An epic enthralling road to Cortes Pass
Mexico, north-america
43.7 km
3,692 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Paso de Cortés! This legendary pass sits way up high at 12,112 feet, straddling the line between Puebla and the State of Mexico. We're talking seriously high – one of the highest roads you'll find in Mexico!
You'll find this beauty nestled in Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park, chilling between the majestic Popocatépetl and Ixtaccíhuatl volcanoes, just southeast of the bustling Mexico City.
The road itself, also called Tlamacaxco, is paved the whole way. Get ready for a twisty, uphill climb that's pretty darn steep, winding through forests of trees. It's about 27 miles from the town of Amecameca de Juárez (in Mexico State) on the west side, all the way to San Nicolás de Los Ranchos (in Puebla) on the east.
Give yourself about 1.5 to 2 hours to soak it all in. Once you reach the top, there's a big parking lot, a bar (hello, celebratory drink!), and an info center. Plus, it’s the jumping-off point for a hike to Estación de Altura Altzomoni, a crazy-high weather station sitting pretty at 13,074 feet!
Where is it?
An epic enthralling road to Cortes Pass is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 22.0013, -103.3055
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 43.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,692 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 22.0013, -103.3055
Related Roads in north-america
easyHow did they build the Overseas Highway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: the Overseas Highway, the southernmost stretch of U.S. 1, is basically a ticket to paradise in the Florida Keys! Forget your mainland worries and prepare to island hop across countless little coral and limestone keys. They even call it "the Highway that Goes to Sea," and trust me, that's no exaggeration. You're cruising over the water for miles, soaking up unbelievable scenery, and if you time it right, epic sunrises or sunsets that'll make your jaw drop. So how did this marvel come to be? It all started with Henry Flagler's railway in the early 1900s. But a hurricane wiped out a huge chunk in 1935. They rebuilt, but this time, they turned it into a highway instead! And some of the original railway spans were incorporated into the roadway you see today. The Seven Mile Bridge is the star of the show. It’s nearly 7 miles long and a truly breathtaking experience. Now, I'm not gonna lie, the Overseas Highway can be a little nerve-wracking for some, especially if you're not a fan of long bridges. While it's generally safe now, you'll want to stay mindful of road conditions. The Florida Keys also get hit by hurricanes, but the bridge is sturdy. The whole stretch from Key Largo to Key West is about 113 miles, zig-zagging across 42 bridges. With traffic, budget around two hours each way. It's one of the best coastal drives on Earth. And it has movie-star status too! That Seven Mile Bridge? It's been featured in 2 Fast 2 Furious, Mission Impossible III, and even a James Bond flick (License to Kill). Make sure you have your camera ready. The sunsets are legendary. Seriously, when that giant sun dips into the ocean, the sky explodes with pinks, oranges, and purples. Sunrises? Equally stunning. This highway is popular. The Florida Keys are a prime tourist destination. Be aware of traffic congestion. But when you're surrounded by shimmering turquoise waters, swaying palms, and a horizon-to-horizon blue sky, even a little traffic jam doesn't seem so bad. Just drive cautiously, soak it all in, and enjoy the ride!
hardIs La Marquesa Road Paved?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, road trippers, buckle up because the La Marquesa Road between Mexico City and Toluca is a wild one! This six-lane highway is paved, but don't let that fool you. It climbs to a lung-busting 3,170 meters (10,400 feet) above sea level, so be prepared for a change in scenery and maybe a little altitude sickness. Word on the street (or highway, rather) is that this is one of Mexico's most treacherous stretches of road. Why? Think hairpin curves that drivers misjudge, way too much speeding, and tons of stopovers for roadside eats and shops that pop up unexpectedly. Plus, fog rolls in thick and fast, cutting visibility to practically zero. Factor in crazy-high traffic – tons of people commute between the two cities daily – and those sharp curves, and you've got yourself a real driving challenge. It's a beautiful drive, but definitely demands your full attention!
moderateIs Norris Canyon Road in Yellowstone paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Yellowstone, right? Forget the crowds for a sec and hop onto Norris Canyon Road. This hidden gem winds through the park's heart in Park County, Wyoming, connecting Norris Geyser Basin to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. First things first: yes, it's paved the whole way! This 11.5-mile stretch climbs high, always above 7,500 feet! You'll gain even more altitude, topping out at a cool 8,257 feet above sea level. Be ready for some seriously steep sections, we're talking gradients up to 10% in spots! Now, heads up: cell service is spotty at best, so download those maps beforehand. The road also gives you access to Virginia Cascade Drive. Keep in mind that because of its high elevation, Norris Canyon Road is typically closed during the winter months due to snow. So, plan your visit for the warmer seasons, pack your camera, and prepare for stunning views you won't soon forget!
moderateHow long is the road to Pat Knoll?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Pat Knoll in Arizona! This beast of a peak clocks in at a whopping 9,379 feet above sea level in Apache County, making it one of the highest drives in the state. You'll find it nestled deep in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Getting there is half the fun, but be warned: pavement? Nope! You're looking at about 5 miles of unadulterated dirt road action, starting from the paved AZ-261, taking Forest Road 90 and Route 60. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Oh, and pro-tip: skip this one in the winter, as it's closed. The views from the top? Totally worth the rugged journey. Just imagine the bragging rights!