
Ruta Tarahumara
Mexico, north-america
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an epic road trip on the Ruta Tarahumara, connecting the charming towns of Creel and Guachochi in the heart of Chihuahua! This winding, two-lane road isn't just a way to get from point A to point B—it's a scenic adventure through the land of the Tarahumara (Raramuri) people, unlocking access to the breathtaking Copper Canyon and other hidden gems.
Prepare to be blown away by the views! Think towering pine forests, majestic ponderosa trees, dramatic canyons, sparkling rivers, serene lakes, and incredible rock formations. It’s one of the main access routes to the Copper Canyon.
The most picturesque stretch? Definitely the area near the Urique River. Here, the road carves its way into the Urique Canyon, revealing ancient cliff dwellings, bizarre rock formations, and intriguing ruins. The road peaks at an elevation of 8,333 feet near La Mesa and dips down to 5,938 feet at the Urique River, close to Basiborachi.
Where is it?
Ruta Tarahumara is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 24.2056, -103.2899
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 24.2056, -103.2899
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhere is Morton Peak located?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Morton Peak, smack-dab in SoCal's San Bernardino National Forest. It's a total throwback to old-school fire lookout vibes and a killer climb. We're talking Forest Service Road 1S13, a legendary fire-lookout route. You're starting in that classic high-desert scrub, but BAM – suddenly you're twisting through gnarly forest terrain, heading deep into the mountains. It's a local favorite for a quick escape from the city. The peak is named after a big shot in the U.S. Forest Service way back when, solidifying its place in California history. At the top? A historic fire lookout tower, totally revamped in 2001. Volunteers keep an eye out for smoke, and you get insane 360-degree views of the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Now, here's the deal: you CAN drive to the top, but Forest Service Road 1S13 is a rough and tumble dirt track. It's narrow with serious drop-offs. I'm talking high-clearance vehicle, and after rain or snow, 4WD might be your only hope. It's only 4.8 miles from the highway, but don't let that fool you. You're gaining over 1300 feet in elevation. The average incline is intense, with spots maxing out at 13%. You'll need some serious momentum. Heads up: this isn't a Disney ride. Bears, rattlesnakes, bobcats, mountain lions...they're all around. Be smart when you get out of your car. The road turns into a mud pit in the rain. And check the National Forest alerts before you go, especially in winter. Snow can shut this thing down HARD.
hardWeaver Bally
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a wild ride in Northern California, Weaver Bally is calling your name. This peak in Trinity County clocks in at a hefty 6,994 feet, and getting there is no Sunday drive. We're talking a gnarly, gravelly, rocky road that'll test your nerves (and your suspension!). You'll need a trusty 4x4 to conquer this beast, especially since Mother Nature often closes it down from October to June with snow. Seriously, this climb gains about 4,800 feet in just 9 miles, so hold on tight! Heads up: thunderstorms can turn this unpaved road into a serious mud bog, so check the weather before you go. Trust me, you don't want to be stuck up there. But if you do make it, the views from the lookout tower at the summit are unreal. You'll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of Trinity Lake and the stunning Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Just remember, safety first, especially during those afternoon thunderstorms!
extremeEspinazo del Diablo is a Mexican Thrilling and Challenging Mountain Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
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!
hardWhere is Forest Road 4725?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near southeastern Utah, specifically in the Manti-La Sal National Forest near the La Sal Mountains, you HAVE to check out Forest Road 4725. Seriously, this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a mile-long, unpaved rollercoaster ride that'll test your off-roading skills. The terrain gets progressively gnarlier the higher you climb. Rocky sections? Check. Brutally steep inclines? Double check. You absolutely NEED a 4WD beast with high clearance to even think about tackling this one. Trust me. Heads up: this road plays hide-and-seek with winter. At a lofty 10,600 feet above sea level, it's usually snowed in until springtime. So, before you make the trek, call the Manti-La Sal National Forest District to get the latest intel. In that single mile, you'll climb almost 600 feet, making for an average gradient of just over 11%. Oh, and the views? Absolutely insane. You're basically driving through the heart of the La Sal Mountains, surrounded by some of the most stunning peaks in the area. Get ready for an adventure!