Cumbres de Maltrata is a dangerous Mexican road
Mexico, north-america
N/A
2,630 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because we're tackling Cumbres de Maltrata, a stretch of México 150D that connects Mexico City to the Gulf! Word on the street is, it’s got a rep for being the most intense highway in Mexico.
Think dramatic curves, seriously steep hills, and a whole lotta traffic. Keep an eye out for braking ramps (you’ll see trucks using them!), plus three tunnels and a few bridges to keep things interesting.
Now, heads up: This road throws some serious curveballs. We're talking foggy weather, rain, and even snow in the winter. Add in a mix of risky drivers, brake failures (especially on big rigs), and some folks who aren’t so great at navigating those twists and turns, and you've got a recipe for a white-knuckle ride.
But hey, it's not all adrenaline! You'll also be treated to jaw-dropping views of the Sierra Madre Oriental and the majestic Pico de Orizaba mountains. You'll climb to a staggering 2,630m (8,628ft) above sea level at the highest point, before dropping down near Orizaba to around 1,300m (4,265ft). Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Where is it?
Cumbres de Maltrata is a dangerous Mexican road is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 23.2248, -102.0067
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,630 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 23.2248, -102.0067
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow important is Highway Mexico 57D?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, so you're heading from Mexico City to Queretaro? Buckle up for a wild ride on Mexico 57D, supposedly the *busiest* highway in the whole country. Think of it as the vein pumping goods and commerce from the US and northern Mexico straight into the heart of Mexico City. This isn't some sleepy backroad; it's a major artery! The area around it has exploded with factories, warehouses, and all sorts of development. The good news? It's paved, and we're talking 6-8 lanes in places. The not-so-good news? Don't get *too* comfy. This road throws a few curveballs. You'll be climbing up, up, up to a mountain pass near Calpulalpan, topping out at a lung-busting 2,690m (8,825ft)! And a word of caution: with all that traffic, things can get a little dicey. It's a 200km stretch between the cities and supposedly sees an average of three accidents *every* day! All that smooth road can tempt drivers to put the pedal to the metal, sometimes hitting crazy speeds of 220 km/h (140 mph). So, keep your eyes peeled, and maybe save the speed demon act for another day!
hardWhere is La Sal Loop Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're in Moab, Utah, right on the edge of Colorado, ready for an epic adventure. You're about to tackle the La Sal Mountain Loop Road, a local favorite snaking through the Manti-La Sal National Forest. This isn't just a drive; it's a 56-mile journey begging for scenic overlooks and photo ops. Now, the road is paved, but hold on—it gets interesting. Think narrow, steep sections, hairpin turns that'll test your skills, and some drop-offs that are seriously breathtaking (and a little nerve-wracking, because...no guardrails). Heads up: this is a remote route. There are zero services once you commit, so fuel up, pack snacks, and bring plenty of water before you go. You'll climb to a whopping 8,343 feet, so make sure your car is up for it. Passenger vehicles will be fine, but leave the RVs and trailers at home for this one. But trust me, the views are worth it. You'll wind through cool, green forests with panoramic views of Moab Valley and Canyonlands National Park that will leave you speechless. If you're looking for an unforgettable drive, this is it!
extremeDriving the Hazardous California State Route 17
🇺🇸 Usa
Highway 17 in California: buckle up, because this ain't your average Sunday drive! This stretch of road connects the bustling city of San Jose to the laid-back beach town of Santa Cruz, snaking its way for about 26 miles through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Let’s be real, though. This road has earned itself a reputation. Think hairpin turns, blind corners that'll make your palms sweat, and shoulders so narrow you'll be holding your breath. Speed limits can change on a dime, and after it rains (or snows!), the road gets slicker than an eel. Built back in the day, Highway 17 isn't exactly known for its wide, forgiving lanes. Names like "Killer 17" and "Blood Alley" give you an idea of what you're in for. Locals will tell you the sharp turns and blind spots are notorious for causing trouble, and wildlife can make surprise appearances. Seriously, wrecks have gone through the roof in recent years. Speaking of weather, this mountain pass can get dicey. Rain, fog, and even snow can roll in, especially up near Patchen Pass, which sits at a lofty 1,843 feet. If you're driving in winter, be extra careful. But hey, it's not all white-knuckle driving! This road IS gorgeous. The views of the mountains are incredible, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Monterey Bay. Just keep your eyes on the road and maybe leave the sightseeing to your passenger. And if you're into spooky stuff, Highway 17 has a reputation for being haunted! Keep an eye out for apparitions. Some drivers have claimed to see ghosts walking along the side of the road, or even sitting in their backseats! Others have reported seeing weird, vaporous clouds floating around. Creepy, right?
moderateWhere is MacKay Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for MacKay Peak in central Idaho's Sawtooth National Forest, just east of Sun Valley! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a rugged, unpaved mining road that climbs like crazy—4.78 miles long with an insane 1,000m elevation gain! Expect gradients averaging over 13%. Heads up, you'll NEED four-wheel drive. This track gets rough fast. And forget about it in winter – totally impassable. But if you're up for the challenge, the views from the top (way up there!) are supposed to be epic. The peak's named after the guy who financed the local smelter back in the day. Get ready for some serious off-road adventure!