Driving Through the Defiant Highway del Sol

Driving Through the Defiant Highway del Sol

Mexico, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Ready for an epic road trip? The Autopista del Sol, or Highway of the Sun (Mexico 95D), is a modern, four-lane toll road that whisks you from the bustling heart of Mexico City to the sun-kissed beaches of Acapulco.

Opened in 1994, this fully paved road cuts through the wild Sierra Madre del Sur mountains with a mind-blowing series of tunnels and bridges. Back in the day, the Quetzalapa, El Papagayo, and El Zapote bridges were architectural marvels, some of the tallest in the country!

Now, a heads-up: this road can be a bit wild. Watch out for speed demons, the odd tight curve, and potential mudslides during the rainy season – those mountain cuts can be unpredictable! Once you arrive in Acapulco, you'll cruise through the Maxi tunnel, the longest in the nation. One last thing: be aware that protests sometimes happen around Chilpancingo, causing delays. But, hey, even with the occasional hiccup, the Autopista del Sol is an unforgettable drive.

Where is it?

Driving Through the Defiant Highway del Sol is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 23.2454, -102.0778

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Mexico
Continent
north-america
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
23.2454, -102.0778

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Owyhee Lake?moderate

Where is Owyhee Lake?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, adventure awaits at Owyhee Lake, nestled in eastern Oregon's Lake Owyhee State Park, practically hugging the Idaho border! The drive itself? Epic, but hold on tight. You'll be cruising Owyhee Lake Road, a winding two-lane wonder that was built way back in the '30s. Think paved roads, but with some seriously narrow sections and a moderate climb. This 22.8-mile stretch hugs the Owyhee River, offering stunning, picture-perfect views the whole way. Now, a word of caution: This beauty comes with a few thrills. Expect a road without guardrails, perched about 60 feet above the water. Plus, watch out for unlit, narrow tunnels and the potential for rockfalls. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, too, because summer thunderstorms can trigger mudslides that could block the road. All in all, drive carefully and enjoy the ride!

Where is Big Southern Butte?extreme

Where is Big Southern Butte?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, picture this: Big Southern Butte, a massive volcanic dome smack-dab in southern Idaho, near the Craters of the Moon. This thing is HUGE – almost 2.5 miles wide and towering over 2,300 meters. So, how do you get to the top? There's this totally unpaved road that winds its way up, about 7.5 kilometers of pure adventure. Originally built for a fire lookout, which is now gone, the road is still maintained and it climbs almost 800 meters. While full-sized vehicles *can* make it, an ATV or UTV is definitely the way to go. It’s generally in decent shape, but some sections are seriously steep. Ground clearance and 4WD are a major plus, especially considering the sheer drop-offs – not for the faint of heart! Cell service is spotty too, so be prepared. But trust me, it's worth it. The panoramic views from the top are insane. Seriously, a full 360-degree vista stretching from the Tetons all the way to the south hills of Twin Falls. You can even spot the Pioneer Range, the Lost River Range, and more! Just a heads up: the road's closed in winter. And because it's super remote, pack plenty of food and water – zero services out there. Mid-May to October is usually the sweet spot, weather-wise, but always check conditions before you go. It gets HOT in the summer with zero shade, so cooler times are ideal. And remember, help might be a while coming, so be extra cautious.

Where is Mount Taylor?hard

Where is Mount Taylor?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, so you're up for an adventure? Let's talk Mount Taylor in New Mexico! This dormant volcano hangs out in Cibola County, and at 11,289 feet, it's one of the highest points you can drive to in the state. The views? Unreal. You start in these gorgeous aspen groves, then BAM! Desert vistas stretching all the way to Arizona. The mountain itself has a cool history. It used to be called "little onion" back in Spanish days, but got renamed after President Zachary Taylor. Plus, it's super important to the local Zuni and Navajo communities, who see it as a sacred place. Now, about the road... It's about 5.77 miles to the top, and it climbs like crazy, with a pretty steep average gradient. Here's the deal: you'll want a 4-wheel-drive for this one, especially if it's wet. The last few miles are pretty rocky, and you might need to throw it in low gear. Even though a regular car *can* make it, expect some scratches from branches because the road gets narrow in spots. Heads up: this drive is really best in the summer. Being so high up, Mount Taylor gets hammered with snow and ice during the colder months. Even early or late in the season, you could still run into some icy patches, so be prepared. Oh, and watch out for afternoon thunderstorms – you don't want to be caught on those open slopes when the lightning starts!

Where is Santa Fe Peak?hard

Where is Santa Fe Peak?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, adventurers, let's talk Santa Fe Peak in Colorado! This bad boy sits way up there in Summit County, clocking in at a whopping 13,149 feet. Trust me, getting there is an adventure in itself! You'll find it west of Denver, smack dab in central Colorado's eastern Summit County. The route, aka Santa Fe Peak Road (#264), kicks off from Montezuma and stretches for about 4.7 miles. Don't let the short distance fool you, though β€” you're climbing over 2,800 feet with an average gradient of 11.3%. Get ready for a workout for your rig! Speaking of rigs, you NEED a 4x4 with high clearance. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive! It’s a narrow, old mining road clinging to the mountainside, so expect switchbacks galore right from the get-go and some serious drop-offs. Most of the switchbacks are wide enough to pass, but the whole thing can get a little hairy. But is it worth it? Absolutely! You're in the White River National Forest, and the views from the top are insane: Gore, Tenmile, and Front Ranges stretching out as far as the eye can see. Just a heads up: winter hangs around this high, so your best bet is a mid-summer trip. Trust me, the views are a reward that's worth every bump and turn!