Nicola Highway is a scenic drive along the Nicola River
Canada, north-america
65 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! If you're anywhere near the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada, you NEED to check out the Nicola Highway. Officially, it's Highway 8, but locals just call it pure driving bliss.
Picture this: you're cruising along a perfectly paved road, carved right into the heart of the Nicola Valley. This gem was built back in '53 but has gotten some serious TLC recently. Even though it's in great shape, it still feels like a secret only a few of us know about.
Nestled high up in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, this road is kept in tip-top condition year-round. But pro tip: if you're visiting in winter, snow tires are a must.
The road stretches for about 65 km (40 miles), hugging the Nicola River all the way from Lower Nicola (near Merritt and Highway 97C) to Spences Bridge (where it meets Highway 1).
The best part? Hardly any traffic! Seriously, even on a sunny afternoon, you might only see a handful of other cars. And when you do, it's usually fellow road-trippers or a few sport bike riders chasing that adrenaline rush.
Where is it?
Nicola Highway is a scenic drive along the Nicola River is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 52.3322, -107.1128
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 65 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 52.3322, -107.1128
Related Roads in north-america
hardNogal Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Nogal Peak in southeastern New Mexico is calling your name! Nestled way up high in the Southern White Mountain Wilderness, you'll find this bad boy topping out at a whopping 8,809 feet! But here's the deal: this isn't your Sunday drive. Forest Road 108, aka Tanbark Canyon Road, is a gravelly, rocky, and bumpy beast. Think tippy! We're talking about a serious 4x4 situation, people. This road, deep inside the Lincoln National Forest, is constantly changing, so expect the unexpected. Winter likes to hang around here for a while, so your best bet for a safe trip is mid-summer. The road is a never-ending series of twists, turns, and narrow squeezes that'll test your driving skills. Steep, rough, and dirt, it keeps you on your toes the whole time. Up, down, right, left – you get the picture! But trust me, once you reach the summit and that Crest Trailhead parking lot, those views are worth every single bump and jostle!
hardBig Sam
🇺🇸 Usa
Big Sam is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.298m (10,820ft) above the sea level, located in Tuolumne County, California, United States. It’s one of the highest roads of California. This infamous gravel road to the summit is rough with several hairpin turns. A very steep maintained (jeep) trail goes almost directly over the top of the peak. Make sure you get your vehicle and yourself well-prepared before driving this road. 4wd vehicle required. Stay away if you're scared of heights. The route is snow free from June to October. After rain, even a single rainfall, conditions of the road can be challenging. Watch out for sudden loose-gravel breaks. Proper preparation is essential to having a safe, enjoyable trip on this road. Always be prepared for winter weather, even in summer. 27 Lessons from 27 Films - Car Breakdowns Road trip guide: Conquering Big Hole Pass in Montana Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our 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 to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardTake the Scenic Route and Discover Stevens Pass in WA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let’s talk about Stevens Pass in Washington State! Perched way up high in the Cascade Mountains at over 4,000 feet, this baby straddles King and Chelan counties and offers a stunning drive. Yup, you can totally drive it! Highway 2, also known as the Stevens Pass Highway, will take you right over the top. The whole route is paved, so no need for a 4x4, but keep your eyes peeled because you're cruising through serious mountain country – think Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Wenatchee National Forests. Avalanche territory, folks! The pass stretches for about 36 miles from Skykomish to Coles Corner. If you're just driving straight through, plan on about 45 minutes to an hour to soak in the views. And the best part? It's open all year round, so you can experience its beauty no matter the season! Just remember to check road conditions, especially in winter.
moderateIs Mil Cumbres Road paved?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up for the legendary Mil Cumbres Road in Michoacán, Mexico! Officially known as Mexico 15 (or Carretera Morelia-Toluca, if you want to get technical), this fully paved road stretches for 237 km (147 miles) from Morelia, the state capital, to Toluca. But be warned, this isn't a Sunday drive. Mil Cumbres, meaning "One Thousand Hills," lives up to its name with a relentless series of curves that might leave you feeling a little queasy. You'll climb from Paso Ancho, a low point at 980m (3,215ft), to a dizzying 2,930m (9,612ft) near San José de la Cumbre. But oh, the views! This road teeters on the edge of a canyon, offering incredible panoramas of the Michoacán mountains and the Tierra Caliente lowlands. Keep an eye out for waterfalls during the rainy season, and get ready for some seriously stunning sunsets. The landscape is unique, with pine forests right next to you and desert valleys stretching out below, creating a colorful, unforgettable experience.