Travelling through the curvy Plan de Barrancas in Sierra Madre
Mexico, north-america
N/A
1.66 m
moderate
Year-round
Craving a scenic Mexican adventure from Guadalajara to the Pacific coast hotspots like Tepic and Puerto Vallarta? Buckle up for the Plan de Barrancas roads (that's Mexico 15 and the 15D toll road).
These routes wind and weave like crazy through the Sierra Madre mountains! Expect narrow, paved roads with hairpin turns that’ll test your driving skills. You'll climb to about 5,400 feet near La Venta el Astillero before dropping down to around 3,000 feet in Tepic.
Word to the wise: this stretch is known for being tricky. Stay alert, watch your speed, and take those curves seriously – it’s a busy route.
But hey, the views are INCREDIBLE. Think lush tropical rainforests clinging to canyon walls and dramatic mountain vistas. Plus, you’ll cruise past fields of agave (hello, tequila!) and even get a peek at the lava remnants from the Ceboruco volcano, which last erupted in the 40s. The diverse scenery is unreal, with everything from rainforest and tropical plants to oak and pine forests.
Where is it?
Travelling through the curvy Plan de Barrancas in Sierra Madre is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 23.0177, -102.0670
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 1.66 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 23.0177, -102.0670
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Geology Tour Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in California, cruising through Joshua Tree National Park. Wanna ditch the pavement for a bit? Take the Geology Tour Road! This 18-mile dirt track kicks off just west of Jumbo Rocks Campground and plunges you into a landscape shaped by crazy erosion, earthquakes, and ancient volcanoes. Seriously, it's stunning. The first few miles can be a bit of a bumpy ride with some ruts, and later on you'll hit patches of soft sand. Most cars can handle the start of the road in good weather, but keep an eye out for the sign recommending 4x4 – you'll definitely want that if you're planning to go further and tackle the loop beyond Squaw Tank. Leave the RV at home, though, this road isn't suitable for those. Allow a good two hours to soak it all in. The rock formations are super cool, and you can grab a map or brochure at the start of the road to learn about what you're seeing at the 16 marked stops along the way. It's one of the best backcountry drives in Joshua Tree, a total must-do!
hardWhere is Imogene Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Imogene Pass in Colorado is calling your name, but be warned, this ain't your Sunday drive. We're talking a 16.3-mile, unpaved climb that hits a whopping 13,162 feet above sea level! Located right on the border of San Miguel and Ouray counties in southwest Colorado, this former mining road, built in 1880, connects Ouray (right off that famous Million Dollar Highway) to Telluride. The views? Epic! Think historical mining towns and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. Most seasoned drivers will need 2.5 to 3.5 hours to conquer it. The pros suggest starting in Telluride so you can descend the north side's steeper, rockier terrain. But here's the deal: You NEED a rugged 4x4 with good clearance and high sidewall tires. Seriously, 2WD is a no-go. Expect steep climbs, and narrow sections. Passing can be tricky, so stay focused. The pass is typically closed from late October to late June/early July. Even in summer, the weather can be unpredictable – cold, windy, with sudden thunderstorms. Keep an eye on the sky! Plus, be mindful of water crossings. So, if you're an experienced off-roader with a sense of adventure, Imogene Pass promises an unforgettable, if slightly hairy, ride!
easyWhere is Height of Land?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Maine, in Franklin County, specifically, and you stumble upon this place called Height of Land. It’s not just a name; it’s a promise! We're talking an elevation of 2,247 feet (685m), so you know the views are going to be epic. You'll find this gem in the Rangeley Lakes Region, so you already know you're in for some serious natural beauty. The best part? The road is completely paved, smooth sailing all the way. It's actually part of the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, a 52-mile stretch of pure driving bliss. Trust me; you'll want to roll down the windows for this one. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! It's seriously one of the most stunning spots in Maine. They've even got plenty of parking so you can take your time soaking it all in. You'll be treated to panoramic views of pristine lakes like Mooselookmeguntic, majestic mountains, and even a glimpse of the White Mountains in the distance. Get ready for some serious photo ops!
moderateWhen was Autopista del Sol built?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up for the Autopista del Sol, the Mexico City-Acapulco highway (that's Mexico 95D for you map nerds). This modern toll road carves its way through southern Mexico, linking the bustling capital with the beach vibes of Acapulco. Get ready to climb! This fully paved road snakes through the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains, so expect tunnels and bridges galore. Back in the day, its Quetzalapa, El Papagayo, and El Zapote bridges were seriously impressive feats of engineering – some of the tallest in the country. Now, a word of caution: drivers can get a little *too* enthusiastic here. Keep an eye out for reckless driving, and be aware of some tight curves. Also, during the rainy season, mudslides are a real risk, especially where the mountains have been cut away. Oh, and did I mention Acapulco's Maxi tunnel? It’s the longest in the country! Plus, there can be closures due to protests around Chilpancingo, usually by teachers. It can mean delays, traffic, and general frustration, but it's usually about demanding better security and addressing corruption, so keep that in mind. All in all, this highway is a wild ride!