Driving the road to Mesa del Nayar with spectacular views
Mexico, north-america
140 km
430 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Mexico, leaving the charming town of Jesús María (a cool 1,400 feet above sea level) behind you, headed towards the coast at Ruiz, Nayarit. This isn't just any drive; it's a 87-mile (140 km) adventure on highway 44 through the heart of the Sierra Madre mountains.
Get ready for some serious eye candy because the views of the Mesa del Nayar mountain mesa and its canyons are unreal. The road itself? It's a smooth, paved beauty built in 2013. But hold on, this isn't a straight shot; it's a winding path that climbs up to a mountain pass (almost 6,000 feet!) near Mesa del Nayar, treating you to even more breathtaking vistas of coastal mountains and dramatic canyons.
The curves are nicely graded, but be warned: there are *a lot* of them. And when you're heading downhill, engine braking is your best friend; there are even two braking ramps along the way just in case. Don't miss the T-junction where Mexico 23 meets Mexico 44 just past Jesús María, opening up even more stunning Sierra Madre Mountain views towards Camino a Canoas or Ruta Tepehuana. Trust me, this drive is all about the journey, not just the destination.
Where is it?
Driving the road to Mesa del Nayar with spectacular views is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 24.5915, -101.3702
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 140 km
- Max Elevation
- 430 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 24.5915, -101.3702
Related Roads in north-america
hardA road with an intimidating sheer cliff to Black Rock Reservoir in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Black Rock Reservoir is a hidden gem tucked away at 1,260m (4,133 ft) elevation in Fresno County, California—sitting right on the edge of Kings Canyon National Park and Sierra National Forest. If you're after remote alpine scenery, this is it. Getting there is half the adventure (and we mean that literally). From Fresno, head 47 miles east on CA 180 to Piedra Road, then take Trimmer Springs Road for 17 miles until you hit the bridge split toward Balch Camp. From there, Black Rock Road takes over for the final 17km (11 miles)—and yeah, this is where things get real. Fair warning: Black Rock Road is seriously not for the faint of heart. We're talking a single-lane ribbon of pavement that clings to cliff faces with absolutely nothing between you and 1,000-foot drops. The narrow wooden bridges are barely wide enough for one vehicle, so if you meet someone coming the other way, someone's backing up (fun times). There are zero guardrails, and the road climbs along sheer cliffs that'll make anyone afraid of heights break out in a cold sweat. RVs? Absolutely not. The added hazard of falling rocks or ice from above keeps things exciting too. This is true backcountry—zero cell service. It's bear country, so lock up your food tight and don't even think about feeding wildlife. Pack bug spray for the mosquitoes, and fuel up in Prather or Shaver Lake before you make the push. Late winter through early spring is magical here—wildflowers pop off and there are waterfalls worth the drive. The tiny campground sits at 4,000 feet where the pavement ends. Roads usually stay open year-round, but winter snow can shut things down fast. Safe to drive in summer and fall; skip it if there's snow on the ground.
extremeMilk Cow Pass
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let me tell you about Milk Cow Pass in Colorado's Saguache County. We're talking serious altitude here - 11,004 feet! You'll find this gem tucked away inside the Rio Grande National Forest. Now, a word of warning: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. County Road 26A is a gravel 4x4 track, so leave the low riders at home. You'll need some clearance and a bit of off-road skill. Keep an eye on the weather, because things can get hairy up there. Think avalanches, heavy snow, landslides... not exactly postcard material. Expect a rocky, potentially muddy ride, but the views? Absolutely worth it. Get ready for some epic scenery!
extremeCuesta del Cajón: Driving the scenic road through Chihuahua's pine forests
🇲🇽 Mexico
Get ready for the ride of your life on the Cuesta del Cajón, a mountain passage that cuts through the Sierra Madre Occidental in Chihuahua, Mexico! Picture this: you're snaking through dense pine forests, alongside seriously deep rocky canyons. This isn't just a pretty drive; it's a challenge for both you and your car. This 42.9-kilometer (26.6-mile) stretch of Chihuahua State Route 11 links Babícora and El Largo, and let me tell you, it's not a route to rush. We're talking constant climbs and descents right through the heart of the mountains. The road clings to the edges of those rocky canyons, so keep your speed low and steady. Heads up – there are no gas stations once you're deep in the forest, so plan ahead. And before you even think about starting, check those brakes! The hills put major pressure on them, so use engine braking on the downhills to avoid overheating. This drive is all about precision. There are 20 hairpin turns that demand your full attention. Some of those switchbacks are so tight that larger vehicles might struggle, especially with oncoming traffic. Watch out for the pavement, too. Erosion and tree roots cause potholes, sometimes where you least expect them. The vegetation is relentless! Trees and bushes grow right up to the edge of the road and can scratch your paint or block your view on corners. Plus, in the canyons, expect small rockfalls and gravel. A 4x4 will definitely give you an edge pulling out of those steep corners. Beyond the bends, there are steep drop-offs without guardrails, and you might encounter local livestock or wildlife. Thinking of checking out Cascada el Salto or the Cuarenta Casas archaeological site? Be warned, those access roads are unpaved and you'll need a high-clearance 4x4. Low-range gears will be your best friend on those steep ramps. The Chihuahua highlands are known for extreme weather. Winter brings frosts and snow that can shut the road down. Black ice is a real hazard, especially in shady spots. In the summer, watch out for landslides and mudflows blocking the road.
hardDry Park tower
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're up for a real off-the-beaten-path experience in Arizona's Coconino County, then Dry Park Lookout Tower needs to be on your radar. Perched way up at 8,710 feet in the Kaibab National Forest, the views from up there are simply unreal. Now, getting there? That's part of the fun! The road is gravel and pretty rocky, so definitely leave your low-rider at home. A 4x4 is a must – seriously, don't even think about it without one. It's also closed during the winter due to heavy snow. If you're not a fan of heights or steep climbs, this might not be your jam. Once you make it, check out the fire lookout tower that's been standing tall since 1944!