The road to Raíces, the highest town of Mexico

The road to Raíces, the highest town of Mexico

Mexico, north-america

Length

6.9 km

Elevation

3,633 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so you know I'm always hunting for those hidden gems, and I just found a crazy one: Raíces in the State of Mexico! This place is seriously sky-high, the highest town in the whole country at a whopping 11,919 feet. We're talking one of the highest drivable towns on the planet!

The road up, Ruta 10, is totally paved and winds up the side of the Nevado de Toluca volcano. Think incredible views and lush forest scenery, but be warned, there are some serious curves along the way!

The adventure kicks off from México 134, and it's only about 4.28 miles to Raíces, but don't let the short distance fool you. This climb is STEEP. We're talking a max gradient of 7% on some of those ramps! Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable drive.

Where is it?

The road to Raíces, the highest town of Mexico is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 22.5579, -102.3174

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Mexico
Continent
north-america
Length
6.9 km
Max Elevation
3,633 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
22.5579, -102.3174

Related Roads in north-america

Where Is Graham Pass?moderate

Where Is Graham Pass?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, California dreamers, listen up! Graham Pass is calling your name! Tucked away in the Golden State, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a proper adventure. So, how long are we talking? Not too crazy, but don't let that fool you. This one's a challenge! As you ascend, you'll climb to a decent elevation. Now for the nitty-gritty. Is it paved? Nope! We're talking a seriously rough road, so forget your low riders. Only high-clearance 4x4 vehicles need apply. Seriously, you do not want to get stuck out here. Plus, spots to turn around are basically non-existent. You'll be cruising along Chuckwalla Valley Road, so keep an eye out for the turn off. Forget hopping out for a cute photo op either. Despite the challenging drive, the scenery is... well, you'll be too focused on the road to notice much! But hey, bragging rights are a view in themselves, right? Get ready for a memorable experience!

Where is Mount Ka'ala?moderate

Where is Mount Ka'ala?

🇺🇸 Usa

Aloha, fellow adventurers! Let's talk about conquering Mount Ka'ala on Oahu, Hawaii's third-largest island! This bad boy tops out at 4,038 feet, making it the island's highest point, nestled right in the misty Waianae Range. Now, here's the deal: you can't just cruise up to the summit in your rental car. This peak is home to an FAA tracking station, so the US Army keeps the road pretty locked down from Schofield Barracks. Expect high security and stick to the signs! But don't let that deter you! The road itself, Mount Kaala Road, is a paved beauty, built back in the 40s. Starting from Farrington Highway, it's a 7.7-mile climb, switchbacking its way up with 14 hairpin turns. We're talking a serious elevation gain of 4,020 feet, with an average gradient of nearly 10%. Just a heads-up: up here, the weather can change on a dime! Expect fog and almost 100% humidity, so pack accordingly.

Where is the road to Maverick Mountain?extreme

Where is the road to Maverick Mountain?

🇺🇸 Usa

Reaching an elevation of over 8,000 feet, Maverick Mountain is a real hidden gem inside the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation in eastern Arizona. This ain't your typical Sunday drive – it's a proper off-road pilgrimage culminating at a historic fire lookout. Road facts: Maverick Mountain Fort Apache Reservation, Arizona, USA 30.2 miles (from Fort Apache) 4x4 High Clearance Only The adventure begins near the historic town of Fort Apache, diving headfirst into the tribal lands of the White Mountain Apache. You're in for a long haul, clocking in at 30+ miles through dense ponderosa pine forests and over gnarly volcanic terrain. Forget the tourist traps, this is the Arizona back country at its finest, a sweet spot between desert and alpine peaks. Yep, you guessed it – this road is unpaved. Think rough gravel, deep ruts, and plenty of rocks to keep you on your toes. There are some super steep sections and you'll be climbing over 3,000 feet in total! This isn't a road for the faint of heart, you'll need a proper 4x4 beast with high clearance. If heights make you sweat or you're new to off-roading, maybe sit this one out. Hold up! You can't just roll into the White Mountain Apache Indian Reservation. You'll need a special permit to drive here. Since Maverick Mountain is on tribal land, get your permit from the Tribal Game and Fish department before you even think about hitting the dirt. It's not optional – it's considered trespassing if you're caught without one. Double check with the local tribal authorities in Whiteriver or Fort Apache for the latest rules and road conditions. At the summit, you'll find a seriously cool historic fire lookout tower, built way back in 1934. This 60-foot steel giant has been watching over these forests for decades. The views from the top are absolutely insane, stretching all the way across the Mogollon Rim and into the deep canyons of the reservation. Heads up though, the lookout might not always be open, and remember you're in prime elk and bear country. Don't even think about it! The road's totally impassable during the winter. At over 8,000 feet, expect heavy snow that sticks around until late spring. The road turns into a muddy, slushy mess. The sweet spot is late June through early October, but even then, summer monsoons can cause flash floods and washouts. The main hazards? Isolation and steepness. This 30-mile stretch has zero services, and cell service is virtually non-existent. A breakdown here means a long, lonely walk through bear territory. Weather can change in a heartbeat, and fallen trees are a real possibility. So, pack extra water, fuel, a full-size spare, and your wits! This adventure is all about being self-sufficient.

How long is the Sterling Highway?easy

How long is the Sterling Highway?

🇺🇸 Usa

Cruising the Sterling Highway in south-central Alaska is an absolute must-do! This beauty, part of Alaska Highway 1, carves its way for 138 miles through the western Kenai Peninsula. Starting from the Seward Highway at Tern Lake Junction (south of Anchorage), it winds down to Homer, a cool little town on Kachemak Bay. And get this – it's named after Hawley Sterling, an engineer who worked on the Alaska Road Commission back in the day. This paved two-lane road opened in 1950 and is generally open year-round, but watch out for winter closures due to the weather. The curves can be tricky when it’s wet or snowy. Summer is super busy, so plan accordingly. Trust me, though, it's worth it! The views are insane – think epic mountains, shimmering lakes, rivers fed by glaciers, and those incredible coastal inlets. Prepare to be wowed!