Espinazo del Diablo is a Mexican Thrilling and Challenging Mountain Road

Espinazo del Diablo, or the Devil's Backbone, is a legendary mountain road in Mexico linking Mazatlan and Durango. This road is famous for its intense hairpin turns and switchbacks.

Hugging the western side of the Sierra Madre Occidental, the Devil's Backbone peaks at 2,440 meters (8,005ft). Picture this: you're on Kilometer 168 of Mexican Federal Highway 40, perched between two crazy-deep ravines! For about 10 km, you'll be treated to unreal views of the Sierra Madre Occidental, topping out at 2,744m (9,002ft). That stretch of highway is super narrow and twisty—we're talking around 2,000 curves!

This road is maintained well, but those curves are tight, and some trucks need the entire road to navigate them. You'll wind up and down through insane scenery, around sharp bends, and alongside some major drop-offs. Winter brings ice, so be careful! The road cuts through mountains and deep ravines, with some sections featuring big banks on one side and cliffs on the other. There have been reports of assaults and robberies in the area, so be aware. Filling up the gas tank is highly recommended. The road can have rough asphalt and rocks, all at that high elevation around 2,000 meters. Fog is common, wild animals roam around, and accidents happen. That afternoon fog can be a real challenge.

Locals say the devil can be seen in the impressive ravines. Legend has it that when the Archangel Michael tossed the devil out of heaven, his backbone formed the Sierra Madres! This road has a rep for accidents. Historically, it’s a remote area, which has led to drug-related crime.

But hey, the scenery of the Sierra Madre Occidental is amazing! Expect a slow pace– this road is so twisty, it can take 7-8 hours to cross at an average speed of 20 mph or less. In 2013, the scenic Mexico 40D bypassed it, with 115 bridges and 61 tunnels!