conditions with park rangers before heading out. Sometimes you'll find it wet, icy, or washed out. Allow 2-3 hours to enjoy the drive without rushing. The road is one-way from the east, but there's a two-way section from the west that's graded. Keep in mind this route isn't frequently patrolled, and summer travel is not recommended. Be prepared for a truly unforgettable off-road experience!

Where is Galena Summit?moderate

Where is Galena Summit?

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Usa

Cruising through Idaho and looking for a memorable drive? Then point your wheels toward Galena Summit! This high-altitude pass clocks in at a cool 8,727 feet (2,660m) and sits pretty in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. You'll find this gem in the northwest corner of Blaine County. The road, State Highway 75 (aka the Sawtooth Scenic Byway), is completely paved, but don't let that fool you โ€“ it's a pretty steep climb in sections with some twisty turns. This north-south route stretches for 78 miles (125km) between Stanley and Bellevue, offering incredible panoramic mountain views along the way. It's considered one of Idaho's most iconic drives. While usually open year-round, winter can throw a wrench in the works with snow and potential closures. So be sure to check conditions before you go. This pass definitely lives up to its location high in the Boulder Mountains! Make sure to stop at the Bethine and Frank Church Overlook, just west of the summit. The views from here, especially near sunrise or sunset, are simply stunning. Keep an eye out for wildlife, too โ€“ you never know what you might see!