Driving the road to Mesa del Nayar with spectacular views
Mexico, north-america
140 km
430 m
easy
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
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
moderateCottonwood Canyon Road in Utah: adventure and beauty, not for everyone
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure on Cottonwood Canyon Road, a scenic byway winding through Kane County, Utah, just north of Page, Arizona, and nestled in the stunning Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Also known as K7000 or Cottonwood Canyons Scenic Backway, this 74km (46-mile) dirt road connects Cannonville with Highway 89, near Big Water. Originally a maintenance road for power lines, it's now a pathway to incredible views! The road is usually open year-round, *weather permitting*, and takes around 2 hours to drive, depending on how many photo stops you make! The first 9 miles from Cannonville are paved until you reach the turnoff for Kodachrome Basin State Park. After that, it's graded dirt with a clay base that becomes an absolute mud pit when wet. While a hardy 2WD car can handle it in dry conditions, a 4x4 is definitely more comfortable. But beware, even SUVs can get stuck after rain! This road transforms into a slippery mess when wet, and flash floods can wash out sections, especially during summer thunderstorms. The surface can also be rough in places due to less maintenance recently. This road is NOT suitable for RVs or trailers. Before you go, check conditions at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Visitor Center in Cannonville. There are no services along the route, so pack food, water, and emergency supplies. And remember, if rain or snow is forecast, stay away!
hard17 brutal switchbacks in the Green River Cove Road of North Carolina
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Polk County, North Carolina? Green River Cove Road is calling all experienced riders! Picture this: you and your bike, carving through the southwestern part of the state on 10.7 miles of pure riding bliss. This isn't just any road – it's a mountain rollercoaster nestled high in the Appalachians, linking State Road 1138 to Holbert Cove Road. Think tight switchbacks, steep climbs, and a serious test of your skills, all while surrounded by the sprawling, forested Green River Game Lands. This climb is legendary for a reason: 17 hairpin turns that will get your heart pumping. Most of the road clocks in at a respectable 6-8% grade, but those hairpins? Cut them on the inside and you're staring down a jaw-dropping 22% incline! The outer lane offers a slightly gentler 8%, but either way, be prepared to work for it. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and get ready for one of the most exhilarating rides in the area.
hardSlide Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, folks, picture this: Slide Peak, sitting pretty at 7,841 feet in Southern California's San Bernardino County. You'll find it smack-dab in the San Bernardino Mountains. The road up? It's about 5.3 miles of mostly paved road (Keller Peak Road), but don't get too comfy, because the last mile or so is gravel. Heads up: typically, you can only cruise this road from around Memorial Day until mid-November, weather permitting. Keep your eyes peeled because you're in prime critter country here, think bears, mountain lions, and deer galore! It's a bit of a climb, too. Starting from CA-18, you'll gain about 1,850 feet over those 5.3 miles, making for an average gradient of around 6.6%. The views though? Totally worth the climb!
easyDriving to Clingmans Dome, the Highest Point in the Smokies
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey, fellow adventurers! Ever dreamed of touching the sky? Then you HAVE to check out Clingmans Dome Road! This incredible paved road winds its way up to Clingmans Dome, a mountain straddling the Tennessee-North Carolina border in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Starting near Newfound Gap on U.S. Highway 441, this 7-mile road, also known as Kuwahi, climbs from 5,048 feet to a whopping 6,643 feet – that makes it the highest point in Tennessee! The road ends at a parking area, then a half-mile paved trail takes you to the top of the mountain. This road is only open from April to November, and trust me, you'll want to pay attention to the weather. It can change in a heartbeat, with clouds rolling in, rain, and even snow possible between September and May. Temperatures are usually way cooler up top than in the surrounding areas, so pack accordingly! But oh, the views! At the summit, you'll find a cool observation tower that gives you 360-degree views of the Smokies. On a clear day, you can see for over 100 miles, spanning seven states! Even along the drive, there are viewpoints galore where you can take in the gorgeous mountain scenery and spot some of the 12 waterfalls in the area. Plus, you can find a Visitor Center and restrooms near the parking lot. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore!