Driving the Scenic Route of Puerto San Luis Through Sierra Madre Occidental
Mexico, north-america
160 km
1,967 m
extreme
Year-round
Get ready for an epic road trip through the heart of Mexico! Puerto San Luis, sitting pretty at 1,967m (6,453ft), straddles the border between Sonora and Chihuahua, bringing you face-to-face with the raw beauty of the desert.
This 160km (100 mile) stretch of Carretera Federal 2 winds its way from Agua Prieta (Sonora) to Janos (Chihuahua), offering stunning views in every direction.
Carved into the Sierra Madre Occidental between the 70s and 80s, this fully paved road is open year-round, but winter brings its own set of challenges. Snow and ice can make things tricky, so keep a close eye on the weather forecast and maybe postpone your trip if there’s a risk of getting stranded.
Expect steep climbs, tight turns, and a particularly gnarly hairpin called 'La Herradura' that will test your skills. Watch out for heavy truck traffic that can sometimes cause jams! Remember to give priority to uphill truckers – those loaded rigs have a tough time restarting mid-climb. Slow and steady wins the race here! With blind turns and heavy vehicles, it's best to keep your speed down. Word on the street is the Mexican government is planning to improve the road soon, so even more reason to check it out.
Where is it?
Driving the Scenic Route of Puerto San Luis Through Sierra Madre Occidental is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 24.1404, -102.0235
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 160 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,967 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 24.1404, -102.0235
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhat are the highest roads in Montana?
🇺🇸 Usa
# Montana: Where Mountains Meet the Open Road Montana—the name says it all. Derived from the Spanish word for "mountainous," this sprawling Western state is basically nature's playground on steroids. You've got the wide-open Great Plains stretching across the east, and then BAM—the Rocky Mountains absolutely dominate the western half like some kind of geological mic drop. This is seriously untamed country. We're talking massive mountains, dramatic canyons carved by ancient rivers, lush forest valleys, and scenery that'll make your jaw hit the dashboard. The sheer scale of these soaring ranges—spread across a state bigger than many entire countries—means roads here do something pretty amazing: they carve through some genuinely remote, high-altitude passes that rank among America's most spectacular. If you're into driving experiences, Montana's highway network is basically a love letter to adventure seekers. These roads wind through some of the most breathtaking high-mountain terrain you'll find anywhere, offering the kind of vistas that make you understand why people fall in love with the open road. Ready to explore? There's a whole network of incredible routes waiting to be discovered, each one offering its own unique blend of challenge, beauty, and that special something you only get when you're driving through one of America's last great wilderness areas.
hardWhere is Jerimoth Hill?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk Rhode Island's highest point: Jerimoth Hill! You'll find it chilling at 812 feet above sea level in Foster, a cute town in the northwest corner of the state, practically waving to Connecticut. The road that gets you closest is Rhode Island Highway 101, also known as Old Hartford Pike. It's a straight shot, east to west, for about 9.6 miles from US-6 all the way to the CT border. Nice and easy, all paved. This stretch of highway is the highest paved road in the state, which is kind of cool. Now, here's the catch: you can't *drive* all the way to the tippy-top. You'll see a sign on the shoulder of the highway, but the real summit requires a mini-hike! Park the car and head south on foot for about 500 feet. You'll pass an old, abandoned house, then gain a little elevation to the actual summit, which is tucked away in the woods. Park on either side of the highway and get ready for a quick forest stroll to bag Rhode Island's high point!
moderateEl Mortero Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! We're hitting El Mortero Road, snaking between the charming towns of Monte Escobedo and Mezquitic. Think vast valleys and gentle hills rolling as far as the eye can see. The adventure starts in Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas, perched high at 2200 meters above sea level. The paved road then dips down to a small village nestled on a mesa at 1930 meters – picture-perfect! From there, it's a sweet descent to Mezquitic, Jalisco, sitting pretty at 1350 meters. Get ready for some breathtaking views and a serious dose of Mexican charm!
hardWeston Pass in Colorado: The Road to Riches
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey adventurers! Let's talk about Weston Pass, a high-altitude gem nestled in the heart of Colorado, clocking in at a whopping 11,938 feet above sea level. You'll find it straddling Park and Lake counties in central Colorado. This unpaved beauty, also known as County Road 22 (Co Rte 7), stretches for about 26.6 miles between US-24 and US-285. Now, the road isn't too tricky, but keep an eye out for a few rocky patches, especially if your vehicle sits low. Heads up: the eastern side is generally easier to navigate compared to the western slope. Coming from Highway 285 to the east, most passenger cars can handle it with a bit of care. However, if you're approaching from Highway 24 to the west, high clearance and maybe even 4-wheel drive are recommended. Be prepared for some washboards near the bottom that can make for a bumpy ride. For the full traverse, a 4WD vehicle with high clearance is your best bet, especially with some sections hitting a steep 12% gradient. Keep in mind that Weston Pass is usually snowed in from late October until late June or early July, so plan accordingly. Historically, this route, located within Pike National Forest, was a bustling toll road back in the 1860s and 1870s, earning the nickname "The Road to Riches." It was used by everyone from Native Americans to prospectors chasing gold and silver dreams, serving as a vital wagon road between Fairplay and Leadville. Today, prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery. Along the way, you'll spot remnants of old cabins, charming beaver dams, and panoramic mountain vistas. Near the summit, you'll even find Weston Pass Hut, a backcountry lodging that boasts the highest elevation of its kind in Colorado. For the thrill-seekers, there's a 4x4 trail on the west side leading up to an old gold mine – definitely a challenge that requires some expertise and good clearance.