
Robert Campbell Highway is a remote yet delightful drive
Canada, north-america
583 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Wanna get seriously off the beaten path? Then point your wheels toward the Robert Campbell Highway in the Yukon! Named after a pioneering Hudson's Bay trader, this route, finished back in '69, is a 583 km (362 miles) adventure that connects Watson Lake (off the Alaska Highway) to Carmacks (on the Klondike Highway).
Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Officially Yukon Highway 4, much of it is gravel – around 60% – and the conditions can change on a dime depending on the weather. Expect potholes! But hey, at least they mark the rough patches with little orange flags. Some sections are... questionable as to whether they deserve the title "highway". Flooding and washouts? Yep, those happen. Sometimes it's just a narrow track covered in rocks instead of gravel. The good news? You might drive for ages without seeing another soul, and you'll have all the roadside pull-offs to yourself. Expect to cross creeks and rivers galore, sometimes on one-lane wooden or metal bridges, or even log bridges!
But the real draw? This road plunges you deep into the remote, unspoiled Campbell Region of the Yukon. This is a lonely wilderness drive, so come prepared. That means a full tank of gas – the sign leaving Watson Lake reminds you the next fuel is 383 km away in Ross River!
While technically open year-round, winter can bring closures due to weather. It can get rough and slippery anytime. Don't tackle it after heavy rains.
Set aside about 10 hours to drive straight through, but honestly, why would you? The scenery is too incredible! Most people make it a two-day trip to really soak it all in.
Think endless forests, winding rivers, rugged canyons, and cool wetlands. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – porcupines, moose, beavers, birds... the list goes on. You’re traveling through one of the Yukon's least populated areas, offering a true escape into the solitude of the northern wilderness. The Lapie Canyon cliffs are a must-see! And if you're into fishing or wildlife watching, you're in for a treat.
Where is it?
Robert Campbell Highway is a remote yet delightful drive is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 55.1684, -108.5995
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 583 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 55.1684, -108.5995
Related Roads in north-america
moderateMiller Flat Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Manti-La Sal National Forest in Utah, on Miller Flat Road (aka Forest Road #0014). This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a 20.9-mile stretch of gravel that twists and turns from Highway 31 down to Highway 29. Now, don't let the gravel fool you. This road climbs to a breathtaking 9,173 feet above sea level, offering views that'll make your jaw drop. But Mother Nature calls the shots here. In dry weather, it's a pretty manageable ride. However, when the skies open up, Miller Flat Road transforms into a muddy, slippery beast that can become impassable. And trust me, with the brutal winters up here, she's seen her fair share of wild weather. So, check the forecast before you go!
hardWhere is Buffalo Boy Mine?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for a wild ride to Buffalo Boy Mine in southwestern Colorado's San Juan National Forest! This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking a serious 4x4 adventure! Clocking in at a short but intense distance, this road climbs to a whopping 13,070 feet above sea level, making it one of Colorado's highest roads. The average gradient is over 11%, so expect a workout for your vehicle (and maybe your nerves!). The road's unpaved and seriously rugged, demanding a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Get ready for some steep climbs, treacherous conditions, and a whole lotta tight switchbacks. One particular turn is a real heart-stopper – a sharp right with a serious drop-off! The Buffalo Boy Mine itself is an underground mine that was worked for silver and other minerals. You can still see mine workings extending down the hill. Heads up: This route is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July. Plan your trip for the summer months for the best (and safest) experience!
moderateA beautiful road with lots of historical sights to Hancock Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Hancock Pass in Colorado is calling your name. Perched way up at 12,145 feet, this isn't just a drive, it's a trip back in time, loaded with mining history and jaw-dropping scenery. Seriously, it's one of Colorado's highest roads! You'll find it straddling Chaffee and Gunnison counties, right in western Colorado. Picture this: you're cruising along a totally unpaved path (Forest Road 839 to the south, Forest Road 299 to the north), originally carved out back in the 1880s for mining. The road starts out pretty mellow, following an old railroad grade, but don't get too comfy! Once you peel off the rail grade, things get a bit more challenging – rocky, slow going, but still manageable in a sturdy SUV with some grit. Skid plates? Definitely a plus. The road narrows, and bam, you're above the treeline! Heads up, though – Mother Nature calls the shots here. Usually, you can't even THINK about tackling this pass from late October to late June/early July (snow, duh!). And even then, keep an eye out – snow can stick around well into July. Don't even try it if there's snow. This epic 16.8-mile stretch runs from the ghost town of St. Elmo to Pitkin. Once you make it, you'll find plenty of room to park and soak it all in. Trust me, the views are insane, and they somehow get even better on the other side. You're in a high alpine wonderland, so pack smart – supplies, water, and warm clothes, even if it seems warm down below.
hardWindy Gap
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Windy Gap! This high-altitude mountain pass sits way up in Montezuma County, Colorado, clocking in at a whopping 11,004 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled within the stunning La Plata Mountains. Heads up: Road 350 isn't your average scenic cruise. Expect gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps along the way. Seriously, one wrong move and you could be in trouble. The road conditions are always changing, and winter likes to hang around here, so aim for a mid-summer adventure if you can. Word to the wise: scout ahead! Don't commit to anything until you're sure you can handle it – things can quickly go from tricky to terrifying. A 4x4 is a MUST. You'll need mad driving skills, patience, and a strong stomach for heights. Keep an eye out for places to pull over, because you might meet oncoming traffic in some seriously inconvenient spots. Trust me, this ain't your typical Sunday drive!