Dare to Drive Cuesta de los Arrepentidos to Real de Catorce in Mexico
Mexico, north-america
10.9 km
2,743 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, about to embark on a real adventure to Real de Catorce, an almost 9,000-foot-high ghost town. Your chariot? It *has* to be a 4x4 because you're about to tackle Cuesta de los Arrepentidos, or Repentant's Slope.
For nearly 7 miles, this wild, unpaved track snakes through the northern part of the state across the Sierra de Catorce range. It's a historical route, dating back to 1778, and until the tunnel was built, it was the *only* way in. You'll pass abandoned mines, ghost towns, defunct train stations, and the seemingly endless Wirikuta desert. The views? Incredible. The experience? Absolutely unforgettable – if you can handle it.
This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. We're talking brutally steep climbs, a seriously narrow path, and nerve-wracking drop-offs into a canyon and dry riverbed. Leave the motorcycles and bikes at home. Highlights? The aptly named Paso del Diablo (Devil's Pass) and the eerie Socavón de la Purísima (Immaculate Conception’s Sinkhole) are the stuff of legends.
Most folks come in from the east, taking a 17-mile cobblestone stretch off Highway 62. Then there's the Túnel Ogarrio – a long, dark tunnel that takes you right into town. It’s almost a mile and a half long and one-lane only, so hope no one's coming the other way! Legend has it there used to be a phone at the entrance to check for traffic but no one seems to use it anymore.
Get ready for the ride of your life!
Where is it?
Dare to Drive Cuesta de los Arrepentidos to Real de Catorce in Mexico is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 23.5001, -102.6187
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 10.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,743 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 23.5001, -102.6187
Related Roads in north-america
hardMalemute Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Ready for a real Colorado high? Malemute Peak, clocking in at almost 13,000 feet, is calling your name! You'll find it nestled in Pitkin County, deep in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking Montezuma Basin Road: gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bump. Think of it as a massage for your tires... if your tires are into that sort of thing. Winter? Forget about it – this road's snoozing under a blanket of snow. Experienced off-roaders, this is your playground! But seriously, if you get nervous on unpaved mountain roads, maybe sit this one out. A trusty 4x4 is an absolute must, and a healthy respect for heights is a major plus. Expect some seriously steep sections and potentially muddy conditions if it's been raining. But hey, the views! And you'll be cruising past old mining relics, so you're basically driving through history. Just breathe deep, keep your eyes on the trail, and get ready for an epic adventure!
extremeWhere is Kite Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for an adventure to Kite Lake, a stunning alpine gem nestled in Park County, Colorado! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about one of the highest roads in the state, topping out at a cool 12,043 feet above sea level. The road itself, Kite Lake Road (aka Park County Road 8), is a 5.5-mile unpaved beast starting just north of Alma. Don't let the lack of pavement fool you – it's doable in a passenger car, *but* be prepared for a bumpy ride! After a harsh winter, things can get seriously rutted. Most cars can make it to the Sweet Home Mine, but higher clearance is definitely your friend. That last mile can be particularly gnarly, so if you're not in something with decent clearance, and maybe even 4x4, especially if rain's on the horizon, think twice. You’ll climb 1,673 feet over those 5.5 miles, so it's a steady uphill trek. Keep in mind this high-altitude road is usually only open from early June onwards due to the heavy snow. Plus, being high up in the Mosquito Range of the Rockies means the weather can be unpredictable. Check with the Forest Service in Fairplay before you go. Expect wind near the lake and heavier traffic during the summer months. But hey, the amazing views are *totally* worth it!
moderateQuartz Mountain Pass is a drive worth taking in OR
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Oregon Route 140 through Quartz Mountain Pass is calling your name! Nestled in Lake County, this beauty tops out at 5,508 feet. The entire route is paved, so no need to worry about those pesky gravel roads. Just a smooth ride as you climb through the Fremont-Winema National Forest. This pass, named for a quartz ledge, is generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter. Snow can cause temporary closures, so check conditions before you go. Clocking in at about 42 miles, the road connects Bly to Lakeview and it’s the highest point on Route 140. Expect stunning views and keep an eye out for wildlife. Get ready to cross this one off your bucket list.
extremeDoherty Slide in Oregon: Turn Back Now If You Have A Heart Condition
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Doherty Slide, or Doherty Rim as some call it, is a crazy high mountain ridge sitting way up at 6,246 feet in Oregon's Lake County. We're talking near the Oregon-Nevada border, overlooking the stunning Warner Valley. This whole area was formed by ancient lava flows, and now it's this epic rim. Oregon Route 140 is your path, stretching a wild 109 miles from US-395 (north of Lakeview, Oregon) all the way to NV-140 (south of Denio, Nevada). This road connects southern Oregon to northwestern Nevada, so it is a vital byway. Heads up, though: this isn't a Sunday drive. Just 20 miles east of Adel, you'll see signs reminding you to take it slow. The road's paved, but it's narrow, two lanes with NO guardrail! One wrong move and, well, let's just say the drop-off is a long one – about 1,000 feet straight down. You will even come across a sign that may make you think twice, as it is a final warning about health conditions. Driving this road at night or in the rain is not for the faint of heart. The climb feels endless, and a sign warns of an "8 Percent Grade" for three miles, urging trucks to use low gear. Keep your eyes on the road as the shoulder gives way to a steep drop. So, if you're up for a challenging drive with seriously breathtaking views, Doherty Slide might just be your next adventure!