Yoho Valley Road is a steep, narrow drive with intense hairpin turns in BC
Yoho Valley Road is a very scenic journey located in British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province. It’s closed from October to June.
Where is Yoho Valley Road?
The road is located in the southeastern part of British Columbia, within Yoho National Park (YNP).
How long is Yoho Valley Road?
The road is 13.7 kilometres (8.51 miles) long, running from the Trans-Canada Highway to the Takakkaw Falls Parking Lot.
Is Yoho Valley Road closed?
Set high in the Canadian Rocky Mountains along the western slope of the Continental Divide, the road, also known as Takakkaw Falls Road, is seasonally closed from Thanksgiving until June.
Is Yoho Valley Road paved?
The road is totally paved but quite challenging with a set of intense hairpin switchbacks, reaching a 15% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. From kilometre 6.1 to 6.5 is a series of switchbacks in the road that are one of the highlights of driving up the road. The three-tiered S-curve in the road comprises two very tight switchbacks that cause much stress and panic among drivers. Regular-sized vehicles don’t have much problem negotiating the two 180-degree hairpin turns. But if you drive a motorhome, you’ll need to be skilled at driving in reverse to negotiate through the switchbacks. Vehicles longer than 24 feet are not recommended. A sign at the bottom of the switchbacks has an instructional illustration showing how to do a reverse maneuver that is necessary for longer vehicles to navigate the tight turns.
Is Yoho Valley Road worth it?
Running up the Yoho Valley, this scenic drive should not be missed. It offers stunning views passing through a deeply carved valley with impressive peaks, plunging waterfalls, roaring rivers, and hanging glaciers. While traveling the road, you will pass a few notable viewpoints. The views are good anytime of the day but are especially wonderful from sunrise to mid-morning and then again in the evening to sunset. At the end of the road, you’ll find the Whiskey Jack Hostel, parking for Takakkaw Falls, and the Takakkaw Falls Campground. It’s also the start of the hike to Takakkaw Falls, at 384 metres (1260 feet), the second-highest known waterfall in Canada.