Highwood Pass
Route Details: Want to ride the highest maintained road in Canada? Here is your chance and you will not be disappointed.
This route can be accessed from the north or south and is best as a loop. From the north you start just of the Trans-Canada at Nakoda Resort and from the south you gain access on Highway 541 at Longview. Either way it is approximately 150 kms over the pass and it is best to fuel up at either one of the start/end points although there is gas available at Fortress Mtn. junction. The highway bends it’s way through the front ranges of Kananaskis following the valleys along the Kananaskis and Highwood river ultimately ascending to the summit of the Highwood Pass which is at 2206 m or 7239 ft above sea level. At this elevation the temperature will likely be much cooler (often 5 to 10 degrees C lower) than the temperature at your start point so be sure to have an extra layer on hand especially in the early or late season. The scenery is truly spectacular and you may well see a variety of wildlife on or very near the highway such as bear, sheep and deer (also cattle that are grazed in the south section of the route) which is a good reason to ride at a fairly relaxed pace in order to fully enjoy this one of a kind ride and keep yourself and the animals safe. There are a couple turn outs to grab some great photos at the pass and all along the route, that being said if you intend on making more than a 5 minute stop for a picnic lunch or do any hiking at any point within the provincial park you need to have a pass which can be purchased online. You also need to make sure the highway is open when you intend to do your ride since it is closed Dec 1st until June 15th each year. There are many great options for stops for meals or refreshments while in the area at Longview, Diamond Valley, Bragg Creek or Cochrane. This is definitely a bucket list ride and for many a route they enjoy at least once each year.
Highlights: Highwood Pass, Kananaskis River, Highwood River
Local Businesses: Foothills Pizza and Pasta (Diamond Valley), Twin Cities Saloon (Longview), Vine Coffee Company (Cochrane)
KM/Hours of Riding: 150km, 1.5 hours
