
A beautiful drive to Presa Zimapan
Mexico, north-america
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! I've got a hidden gem for you, snaking its way through the stunning landscapes where Hidalgo and Querétaro meet in Mexico. This unnamed state route leads you on an unforgettable ride to the Zimapán reservoir.
Picture this: breathtaking mountain vistas, the expansive reservoir shimmering in the sunlight, and dramatic canyon walls towering beside you. But wait, there's more!
You'll actually *cross* the main dam itself, right on the state line where the Moctezuma River carves its way through the canyon. And the tunnels? Prepare for three! Two shorter ones near the dam, but then BAM – you're plunged into Querétaro's longest tunnel, stretching for a solid 2.5 kilometers!
The entire road is paved, so no need to worry about off-roading. Plus, there are plenty of viewpoints and rest stops along the way to soak it all in. Thinking of making it a longer trip? Ferry access and campsites abound around the reservoir – perfect for an extended escape!
Where is it?
A beautiful drive to Presa Zimapan is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 24.1723, -103.5550
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 24.1723, -103.5550
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhy is it called Waldo Canyon?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for a little off-the-beaten-path adventure near Santa Fe, New Mexico? Check out Waldo Canyon Road! This 8.3-mile stretch of graded dirt, also known as County Road 57, winds its way through some seriously beautiful scenery, connecting CanAm Highway to Los Cerrillos on NM-14. Heads up, it's unpaved, but most cars should be able to manage it. The road’s named after the old mining town of Waldo (named after a Supreme Court Justice!), and if you're into ghost towns, this is a fun little detour. Don't expect much – just some foundations and remnants of the past. Fun fact: they filmed the movie "Convoy" here back in the day. Definitely a cool, quick escape with some history and views!
moderateIron Mountain Road: 17 Miles, 314 Curves, 14 Switchbacks, 3 Pigtails, and 3 Tunnels
🇺🇸 Usa
# Iron Mountain Road: South Dakota's Epic Twisty Adventure Ready for one of the most thrilling 17-mile drives in the country? Iron Mountain Road in South Dakota's Black Hills is calling your name—and trust us, it's an unforgettable ride. Nestled in the southwestern corner of South Dakota (straddling Pennington and Custer counties), this paved mountain route is an engineering marvel that'll make your head spin—literally. With 314 curves, 14 switchbacks, and three insane pigtails (those loop-de-loop turns that let the road climb nearly straight up the mountainside), this isn't your average scenic drive. The road spirals up to 5,445 feet, weaving through Black Hills National Forest and Custer State Park with Mount Rushmore as your dramatic backdrop. Here's what makes Iron Mountain Road legendary: three incredible tunnels that frame perfect views of Mount Rushmore's granite presidents. These one-lane passages are so cool they've become Instagram gold. Fair warning though—if tight curves make your stomach queasy, maybe sit this one out. Seriously. Built way back in 1933, this road was intentionally designed to keep you crawling at 35 mph so you'd actually *experience* the scenery instead of zooming through it. Drop your windows, breathe in that pine-scented mountain air, and soak in the views of valleys and peaks that change with every bend. Just know: this road hibernates in winter (including the summit overlook), and if you're rolling in an RV or hauling a massive trailer, think twice. But if you love curves, mountain vistas, and a drive that'll make you feel genuinely alive? Iron Mountain Road delivers in spades.
easyWhat’s the Old Plank Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Southern California, early 1900s. You're trying to get from San Diego to Yuma, Arizona, but there's this HUGE obstacle in your way – the Algodones Dunes. Miles and miles of shifting sand. So, what do you do? You build a road *on top* of the sand! Enter the Old Plank Road. Back in 1915, they laid down wooden planks, like railroad tracks for cars, creating a one-lane path across about eight miles of those treacherous dunes. It was a total game-changer, connecting California and Arizona and boosting trade like crazy. Imagine cruising along, feeling like you're driving on a wooden rollercoaster through a real-life desert dreamscape. Now, it wasn't all smooth sailing. The desert is a harsh mistress, and those shifting sands required constant upkeep. Think "Sisyphean task" but with mules and planks. They even had passing spots every mile so cars going opposite directions didn't get stuck in a sandy standoff. Sadly, this wild ride didn't last forever. By the late 1920s, it was replaced with something more permanent. But! You can still find remnants of the Old Plank Road nestled in the dunes today. It's a total throwback, a reminder of how people conquered the desert back in the day. Plus, these dunes are seriously stunning - they've been backdrops for movies like "Return of the Jedi," so you KNOW they're epic!
moderateA beautiful road with lots of historical sights to Hancock Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Hancock Pass in Colorado is calling your name. Perched way up at 12,145 feet, this isn't just a drive, it's a trip back in time, loaded with mining history and jaw-dropping scenery. Seriously, it's one of Colorado's highest roads! You'll find it straddling Chaffee and Gunnison counties, right in western Colorado. Picture this: you're cruising along a totally unpaved path (Forest Road 839 to the south, Forest Road 299 to the north), originally carved out back in the 1880s for mining. The road starts out pretty mellow, following an old railroad grade, but don't get too comfy! Once you peel off the rail grade, things get a bit more challenging – rocky, slow going, but still manageable in a sturdy SUV with some grit. Skid plates? Definitely a plus. The road narrows, and bam, you're above the treeline! Heads up, though – Mother Nature calls the shots here. Usually, you can't even THINK about tackling this pass from late October to late June/early July (snow, duh!). And even then, keep an eye out – snow can stick around well into July. Don't even try it if there's snow. This epic 16.8-mile stretch runs from the ghost town of St. Elmo to Pitkin. Once you make it, you'll find plenty of room to park and soak it all in. Trust me, the views are insane, and they somehow get even better on the other side. You're in a high alpine wonderland, so pack smart – supplies, water, and warm clothes, even if it seems warm down below.