Southern Alberta's Seasonal Car Free Parkways

** Be sure to check with local authorities before venturing out to these locations **

** Plan ahead: Do not visit small communities unless absolutely necessary **

** Leave no trace. Practice safe hygiene and distancing. Take precautions against Covid **

Check out "Physical Distancing Road Loops In Calgary" 

---

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 too 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.

Below are 5 rides we'd recommend you check out before the gates open to cars.


Some thoughts and considerations:

• Since the roads are closed - so are all the facilities - no bathrooms - leave no trace
• Don't expect much cell phone signal - be prepared!
• Even though the roads are closed be vigilant for surface imperfections or 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

Total Distance 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 Hghway 40 and ride up. Or make it a huge day and ride gate-to-gate-to-gate for a 110kms ride over Highwodd Pass twice.

Sheep River Parkway

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 or start in Turner Valley for a ride of approx. 75kms

Sheep River Falls

Maclean Creek Road

Total Distance Gate To Gate To Gate: 65kms
Surface: Gravel
GPX Link: Ride With GPS
Gate Opens To Vehicle Traffic: May 15th
You can start at either end accessible by Highway 66 in the north or Highway 549 in the south.

Powderface Road

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.

Somewhere along the Powderface Road

Livingstone Pass 

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.

--- If you have car-free, seasonal route you'd like to share leave a comment below. --- 

Thanks for reading.