HIGHWOOD PASS (from the south end)
Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 10:00 am.
Start point is at the gates on the south end of Highway 40 at the junction of Highway 40 & Highway 541. To get there you need to turn west onto Highway 541 at the north end of Longview and drive about 44 km. to the gates (about ½ hour drive).
A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required as the start point is within Kananaskis Country.
This ride is a classic and is vehicle free until June 1st. There are many hills to climb and is 38 km each way for a total of a 76 km ride. You need to be comfortable with climbing hills and it is one of our longer rides. The elevation gain from the gates to the Pass is about 700 metres. The summit of the Highwood Pass is the highest paved road in Canada.
The average grade is 2% for most of the ride (you may be skeptical about this statistic as you ride!) with a 4% section near the summit. Ideally your bike should have a small chainwheel that has fewer teeth (e.g. granny gear) than your largest cassette cog (rear) for an efficient climbing cadence.
Everyone goes at their own pace and can turn around at any point and head back. You should always ride with a partner and make sure that someone knows that you are heading back. The group tends to divide into several smaller groups to match the pace of the riders. (e-bike and pedal power as an example.)
There are lots of spots to stop for lunch along the way. It is recommended that you consider a lunch break around 11:30 am and at point that is not near the summit. The weather should be more comfortable at a bit lower elevation.
The weather can be unpredictable and variable for this ride, so you need to be prepared for changes – especially as we get closer to the summit. There can be snow on the road at the summit and it may impede getting to the summit. Make sure your cold weather gear includes warm gloves, ear protection, long pants and a windbreaker jacket. Hopefully you will not need this gear, but you will be thankful you brought it if the weather turns nasty.
Copy and paste this text below into your browser and hit Enter for a full map.
mapmyride.com/ca/high-river-alberta/highwood-pass-from-the-south-route-10646486
Please bring a helmet, water food, a small first aid kit and what you need for minor bike repairs. High Visibility clothing / markings recommended on all road rides. Bear spray is optional, but you never know.
If you have a Sat phone, bring it for emergencies as there is no cell phone service for this ride.
Meeting Location: Highway 40 south gates, located at the junction of Highways 40 and 541. (Approximately 44 km west of Longview along Highway 541.)
Leader: Mike Massecar 403 969 7414
Meeting Location: Highway 40 south gates, located at the junction of Highways 40 and 541. (Approximately 44 km west of Longview along Highway 541.)
Leader: Mike Massecar 403-969-7414
Sweep: tbd
There is a maximum of 20 riders on this ride.
It is now after 8:00am on the day of the ride. To cancel, please contact the leader directly.