High
wood
An out-and-back to the highest paved road in Canada. Long, relentless climbing, cold at the summit, and one of the best descents in the Rockies.
About This Route
The Highwood is an out-and-back to Highwood Pass — at 2,206m, the highest paved road in Canada. The route climbs steadily from the valley floor through Kananaskis Country, with the gradient building as the road narrows and the trees thin out above the treeline. The pavement is patchy in sections and the road carries moderate traffic, particularly on weekends.
The climb itself is long but consistent — there are no sharp ramps, just sustained effort over distance. What accumulates is 1,200m of gain concentrated almost entirely on the outbound leg. The descent is where you collect the dividend: fast, open, and some of the best riding in the Rockies.
This is genuine mountain terrain. Temperatures at the summit can be significantly lower than the valley — dress accordingly regardless of conditions at the start. Bears are active throughout the corridor; carry spray and stay alert, particularly in the upper sections where sightlines are short.
Disclaimer
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Anyone choosing to ride these routes does so voluntarily and entirely at their own risk. Cycling on public roads and pathways carries inherent risks, including traffic, road conditions, weather, equipment failure, and the actions of other road users.
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