Where is Tunnel Mountain Drive?
Canada, north-america
8.1 km
1,518 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising just outside the charming town of Banff, Alberta, right in the heart of Banff National Park. You're on Tunnel Mountain Drive, an 8.1 km (5.03 mile) paved ribbon of road that starts near Surprise Corner on Buffalo Street and ends up back on Banff Avenue.
This isn't just any drive; it hugs Tunnel Mountain itself, giving you amazing views as it twists and turns. Fair warning: this beauty is closed in the winter – it turns into a cross-country ski and snowshoe haven.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of Bow Valley are incredible, with pristine fir and pine forests all around. Keep your eyes peeled – you might spot some wildlife like deer, elk, or even a bear! Plan for plenty of stops, especially for snapping photos. The downhill views are a cyclist's dream.
Now, a heads-up: Tunnel Mountain Drive gets steep in sections, with some ramps hitting an 11% gradient. It tops out at 1,518m (4,980ft) above sea level. It’s a slower road, popular with cyclists and hikers heading to the trails, so keep an eye out and share the road!
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,518 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateDriving the high-altitude road to Cumbres Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, folks, buckle up for Cumbres Pass! This beauty sits way up high in southern Colorado, near the New Mexico line, clocking in at a cool 10,029 feet. You'll find it snuggled in the Rio Grande National Forest, south of La Manga Pass. "Cumbres" means "crest" in Spanish, which is fitting because you'll definitely feel on top of the world! The road, known as Colorado State Highway 17 (SH 17), stretches for about 47 miles between Antonito, Colorado, and Chama, New Mexico. The road first opened in 1879 as a toll road. It was improved and reopened in 1923. Get ready for some climbs, though! The steepest part hits almost 13%, and the approaches are around 6% on the north side and 4% on the south. Cumbres Pass is usually open year-round (yay!), but keep an eye on the weather in winter. It can get snowy up there, leading to temporary closures. Still, it's rare for it to be shut down for long.
hardMount Davenport
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in New Mexico's Catron County and have a serious hankering for some off-the-grid action, then Mount Davenport is calling your name. We're talking a whopping 9,360 feet of elevation, people! The road? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart (or those with a low-clearance vehicle). Think gravel, think rocks, think "winter? Nope!". Seriously, this baby is impassable when the snow flies. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is an absolute must. And if you're afraid of heights... yeah, you get the picture. Prepare for some seriously steep climbs! But the payoff? Totally worth it. At the summit, you'll find a cool old fire lookout tower built way back in 1954. The views from up there? Epic doesn't even begin to cover it. Get ready for some serious bragging rights.
moderateAbajo Loop Scenic Backway
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near southeastern Utah, specifically San Juan County, you NEED to carve out some time for the Abajo Loop Scenic Backway. This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure! Think 39 miles of pure, unadulterated mountain bliss looping through the Abajo Mountains, just north of Blanding. We're talking serious elevation changes here, folks, climbing to almost 11,000 feet! The road itself is a single-lane dirt/gravel track, so be prepared for a bumpy, rocky ride inside Manti-La Sal National Forest. High clearance is your friend, and maybe leave the RV at home for this one. Passenger vehicles can usually handle it late spring through fall, but definitely check conditions in Blanding beforehand, especially after rain – it can become impassable! But trust me, the views are worth it. We are talking breathtaking scenery all the way. You'll be treated to incredible vistas, including views of the southern part of Canyonlands National Park that are simply out of this world. Seriously, bring your camera, because you're going to want to document every single twist and turn (and there are plenty!). From desert landscapes and red rock canyons to towering mountains, you'll find more than a few spots to stop and soak it all in!
moderateWard Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Ward Peak in sunny California, a whopping 8,494 feet above sea level! Seriously, the views from up there over the Lake Tahoe Basin are mind-blowing. Now, getting there is part of the fun…and by fun, I mean you'll need a 4x4 for this unpaved ski road! Expect gravel, rocks, and a generally bumpy, tippy ride. Not for the faint of heart, or those who prefer smooth asphalt. The road’s typically closed from October through June (Mother Nature dictates, of course). But if you're up for it, you'll be rewarded with vistas of the Twin Peaks' north face, plus stunning glimpses of Lake Tahoe and the rugged Granite Chief Wilderness. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!