Ruta Tepehuana is a windy and narrow road with incredible views

Get ready for the Ruta Tepehuana (Camino a Huzamota) in Durango, Mexico – a wild ride through some seriously stunning landscapes! This road isn't for the faint of heart: it's windy, narrow, and demands your full attention. But the payoff? Unforgettable views of the Sierra Madre mountains and dramatic canyons.

Picture this: you're cruising along, starting at a lofty 2,700 meters above sea level, then plunging down to the canyon floor at around 500 meters! Inaugurated in 2014 and fully paved by 2016, this 288-kilometer (178-mile) route connects Durango city to the area near Jesus María in Nayarit.

Hold on tight as you experience five distinct biomes: from painted desert and cactus desert to pine forest, oak forest, and even tropical jungle!

The first stretch throws you right into the action with a mountain pass and a canyon pass. Starting in Mezquital, you'll climb from 1,430 meters to a viewpoint at 2,490 meters, overlooking the Mezquital valley and canyons. Then it's down to Temoaya town and the Mezquital River, followed by another climb to 2,540 meters, surrounded by pine forests, cactus deserts, and oak forests.

Next, a thrilling descent to Huazamota begins in Llano Grande at 2,300 meters, ascending through a pine forest to 2,700 meters. Owned by the indigenous Tepehuan people, the road plummets from Mesa de las Milpas at 2,600 meters to a mere 600 meters in San Antonio de Padua in less than 35 kilometers! Expect a mix of pine, oak, and tropical forests, plus cactus-filled canyon scenery.

Beyond San Juan Peyotan, you'll hit a junction where Mexico 23 meets Mexico 44, with panoramic views of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Head either way, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery towards Camino a Canoas or Mesa del Nayar.