Why is Cumbres de Maltrata Dangerous?
Mexico, north-america
N/A
2,630 m
extreme
Year-round
Cumbres de Maltrata is part of the México 150D, the main highway linking Mexico City to the Gulf. It’s said to be the most dangerous highway in Mexico (with 4 accidents per day), according to CAPUFE.
Why is Cumbres de Maltrata Dangerous?
This section of the highway is extremely dangerous due to its pronounced curves, steep grades, and high traffic volume. It has many braking ramps that are often used by trucks, three tunnels, and some bridges.
How Lethal is Cumbres de Maltrata?
Bad weather conditions with frequent fog, rain, and sometimes snow in winter, reckless driving or speeding, constant brake failures mostly from heavy trucks, and people who simply don't know how to take a curve or do engine braking, make this road Mexico's deadliest highway. The worst accident was in 2006 when a bus fell into the canyon, killing 57 people. The accident was mainly caused by speeding and the lack of road surface signals. It’s believed the bus driver mistook the braking ramp for the continuation of the road. At that moment, the ramp was under repair and lacked surface warning signals. The bus took the braking ramp without any gravel to stop and fell directly into the canyon.
Is the Road through Cumbres de Maltrata Worth the Drive?
The highway offers incredible views of the Sierra Madre Oriental and Pico de Orizaba mountains. The highest pass of this highway is at 2,630m (8,628ft) above sea level, and it descends near Orizaba to 1,300m (4,265ft) asl.
Road suggested by: Eblem Torres
Travelling the busy Road Mexico 45
Ruta Tepehuana is a windy and narrow road with incredible views
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,630 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Bullion King Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Bullion King Lake, a shimmering turquoise jewel nestled high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, just north of Silverton. Getting there? It's an adventure in itself! Forest Road 822 (aka Porphyry Gulch Road or Bullion King Lake Trail) is a totally unpaved 2.9-mile climb starting from the Million Dollar Highway. We're talking about a serious elevation gain here – almost 1,600 feet! That's an average grade of over 10%, so yeah, it gets steep. The road's super narrow with some crazy tight switchbacks, and definitely requires 4WD and some off-road driving skills. There's even a section that's a high, narrow shelf road that might make your palms sweat if you're not used to this kind of thing. Oh, and those steep drop-offs? They're real! You might even see a sign that says "Rough and dangerous road ahead, travel not recommended", but it's not as bad as it sounds. This route is usually snowed in from October to June. At the top, there's a small parking lot, and it's a short walk to the lake itself. But, the views along the way? Incredible! Plus, you'll pass a few cool abandoned mines. Trust me, this drive is worth the effort. Just be prepared for a wild ride!
hardHarvey Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Harvey Mountain! This peak sits high in California's Plumas County, inside the stunning Lassen National Forest. We're talking serious elevation here – 7,342 feet above sea level! Getting to the top is no Sunday drive, though. Forest Rte 32N08 is a rugged, unpaved beast of a road. Think gravel, rocks, and bumps galore. You'll want a high-clearance vehicle for sure. Keep in mind it's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. The trail up is pretty steep. But the payoff? Epic! You'll find a historic fire lookout tower built way back in 1919. They say it's one of the oldest continuously operated lookouts in California. The views from the top are absolutely incredible, so get ready to soak it all in.
hardHow dangerous is Road Mexico 45?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, so you're heading from Queretaro to León in Mexico? Buckle up, because Mexico 45 is a wild ride! This highway is the main artery for pretty much all traffic coming from northwest and northern Mexico (and the US!), so it’s always buzzing. This stretch of "El Bajío" valley is booming, which means industrial parks, shops, and new construction are popping up left and right. But, sadly, the infrastructure hasn't kept pace, making this one of the trickier roads in the country. Think non-stop traffic, impatient drivers, and pavement that's seen better days, all combining for a white-knuckle experience. Word on the street is they average a couple of accidents *every single day*. Yikes! On the plus side, you'll be cruising through the heart of Mexico, passing by major cities like Irapuato, Salamanca, Silao, and Celaya. Plus, you’re up in the highlands, enjoying views at an average elevation of 1,750 meters. Just keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and maybe say a little prayer!
hardIs the road to Engineer Pass paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: Engineer Pass, Colorado. We're talking a whopping 12,800 feet above sea level in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. This isn’t your Sunday drive – it's an unpaved, rocky adventure that'll have you hugging the curves in first gear. You'll find the start of the fun just four miles south of Ouray, right off the famous Million Dollar Highway. Be warned, the first couple of miles are the roughest, so if you're new to the off-roading scene, take it slow. This road is definitely best suited for high-clearance, short-wheelbase 4x4s; a full-size pickup might feel a bit claustrophobic. While most of the route is manageable, there are a few steep and narrow spots on the west side that will get your adrenaline pumping. This historic toll road, dating back to the late 1870s, was built to connect Silverton, Animas Forks, Ouray, and Lake City. Typically, you can access the pass from late May to late October, but those Colorado snows can be unpredictable, so be sure to check conditions. Definitely don’t attempt it if it’s snow-covered, and always use caution, especially when it’s wet. But trust me, it's worth the effort! At the summit, you're rewarded with mind-blowing 360-degree views of towering peaks, including Mt. Sneffels and Uncompahgre Peak. You'll also get a glimpse of the massive Lake City volcanic caldera. Along the way, keep an eye out for old mines, ghost towns, and vibrant wildflowers. Fishing, hiking, camping – it's all here! It's an exhilarating off-road experience with incredible views, mines, waterfalls, and historical intrigue. Get ready for a trip back in time on a road once traveled by miners and merchants!