Highwood Pass Road
Canada's highest paved road through the Rockies.
At 7,239 feet above sea level, Highwood Pass Road (Highway 40) holds the title as Canada’s highest paved road, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s just another scenic drive. The 78-mile stretch from Longview to Coleman cuts straight through Kananaskis Country, offering some of the most accessible high-alpine terrain in the Canadian Rockies. You’ll climb past the Highwood River headwaters and through Ptarmigan Cirque, where bighorn sheep congregate on the road shoulders and mountain goats pick their way across near-vertical rock faces.
This is an easy to moderate route suitable for any vehicle, though the real challenge comes from Mother Nature rather than the terrain. The pass section closes completely from December 1st to June 15th due to avalanche danger and heavy snowpack. Summer brings wildflower meadows but also afternoon thunderstorms that can turn visibility to zero in minutes. No permits required, plenty of established camping at nearby provincial parks, and cell service is surprisingly decent at higher elevations. What you get is some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in North America without needing to air down your tires.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Paved |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 78 mi / 125.5 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7239 ft |
| Best season | June-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Longview, Alberta |
| Land manager | Alberta Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | albertaparks.ca |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a 4x4 or lifted rig to drive Highwood Pass Road?
No. This is a fully paved highway — any car, minivan, or stock SUV can drive it. It's the destination, not the vehicle, that makes this one worthwhile.
When does Highwood Pass Road open and close for the season?
The road is closed to all vehicles from December 1 through May 14 each year to protect wildlife. It's open June through November, with the best conditions typically mid-June through October before early snowfall hits.
Do I need a permit or park pass to drive Highwood Pass?
You don't need a specific trail permit, but if you're stopping at day-use areas or campgrounds within Kananaskis Country, an Alberta Parks Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required — it's $15/day or $90/year per vehicle.
What's the hardest part of this drive and what should I actually expect?
There's nothing technically challenging here — it's pavement the whole way. The steepest grades are manageable for any vehicle. The real challenge is wildlife on the road, especially bighorn sheep that treat the asphalt like their personal lounge, so keep your speed down.
Is there dispersed camping along Highwood Pass Road, and how far is the nearest gas?
Dispersed camping is available in designated backcountry zones off the highway, and there are several campgrounds along the corridor. Fuel up before you go — Longview at the north end is your last reliable stop, and services along the 125 km route are minimal to nonexistent.
Trail track
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