Southern Alberta's Seasonal Car Free Parkways
Is there anything more dreamy than cycling on a highway closed to vehicle traffic?
Here in Southern Alberta, we are lucky to have a handful of highways that are seasonally closed during the winter that are available to cycle on in the weeks leading up to their opening. For some cyclists, taking advantage of these closures to cars is a seasonal treat - with Highwood Pass being the "classic" that most everyone knows about.
There are other options for people looking for something different, perhaps a little more accessible than Highwood, and even a few gravel options for all you folks that have hopped on the gravel bike bandwagon.
Some thoughts and considerations:
Since the roads are closed - so are many of the facilities, including some bathrooms
Don't expect much cell phone signal - be prepared!
Even though the roads are closed be vigilant for surface imperfections, other riders, and road damage caused over winter
Wildlife - be bear aware and do not startle sheep, goats, and deer you may encounter
Stop. Listen. Look. Take it all in.
Pack a picnic or #coffeeoutside supplies and find a spot out of the way to take a break
Be prepared for all weather. These routes are all in the mountains and the weather can switch between hot sun, driving rain, snow, hail, you name it - all in one ride.
PROTIP: Bring a BBQ for some apres-ride tasty eats
Highwood Pass - Pavement
Total Distance North Gate To Summit Return: 34kms
Surface: Smooth Pavement
GPX Link: Ride With GPS
Gate Opens To Vehicle Traffic: June 15th
Park at the end of Highway 40 and ride up. Or make it a huge day and ride gate-to-gate-to-gate for a 110kms ride over Highwood Pass twice. Many also like to start at the south end and ride to the summit. Longer but with fewer steep sections.
Lovebirds on the Highwood.
Sheep River Parkway - Pavement
Total Distance Gate To End Return 36kms
Surface: Smooth Pavement
GPX Link: Ride With GPS
Gate Opens To Vehicle Traffic: May 15th
Park at the gate at Sandy McNabb campground for the classic ride or make it a big day by starting in Diamond Valley for a ride of approx. 75kms
Elbow Falls raging. Be sure to also check out Tiger Jaw Falls, accessed from the Indian Oils parking area.
Banff National Park 1A Parkway Closure - Pavement
The 1A parkway between Banff and Johnson Canyon will once again offer closed-to-cars cycling experience in 2023.
Maclean Creek Road - Gravel
Total Distance Gate To Gate To Gate: 65kms
Surface: Gravel
GPX Link: Ride With GPS
Gate Opens To Vehicle Traffic: May 1st
You can start at either end accessible by Highway 66 in the north or Highway 549 in the south.
The Maclean Creek Road can be good gravel fun - when the gate is closed and there are no raging pickup trucks on it.
Powderface Road - Gravel
Total Distance Gate To Gate To Gate: 65kms
Surface: Gravel
GPX Link: Ride With GPS
Gate Opens To Vehicle Traffic: May 15th
Access via Highway 68 in the Sibbald area.
Constantly up and down, with many steep and loose sections, Powderface Road is a tough gravel challenge.
Livingstone Pass Hwy.532 - Gravel
Total Distance Gate To Summit Return: 42kms
Surface: Gravel
GPX Link: Ride With GPS
Gate Opens To Vehicle Traffic: May 15th
Access via Highway 22 park on the gravel road not on the highway.
Hwy.532 is a brute but the views are totally worth it.
