How long is the Durango-Mazatlan Highway?
Mexico, north-america
211 km
1,880 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure on Mexico 40D, the Autopista Durango-Mazatlán! This isn't just a road; it's a mind-blowing feat of engineering slicing through the western Sierra Madre. Think 115 bridges and 61 tunnels – seriously impressive!
Spanning 211km (131 miles), this route is a scenic alternative to the old Espinazo del Diablo ("Devil's Backbone"). You'll trade terrifying drops for incredible landscapes – from lush tropical vibes to towering pine forests and even desert scenery. Talk about a visual feast!
Starting in Durango, the capital city nestled at 1,880 meters (6,168 feet), you'll wind your way down to the sunny resort town of Mazatlán on the Pacific coast.
A word of caution: While paved, this road can throw some curveballs your way. Watch out for potential landslides, potholes, and the occasional blocked tunnel. Also, keep an eye on asphalt conditions, especially during the rainy season.
Opened in 2013, the highest point of the road reaches nearly 9,000 feet, so winter can bring ice and even snow closures.
Don't miss the Tunel el Sinaloense, a 9183-foot (1.7-mile) tunnel. But the real showstopper is the Baluarte Bridge (Puente Baluarte). It's a record-breaker – the highest cable-stayed bridge on the planet, and the tallest in the Americas. Just try not to be too distracted by the dizzying 403-meter drop to the canyon floor as you cruise along its 1,124-meter length!
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 211 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,880 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Devil Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Devil Mountain in southwestern Colorado, near Piedra, nestled between Pagosa Springs and Durango. Seriously, the views are insane! Heads up, though – this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking Forest Road 626, aka Devil Mountain Road, and it's all unpaved and super narrow. It's a steady climb, about 11.7 miles from the US-160, gaining over 3,300 feet in elevation, so expect an average gradient of around 5.5%. Think San Juan National Forest vibes, so summer is really the only time to go. Definitely need a 4x4 to conquer this one. The prize at the top? A fire lookout tower and panoramic views of the south San Juans that will absolutely blow your mind!
moderateWhere is El Capulín?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alright, adventurers, listen up! I've found a road that'll take your breath away - literally! We're heading to El Capulín, snuggled right on the edge of Morelos and Mexico City, deep in the heart of the country. This isn't just any drive; we're talking about one of the highest roads in the nation, topping out at a cool 3,627m (11,899ft) above sea level inside the beautiful Cumbres del Ajusco National Park. You'll be cruising the Xalatlaco-El Ajusco road for about 11.6 km (7.20 miles) until you arrive to the famous church. Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather. Low visibility can make this road a bit tricky. But with clear skies? Get ready for some seriously stunning views!
moderateBeautiful turnouts and scary gradients on the road to Teton Pass in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Teton Pass in Wyoming is calling your name! This high-altitude mountain pass tops out at a cool 8,435 feet, so be prepared for some serious views. You'll find it snuggled in western Wyoming, practically kissing the Idaho border, right inside Bridger-Teton National Forest. Wanna go even higher? A little gravel path near the summit will take you to Teton Peak at 8,671 feet! Wyoming Highway 22, also known as Teton Pass Highway (and Idaho State Highway 33 once you cross the border), is a twisty-turny paved adventure. This road, which first appeared in 1913, stretches for about 17.4 miles between Wilson, Wyoming, and Victor, Idaho. Heads up: this pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with winter weather. Expect possible closures and be aware of avalanche zones like the infamous Glory Bowl. Winter travelers, remember that trailers aren't allowed. Don't underestimate this road! With gradients reaching 10%, it can be a real challenge, especially for big rigs. Steep inclines and sharp curves mean overweight trucks might have a tough time. And let's just say, driving it at night adds a whole new level of excitement!
hardWhere is the Burcham Flat Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, ditch the boring highway and check out Burcham Flat Road in east-central California! Tucked away in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near [town name], this isn't your average Sunday drive. Heads up, it's also known as [alternate name]. Picture this: 14.9 miles of unpaved glory, twisting and turning through the wilderness. It’s a bit of a climb, too, with some seriously steep sections that'll test your mettle. If you're a seasoned rider, you'll be right at home. New to the off-road scene? It's doable, but be prepared for a challenge! Keep your eyes peeled, though! This is bear and mountain lion territory, so stay alert. As for scenery? Think breathtaking vistas. It peaks out at [elevation] feet above sea level, usually open from [start of season], giving you stunning views. Burcham Flat Road is your ticket to experiencing the wild beauty of California. Just remember to respect the terrain, watch out for wildlife, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!