Highwood Pass

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Highwood Pass
Arethusa-Storm-Mist-Highwood-aerial-redux2.JPG
Misty Range towering above Kananaskis Trail in the Highwood Pass
Elevation 2,206 m (7,238 ft) [1] [2]
Traversed by Kananaskis Trail
Location Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada
Range Misty Range
Coordinates 50°35′58″N114°59′16″W / 50.59944°N 114.98778°W / 50.59944; -114.98778 [3]

Highwood Pass is a mountain pass in Kananaskis Country, Alberta, Canada. It lies west of Mount Rae and Mount Arethusa of the Misty Range, south of Elbow Pass. It lies within the Peter Lougheed Provincial Park on Alberta Highway 40. The Highwood River originates in the pass.

Contents

Kananaskis Trail runs through the pass, and offers access to a multitude of campgrounds and recreational areas.

Tourism

Highwood Pass from Alberta Highway 40, with a popular sign citing elevation Kananaskis country highway 40 heading to Highwood pass. (9759500713).jpg
Highwood Pass from Alberta Highway 40, with a popular sign citing elevation

Highwood Pass is the highest paved pass in Canada. The pass is closed each year from December 1 to June 14 due to very high snowfall and to protect wildlife. [4] For a small portion of June, the snow is melted but the road remains closed, making this a popular destination for road cyclists. During the summer, it is popular among drivers as well, said to be one of the most scenic drives in Canada.

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References

  1. "Highwood Pass". cdnrockiesdatabases.ca. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
  2. "Highwood Pass". Flickr. Retrieved 2023-08-05.
  3. "Highwood Pass". Geographical Names Data Base . Natural Resources Canada . Retrieved 2023-08-05.
  4. "Annual Road Closures - Kananaskis Country | Alberta Parks". www.albertaparks.ca. Retrieved 2021-06-12.