Tunnel Mountain Drive is a scenic road in Banff

Tunnel Mountain Drive is a scenic road in Banff

Canada, north-america

Length

8.1 km

Elevation

1,518 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Looking for a chill alternative to the bustling Banff town center? Cruise along Tunnel Mountain Drive! You'll find this gem tucked away on the east side of Banff, nestled in the stunning Bow River Valley within Banff National Park, Alberta.

The entire 8.1 km (5.03 miles) route is paved, winding its way from Surprise Corner on Buffalo Street right into Banff Avenue. This road gracefully circles Tunnel Mountain, giving you seriously amazing views.

Heads up: it's closed during winter, transforming into a snowy playground for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

Trust me, you'll want your camera for this one. The panoramic views of the Bow Valley are incredible as you meander through those beautiful fir and pine forests. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife too – deer, elk, and even bears are often spotted along the way! Plan for lots of stops because you'll want to soak it all in. Cyclists love this route, especially the downhill views from Tunnel Mountain.

It's a bit of a climb in spots (hitting an 11% gradient) to reach the peak at 1,518m (4,980ft) above sea level. Since it's a slower-paced road, it's also super popular with hikers accessing the nearby trails.

Where is it?

Tunnel Mountain Drive is a scenic road in Banff is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 54.5461, -107.7320

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Canada
Continent
north-america
Length
8.1 km
Max Elevation
1,518 m
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
54.5461, -107.7320

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Moab Lake?moderate

Where is Moab Lake?

đŸ‡¨đŸ‡¦ Canada

Okay, so you wanna check out Moab Lake in Alberta, Canada? Awesome choice! This high-altitude beauty sits way up there, and getting there is part of the adventure. You'll be cruisin' on Range Road 280B, aka Moab Lake Road, and fair warning, it's all unpaved. Think bumpy and slow-going. You'll definitely want a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle to handle it. From the pavement, it's about 10km to the lake. The scenery is super scenic, so keep your camera handy. There are a few spots where you can pull over and soak it all in. Important heads up: this road is a no-go in the winter (roughly mid-October to mid-April/May). It's closed for the season, so plan your trip accordingly!

Metroz Mountainmoderate

Metroz Mountain

đŸ‡ºđŸ‡¸ Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer drive for you in Mineral County, Colorado: Metroz Mountain. We're talking serious altitude here, peaking at 11,748 feet! This isn't your average Sunday cruise, though. You'll find yourself on County Road 430, a rugged, gravel track through the Rio Grande National Forest. Expect a bumpy, rocky ride that might get your tires singing! Heads up: This road is typically snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. If you're not comfortable navigating unpaved, mountainous terrain, maybe sit this one out. But, if you're up for an off-the-beaten-path experience with incredible views, Metroz Mountain is calling your name!

How many curves are on the Tail of the Dragon?hard

How many curves are on the Tail of the Dragon?

đŸ‡ºđŸ‡¸ Usa

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Tail of the Dragon, straddling the Tennessee/North Carolina state line. This isn't your average Sunday drive; this is a full-throttle, adrenaline-pumping experience. We're talking 318 curves packed into just 11 miles of US 129. Motorcyclists and sports car fanatics flock here for a reason. The turns are tight, the road winds relentlessly, and the forest scenery is stunning. Pull over at one of the overlooks and soak it in, but don't get too distracted—those curves come at you fast. The name? It comes from the road's resemblance to a dragon's tail. And some of those curves have names that give you a sense of what's in store: Copperhead Corner, Wheelie Hell, Brake or Bust Bend... you get the picture. Stop by the Tree of Shame, adorned with motorcycle parts, as a cautionary tale. The Tail runs from NC 28 to Tabcat Creek Bridge. It's all paved, but don't think that makes it easy. We're talking blind curves, long blind crests, and steep cambers. Even experienced drivers will be challenged. Oh, and fun fact: it was a filming location for "The Fugitive." The weather is usually pretty predictable in the summer, but winter can be dicey with ice, snow, and even bears and wild boars crossing the road. Still, winter offers great visibility because the leaves are gone. This road has a reputation for a reason, but it's also a blast. Just be careful out there! Interestingly, some say Tennessee Route 32 South is even more challenging.

MaconĂ­hard

MaconĂ­

đŸ‡²đŸ‡½ Mexico

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're headed to the tiny town of Maconí in Querétaro, Mexico, get ready for a visual feast. This road trip plunges you into the heart of the Sierra Gorda mountains with views that will leave you speechless. We're talking a serious drop, people! You'll start way up high at around 2,400 meters above sea level and wind your way down, down, down into a canyon at just 1,140 meters. Think dramatic switchbacks hugging the mountainside, with a river gurgling alongside you. The road itself is paved, but don't let that fool you – it's a twisty, turny route that demands your attention. Get ready for some breathtaking scenery!