The unpaved road to Telegraph Creek is a Canadian classic
Canada, north-america
110 km
849 m
hard
Year-round
Telegraph Creek, a small, largely indigenous settlement, sits pretty on the Stikine River in British Columbia. Getting there? Let's just say the road is an adventure in itself!
Built way back during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1860s, the Telegraph Creek Road (Highway 51) is steeped in history. Telegraph Creek, home to the Tahltan First Nation, got its name from a planned telegraph line connecting Canada to the Yukon.
This 110km (68 miles) stretch winds east-west from Dease Lake (right off the Stewart-Cassiar Highway) to Telegraph Creek. Hugging the Stikine River, keep an eye out—it's known for washouts and the occasional rockslide.
Tucked away in northern BC, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Expect a narrow, steep mountain road that can hit a maximum gradient of 20%! Pavement gives way to compacted dirt and gravel at Km 4.7, offering a wilder experience. It can get slick when wet, but nothing a moderately experienced driver can't handle.
Topping out at 849m (2,785ft), be ready to test those brakes. The switchbacks have caused headaches for truckers over the years. Not ideal for large RVs or trailers, but most vehicles should be fine. Much of the road is a single track, so be prepared to use those tiny pull-outs.
Factor in 2-3 hours for the drive, without stops. The reward? Stunning views of the Stikine River. With sheer cliffs plunging down to the water, photo opportunities are everywhere. In town, you'll find old buildings dating back to the gold rush era, some restored, some abandoned. Photo by Ken Welte.
Where is it?
The unpaved road to Telegraph Creek is a Canadian classic is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 56.0683, -103.0403
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 110 km
- Max Elevation
- 849 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 56.0683, -103.0403
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere are the 11 Steepest Streets in the USA? See the Ranking, including Waipio Valley's 45% Descent
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, gearheads and adventure seekers, let's talk about the gnarliest urban climbs in the US! Forget those boring highway miles – we're diving into roads that make your palms sweat and your engine work overtime. Leading the pack with a jaw-dropping 45% drop is Waipio Valley Road in Hawaii. Seriously, this thing is legendary! California dominates the list with eight spots, proving it's a haven for steep streets, especially around LA and San Francisco. These aren't just photo ops, folks. We're talking inclines so intense that anything over 30% demands serious traction. Expect a workout for your vehicle (4x4 might be a must!), and be aware that bad weather can shut these beasts down completely. Hey, have you heard about the Pan-American Highway, it's the longest road in the world? And don't get us started about how treacherous Red Mountain Pass in Colorado is during winter! So, ditch the predictable routes and embrace the thrill! These roads are not for the faint of heart, but the views (and the bragging rights) are totally worth it.
hardMount Werner
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Mount Werner! Nestled high in the Colorado Rockies, this peak punches through the sky at a whopping 10,570 feet. The road snaking its way up through the Routt National Forest is definitely not for the faint of heart. We're talking seriously steep gravel that demands a 4x4. Heads up though: this road is off-limits to personal vehicles. But if you could go, the prize at the top is the Storm Peak Laboratory – a cool research station where scientists study clouds. So, while you might not be able to drive it yourself, Mount Werner is a fascinating slice of Colorado's high country!
hardShrine Pass in Colorado - A Comprehensive Guide for Off-Road Enthusiasts
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Shrine Pass in Colorado. We're talking about a high-altitude dirt road, sitting pretty at 11,187 feet! It’s smack-dab on the Eagle and Summit County line, nestled in the White River National Forest. This isn't your average highway. It’s a narrow, unpaved dirt track (aka Shrine Pass Road or Forest Road 709) that used to be *the* way to get between Denver and Glenwood Springs back in the day. Now it's more of a scenic adventure. The road's generally in good shape, but heads up – it can get narrow and rocky. A sturdy 2WD vehicle, SUV, or 4WD is your best bet but sometimes you can even make it in a high-clearance 2WD. There’s usually plenty of room to pass, plus a few pull-offs to snag some epic photos. You can only hit this beauty from June to September (weather permitting, of course). Trust me, it’s worth the wait. The views are insane, especially in summer and fall with wildflower meadows, pine forests, and glimpses of Mount of the Holy Cross. It’s an awesome sightseeing route, especially when the leaves start changing, and thankfully, it's never too crowded. The whole shebang is about 11.9 miles, connecting I-70 near Vail Pass to US-24 near Red Cliff. Get ready for an unforgettable Colorado drive!
extremeCan you drive into Waipio Valley?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're on the Big Island of Hawaii, ready for an adventure. You've heard whispers of a legendary road leading down into the breathtaking Waipio Valley in the Hamakua District. But this isn't just any road trip, folks. Waipio Valley Road is a beast! Clocking in at a mere 1.4 miles, this paved path plummets from the Waipio Overlook (about 915 feet above sea level) down to almost sea level, into a valley so lush it looks prehistoric. "Waipi'o" means curved water in Hawaiian, and you'll see why as you descend into this dramatic landscape. But here's the kicker: this road is seriously steep. We're talking sections with a 40-45% gradient! It's so intense that some say it's the steepest road of its length *anywhere* in the USA. This road isn't for the faint of heart. Think of it as the opposite of a lazy river cruise. Word to the wise: This road is generally open only to 4x4 vehicles (the valley floor roads aren't paved, either!). Many rental car agreements ban this road, so read the fine print. And get this: Downhill traffic yields to uphill traffic (because trust me, nobody wants to stall going *up*). Driving down in low gear to save your brakes is crucial. Unfortunately, this stunning road is currently closed to tourists while local residents take legal action. It is reserved for residents with agricultural businesses. But even if you can't drive it, you *can* still experience Waipio Valley. Hiking down is a popular (though strenuous!) option, and local tour companies offer rides. Just remember, safety first! Waipio Valley Road is an unforgettable experience, but it demands respect (and a very capable vehicle).