ROCKIES ROAD PAVED? : Spray Trail Hwy 40 Canmore to 3

[frankr]

I am looking at the road from Canmore Alberta south via the Spray Trail and Hwy 40 south to hwy #3 by the Crow's Nest Pass, and wonder 1) Is it paved?  2) What the condition of the road would be like in August 2012?

[ABADV]

The road is great after about July 1st. Until then it is usually still has snow in the low/shaddy spots. I wouldn't advise taking any "sport" bike on it but anything "Vstromish" will suffice. Very scenic so take your camera! Enjoy.

[frankr]

I have a BMW K1300GT and will be riding two up. Is the road paved? If so how rough is it?  My wife has a cousin in your  town and we may stop in at the ranch on our way west.

[ST1300Rider]

I am looking at the road from Canmore Alberta south via the Spray Trail and Hwy 40 south to hwy #3 by the Crow's Nest Pass, and wonder 1) Is it paved?  2) What the condition of the road would be like in August 2012?

The Spray/Smith Dorriean Trail from Canmore is NOT paved. Hwy 40 is paved (it becomes 541 just west of Eden Valley) to Longview where you pick up Hwy 22 and continue south to the 3. Hwy 40 becomes 940 at the Eden Valley junction and continues South. It is not paved. Hwy 40 over the Highwood pass to Longview is a very nice scenic ride.

[sleazy rider]

From a friend who lives there:


"I have not driven the Spray Lakes Trail, but I am aware of it and it is gravel and it is rough. I have heard parts of it are also spectacularly beautiful. Other areas have been thoroughly logged. As for weather August is usually dry and warm around here, but then again it is Alberta and that high up you should be ready for anything.

Now Highway 40 is paved, but it does not connect to Canmore. It intersects with the Trans Canada 20 miles or so East of Canmore. The 40 is the highest paved highway in Canada and is the premier riding road in southern Alberta. The scenery is amazing. The 40 does not go to hwy 3 though. The paved portion turns into 541 and heads east to hwy 22. 22 runs north south and does extend to hwy 3. It’s a nice ride for the scenery. The road itself is mostly straight with lots of sweepers timed just right to keep you awake.

If you look at a map you will see hwy 940 branch south off hwy 40. It also goes to hwy 3 but it is gravel and can be rough.

Hope that helps. Head just a little further west and you get into BC and the riding roads are much better.

By the way the Crowsnest Pass is just a conduit to get from point A to point B. It is not a destination highway."

Hope that helps!

[frankr]

Thanks for the info. Looks like hwy 40 is the one to take.