Anyone drive Hwy 940 (Bighorn Hwy) from Kananaskis to Coleman?

[icarus]

Dear CP Oracle,

I am planning a scenic drive to do with a friend in from Ottawa this weekend. I noticed that on the map that Hwy 40, which passes through Kananaskis (aka the Kananaskis Trail), branches off south of the park to become Hwy 940 and goes all the way to the Crowsnest Pass. It runs parallel to Hwy 22, but further west. I can only imagine how beautiful a drive it must be, as Hwy 22 itself is very scenic

Does anyone know the condition of this road? Is it like the Forestry Trunk Road (i.e. unpaved and disastrous)? Can I take the car, or should I use the gas-guzzling truck?

I appreciate any knowledge or advice you might have.

[KevanGuy]

You might be able to find out via Google Earth.

[mac_gurl]

I've done it in my civic. It's a very nice drive. You shouldn't have any problems at all.

[troutman]

A gravel road all the way. A bit rough, and very dusty. Some cattle on the road. People camping randomly everywhere.

Just head South from Highwood House (west of Longview)- you will cross the Highwood River, Etherington Creek, Cataract Creek, and follow the Livingstone River to the Oldman River.

[Cowperson]

I've driven it about halfway . . . . from Cataract Creek store turnoff then south.

Forestry trunk road is a good description. Fairly good gravel. Fairly well maintained.

Don't expect to be a rocket. Some tight corners along the way. Some scenic spots.

There are probably several places to escape to the highway if you want to . . . . at least one in the section I was on.

If you get behind someone going slower and they don't want to pull over, it's going to be a dusty run.

Cowperson

[redforever]

Originally Posted by icarus

Dear CP Oracle,

I am planning a scenic drive to do with a friend in from Ottawa this weekend. I noticed that on the map that Hwy 40, which passes through Kananaskis (aka the Kananaskis Trail), branches off south of the park to become Hwy 940 and goes all the way to the Crowsnest Pass. It runs parallel to Hwy 22, but further west. I can only imagine how beautiful a drive it must be, as Hwy 22 itself is very scenic

Does anyone know the condition of this road? Is it like the Forestry Trunk Road (i.e. unpaved and disastrous)? Can I take the car, or should I use the gas-guzzling truck?

I appreciate any knowledge or advice you might have.

No problems at all. But keep in mind, it is VERY dry in there right now, and there is a complete fire ban on, I dont think they are even allowing fires in fire pits right now. So expect it to be a bit dusty in areas too.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by Cowperson

I've driven it about halfway . . . . from Cataract Creek store turnoff then south.

Forestry trunk road is a good description. Fairly good gravel. Fairly well maintained.

Don't expect to be a rocket. Some tight corners along the way. Some scenic spots.

There are probably several places to escape to the highway if you want to . . . . at least one in the section I was on.

If you get behind someone going slower and they don't want to pull over, it's going to be a dusty run.

Cowperson

Not too many, you have to know your passes and how the roads connect.

[icarus]

Is it busier going south or north? I might do a loop, so in which direction would there be less traffic?

[Scrambler]

Honestly, as scenic as it is, it will be incredible dusty and if you catch up to a logging truck, you'll be stuck behind them watching beige dust for a couple hours. Hard to pass those darn things when you can't see if something is coming the other way...

My preference is to stick with scenic Hwy 22. Nothing beats driving through the ranch lands as the rockies get closer and closer to you as you head towards the Pass. That road really shows the Alberta diagonal border. You will not only wow your friend, you will also keep the odd gravel chip off your window too.