
When was the road to Telegraph Creek built?
Canada, north-america
110 km
849 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Telegraph Creek, a tiny, totally charming settlement on the Stikine River in British Columbia. Getting there? An adventure in itself! We're talking Telegraph Creek Road (Highway 51), about 110km (68 miles) of pure wilderness stretching from Dease Lake (off the Stewart-Cassiar Highway) to Telegraph Creek.
Built way back during the Klondike Gold Rush and named for a planned telegraph line, this road is *not* for the faint of heart. Think steep, narrow, and mostly unpaved. After the first few kilometers, you're leaving the pavement behind and entering serious backcountry. We're talking compacted dirt and gravel – beautiful, but can get slick!
The road climbs to 849m (2,785ft), so be ready for some serious braking action. Expect switchbacks galore, so maybe leave the giant RV at home. Most vehicles can manage, but be prepared for a single-track road with limited passing spots.
The views, though? Absolutely worth it. The road winds along the Stikine River, with insane cliffs and photo ops around every bend. And Telegraph Creek itself is like stepping back in time, with historic buildings from the gold rush days. Budget 2-3 hours without stops, but trust me, you’ll want to stop.
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 110 km
- Max Elevation
- 849 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhy visit Stevenson's Creek Falls?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Fresno County, California, to check out Stevenson's Creek Falls, huh? Good choice! This hidden gem boasts a mind-blowing 1,280-foot drop, making it one of California's tallest waterfalls and the biggest in the county. You'll find it nestled in the San Joaquin River Canyon, where it tumbles down in four gorgeous tiers before joining the river. Now, about getting there... Million Dollar Road (aka Million Dollar Mile) is the way to go. It's mostly paved, but be warned: things get a little tight in spots, so keep your eyes peeled. This 7.1-mile stretch runs through the Sierra National Forest, connecting Big Creek Powerhouse #3 to #8, all thanks to Southern California Edison, who built it back in 1922. It got its name "Million Dollar Road" because it cost a fortune per mile to build way back then. Here's the catch: there's a gate at the beginning of the road. Only Southern California Edison vehicles, hikers, and cyclists are allowed to pass. So, ditch the car and get ready for a hike or bike ride to truly experience this natural wonder!
hardThe road to the summit of Mount Fowlkes
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, stargazers and road trippers, listen up! Wanna touch the cosmos? Then head to Mount Fowlkes in Jeff Davis County, Texas! At 6,660 feet, you're practically in space. This peak is home to the renowned McDonald Observatory—a real treat for science buffs. The road up, also known as Texas State Highway Spur 77, is a short but sweet 1.5-mile climb from TX-118. Don't let the short distance fool you. You'll gain 446 feet in elevation! Expect some steep sections, with an average gradient of 5.64% and a maximum of 11.4%—enough to make your engine work! But trust me, the views from the top are totally worth the huffing and puffing. Get ready for some unforgettable scenery and maybe even a glimpse of the universe!
hardWhere is Old Monarch Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Craving a killer Colorado adventure? Then Old Monarch Pass needs to be on your radar! Nestled high in the Rockies, right on the Gunnison/Chaffee County line, this unpaved beauty offers views for days. Originally a toll road from 1880, it opened to cars in 1921 and now County Road 237 takes you on a 10.6-mile journey from County Road 888 to US-50. Don't let the "county road" status fool you – this route is STEEP, with gradients hitting 8%! Passenger cars can usually handle it during summer and early fall, but be warned: it's switchback city up there. Expect hairpin turns, cliff edges, and a distinct lack of guardrails. But the reward? On a clear day, you can see the ENTIRE Rockies spread out before you from its 11,394-foot summit! Located in the San Isabel National Forest, the pass is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July. Keep an eye on the weather too – summer storms and strong winds are common, and heavy rain can sometimes wash out the eastern entrance. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Just prepare for a wild, scenic ride.
hardHaleakala Highway in Hawaii: blind turns and very steep drop offs
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an epic climb on Maui's Haleakala Highway, also known as Crater Road or Route 378! This road's a record-breaker, gaining more elevation in a shorter distance than anywhere else on Earth – 35 miles straight up! Winding through Haleakalā National Park, this fully paved road takes you from Kahului all the way to Pu'u'ula'ula (Red Hill), the tippy-top of Haleakalā at a staggering 10,023 feet. Built back in the '30s, this two-lane road throws some serious challenges your way. Expect gradients up to 15% on some ramps, so hang on tight! You'll gain 9,911 feet in elevation, averaging a 5.39% grade. Prepare for blind turns, super steep drop-offs (without guardrails!), and a whopping 32 switchbacks! Keep an eye out for cows, nene geese, and fog that can roll in quickly. Make sure you stock up on gas and snacks in Pukalani or Makawao because there are no more services past that point. The drive to the summit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours without stopping, but you'll want to pause and soak in the insane "moonlike" scenery. And remember, the temperature drops as you climb, about 3 degrees F for every 1,000 feet of altitude. So, if it's a balmy 75 degrees at sea level, it'll be around 45 degrees at the summit. Plus, driving this road is like traveling from Mexico to Canada in terms of ecological zones – pretty wild, right?