Driving the road to Mesa del Nayar with spectacular views

Driving the road to Mesa del Nayar with spectacular views

Mexico, north-america

Length

140 km

Elevation

430 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Mexico, leaving the charming town of Jesús María (a cool 1,400 feet above sea level) behind you, headed towards the coast at Ruiz, Nayarit. This isn't just any drive; it's a 87-mile (140 km) adventure on highway 44 through the heart of the Sierra Madre mountains.

Get ready for some serious eye candy because the views of the Mesa del Nayar mountain mesa and its canyons are unreal. The road itself? It's a smooth, paved beauty built in 2013. But hold on, this isn't a straight shot; it's a winding path that climbs up to a mountain pass (almost 6,000 feet!) near Mesa del Nayar, treating you to even more breathtaking vistas of coastal mountains and dramatic canyons.

The curves are nicely graded, but be warned: there are *a lot* of them. And when you're heading downhill, engine braking is your best friend; there are even two braking ramps along the way just in case. Don't miss the T-junction where Mexico 23 meets Mexico 44 just past Jesús María, opening up even more stunning Sierra Madre Mountain views towards Camino a Canoas or Ruta Tepehuana. Trust me, this drive is all about the journey, not just the destination.

Where is it?

Driving the road to Mesa del Nayar with spectacular views is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 24.5915, -101.3702

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Mexico
Continent
north-america
Length
140 km
Max Elevation
430 m
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
24.5915, -101.3702

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Cabresto Lake?hard

Where is Cabresto Lake?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so Cabresto Lake is tucked way up in the Carson National Forest of northern New Mexico – think seriously high country at 9,255 feet! Getting there is… an adventure. Forest Road 134A, or Cabresto Lake Road, is a twisty, turny beast. We're talking a super rocky, narrow track with about 15 hairpin turns and some serious drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Definitely not a winter drive! While you *might* get a regular car up there if it's dry, a 4x4 with good clearance is the way to go. Seriously, leave the RV at home; the road has sections that are basically one-way with cliffs on either side. It's about 2.1 miles from the main forest road and it climbs like crazy – over 800 feet of elevation gain! Some sections hit a 14% grade so hold on tight. But is it worth it? Totally! The road ends right at Cabresto Lake Campground, a small spot with just a few campsites surrounded by insane mountain views. Plus, it's one of the only places in New Mexico where you can catch brook trout. So, if you're up for a challenging drive and some incredible scenery, Cabresto Lake is calling your name.

Lightning Peakextreme

Lightning Peak

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! I've got a summit for you that's gonna blow your mind. We're talking about Lightning Peak, chilling way up high in Idaho's Salmon River Mountains at a cool 8,375 feet. You'll find this bad boy nestled in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, but be warned, getting there is no Sunday drive. It's a gravelly, 4WD-only kind of adventure. Seriously, leave the sedan at home. And pro tip: keep a close eye on the weather. This area can get hit hard with avalanches, crazy snow, and landslides. Plus, icy patches pop up when you least expect them. Reach the top, and boom! A tiny alpine lake awaits. The views? Totally worth the white knuckles.

Why is Cerro de la Cúpula famous for?hard

Why is Cerro de la Cúpula famous for?

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, fellow adventurers, picture this: You're cruising from Ensenada, Mexico, into the heart of Baja California, and aiming for the sky. Literally! You're headed for Cerro de la Cúpula, a killer peak soaring to a mighty 9,206 feet. This isn't just any mountain. Perched at the top, inside the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park, is the National Astronomical Observatory. Open for tours weekdays 10am-1pm, this is a must-see. We're talking about one of the top stargazing spots *in the world*. Forget light pollution – the views here are insane, so bring your camera! The road itself? It’s paved the whole 62 miles from Ensenada, but get ready for some steep climbs! Weather can be a real mood-killer, so keep an eye on the forecast. We’re talking snowstorms in winter (yes, snow!), and scorching desert heat in summer at lower elevations. Pack layers! This place is stunning, with views that stretch forever, but Mother Nature calls the shots.

Driving the Wild 4x4 Road to Piedra Grande Huthard

Driving the Wild 4x4 Road to Piedra Grande Hut

🇲🇽 Mexico

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on Refugio Piedra Grande, a mountain hut chilling at a whopping 4,255 meters (that's 13,959 feet!) in Mexico. Seriously, this place is high – one of the highest roads in the whole country. You'll find this gem nestled right on the border of Veracruz and Puebla, inside the Parque Nacional Pico de Orizaba, smack-dab in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. It's a massive hut, perfect for 40-60 of your closest climbing buddies. Why trek all the way up here? Because it’s the base camp for conquering the majestic Pico de Orizaba, a glacier-covered volcano also called Citlaltépetl. We're talking about the highest peak in Mexico (5,636 meters!) and the third-highest in all of North America. Now, about that road... forget your pavement dreams. This is a rugged, unpaved, and narrow path begging for a 4x4. The adventure starts in Tecpanquiahuac, and it’s a thrilling 25.8 km (16.03 miles) ride to the top. Get ready for some epic views and an unforgettable climb!