Where is Chilkat Pass?
Canada, north-america
N/A
1,061 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright adventure seekers, let's talk about Chilkat Pass! Nestled high in the coastal mountains of British Columbia, Canada, near the border, this beauty sits at a cool 3,480 feet above sea level. You can even find a small parking lot at the top to soak it all in.
So, why "Chilkat"? Well, it's named after the Chilkat indigenous people.
The road itself? It's a solid, paved highway, making it a pretty smooth ride as you wind through the landscape. We're talking about the Haines Highway, folks! The stretch through the pass is about 37 miles long, running from the border up towards Haines Junction.
Good news: this highway is maintained year-round! However, be warned, if you're planning a trip between September 15th and June 1st, be sure to check road conditions and weather forecasts. Mother Nature can be unpredictable in these parts! Get ready for some breathtaking scenery as you cruise through this iconic Canadian pass.
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 1,061 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Mount Shavano?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Mount Shavano in central Colorado, right? This place is epic! The summit soars to 14,235 feet, but we're talking about Forest Road 254, which claws its way up the southeastern slopes to a seriously respectable elevation. This is *the* way to get up close and personal with the legendary "Angel of Shavano." This road’s in Chaffee County, nestled in the San Isabel National Forest near Salida and Poncha Springs. It's the southernmost "14er" in the Sawatch Range, chilling just east of the Continental Divide. FR 254? Yeah, it's 10.7 miles of pure Colorado gold. Heads up, though—it's a seasonal road, usually open from June to October. So, the "Angel of Shavano"? It's this incredible snow formation that appears on the mountain's east face every spring as the snow melts. Looks like an angel with its wings spread wide, and it's a sacred thing around here. You can spot it from the valley and parts of the road. Now, is this road a cakewalk? Nope! It’s a proper old-school mining track. Think unpaved, with loose rocks galore, steep switchbacks that'll test your turning skills, and narrow shelf sections that'll get your heart pumping. The second half? Bumpy as heck, with "whoops" and ruts thrown in for good measure. While the first bit might be okay for the more rugged SUVs, that final stretch to the mining ruins and the trailhead demands a high-clearance 4x4. Seriously, don't even think about it without one. From Highway 285, you've got 10.7 miles to the top. It's a climb of about 2,600 feet, giving you an average gradient of 4.60%. And winter? Forget about it. FR 254 is usually buried under snow from late October to late June. Even in July, lingering snow can block the upper parts. So plan your trip accordingly!
moderateWhere is Ptarmigan Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for Ptarmigan Pass in Colorado! This epic mountain pass sits way up high at 11,777 feet, right on the border of Summit and Eagle counties. You'll find it smack-dab in the White River National Forest, in the heart of Colorado. Now, the road – Forest Road 747 – is all-dirt, so be prepared for some serious off-roading! 4x4 is definitely recommended, although 2WD might be able to make it from the west side. Get ready for some tight switchbacks, a rocky trail that hugs the creek, and some potentially tricky sections. When it’s wet, watch out! It gets extra slippery. The road stretches for about 6 miles from Resolution Creek Road to Turkey Creek Road (Forest Road 709). If you’re feeling extra adventurous, there's a 4x4 gravel road heading west that takes you even higher, up to a peak at 12,076 feet. Keep in mind, this road is a no-go in the winter. It's nestled high in the Rockies, so snow makes it impassable. But trust me, the views and the thrill of the drive are totally worth it when it's open!
hardA narrow shelf road to Gold Strike Pass in NV
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Gold Strike Pass is calling your name! Nestled in Nevada's Clark County, within the stunning Lake Mead National Recreation Area (a hop, skip, and a jump from Vegas, baby!), this mountain pass sits pretty at 2,408 feet. Forget the smooth asphalt—Goldstrike Pass Road is a 2.1-mile unpaved adventure. Think loose rock and dirt, hugging narrow ledges. Passing other vehicles can get a *little* cozy, so buckle up! Keep an eye on the weather, because Mother Nature loves throwing curveballs here. Washouts can happen when it's wet, and those blind corners on the ledge road? Keep your eyes peeled. Get ready for an immediate climb with switchbacks that'll have you high above the highway and lake. Trust me, you'll want a stock SUV with high clearance for this one. And the reward? Killer views of the iconic Hoover Dam and the sprawling Lake Mead region. Seriously, your Instagram will thank you.
easyHow to drive the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway, one of the most scenic roads in Utah?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! You HAVE to experience the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway in Utah. Seriously, this 25-mile stretch of State Route 9, winding through Zion National Park, is a total feast for the eyes. Picture this: You're cruising from Springdale to Mount Carmel Junction, surrounded by insane scenery – think switchbacks, those famous slickrock formations, and if you time it right, maybe even some seasonal waterfalls. The whole trip takes about 22 minutes if you don't stop (but trust me, you'll want to!). Pro tip: hit the road early to beat the crowds and soak in the peaceful vibes. The highlight? The Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel. This 1.1-mile tunnel, built back in the day, has these awesome windows carved into the rock, giving you seriously epic views. Just a heads up – it’s a bit of a squeeze, so larger RVs and trailers need to get a special escort to navigate it. If you're rocking anything over 13 feet 1 inch tall, a semi-truck, a vehicle carrying hazardous materials, weighing more than 50,000 pounds, a single vehicle over 40 feet long, or combined vehicles over 50 feet long, you're out of luck; as are bicycles and pedestrians. This is a drive you won't forget!