El Chorro
Mexico, north-america
N/A
2.18 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, amigos, because La Carbonera (Mexico 57D, the Saltillo-Matehuala highway) is a real rollercoaster! This stretch of road, also called El Chorro, winds its way through the Sierra Madre Oriental, treating you to incredible views of desert canyons and patches of pine forest.
You'll be climbing high, peaking at around 7,150 feet (2,180 m) near the turnoff for San Antonio de las Alazanas – and close to Mexico's only ski resort, Monterreal! Then, it's a thrilling descent to Ramos Arizpe, way down at 4,265 feet (1300 m).
The road itself? Think tight, twisty curves that demand your attention, especially since this is known as the trickiest part of the Matehuala-Saltillo route. Keep your eyes peeled not just for the scenery, but also for potential weather woes: floods, mudslides, and fog can roll in. So drive smart and enjoy the ride!
Where is it?
El Chorro is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 23.7868, -103.4453
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2.18 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 23.7868, -103.4453
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Medano Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Medano Pass in Colorado is calling your name, but be warned, this ain't your typical Sunday drive. We're talking about a high-altitude trek reaching a whopping 10,013 feet! Nestled between Saguache and Huerfano counties, near the Great Sand Dunes National Park, this 20-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated off-road goodness (aka County Road 559) will take you from the dunes to Highway 69 in style, or at least, in a very bumpy fashion. Now, let's be real: this road is *rough*. Deep sand? Check. Nine creek crossings? You betcha. Rocky, steep sections that'll test your driving skills? Absolutely. We're talking single-lane shelf roads, moderate grades, and enough loose road surface to keep you on your toes. Seriously, you'll be navigating flat rock obstacles and potentially facing some dicey descents. Oh, and those creek crossings? They can be deceptively deep, especially during spring runoff. We're talking potentially two feet or more of water, depending on the time of year. So, what do you need to tackle this beast? A 4WD vehicle is a *must*. Forget your cute little AWD crossovers; they'll get stuck faster than you can say "I need a tow." Airing down your tires is also a smart move, especially if you're not a sand-driving pro. Keep in mind this pass is typically closed from November to late May due to snow, and even in summer, Mother Nature can throw a wrench in your plans with unexpected closures due to snow or high creek levels. Always check conditions before heading out! If you do brave the journey, expect the drive to take around 2.5 to 3 hours without stops. The warmer months are ideal, but fall offers some seriously stunning scenery. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
extremeWhere is Ranchos Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Wanna get off the beaten path in northern New Mexico? Head to Ranchos Peak in Taos County! This summit sits pretty high up, offering a real, raw off-road experience east of Taos, right on the edge of the Carson National Forest. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. This 5.4-mile route is an unpaved logging road, meaning it's rough. Think deep ruts, loose rocks, and mud that'll swallow your tires after rain or snow. You'll NEED a 4x4 with high clearance — seriously, don't even think about trying this in a regular SUV. Over those 5.4 miles, you'll climb almost 1,500 feet, with some steep sections that'll test your driving skills. Plus, the air gets thin up there (we're talking almost 9,200 feet!), so be prepared for your engine to work a little harder. Keep an eye on the weather! Northern New Mexico can be a bit crazy, and sudden thunderstorms can turn that dusty track into a slippery mess. Winter? Forget about it — this road's usually snowed in. But if you're prepared, the views from the top are insane, with a massive vantage point over the Taos plateau and the volcanic landscape. Just remember to stick to the trails and respect the local signage, as you'll be near tribal lands.
hardWhere is Kolokole Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Kolokole Pass! This hidden gem sits way up in the Waianae Mountain Range on Oahu, Hawaii, clocking in at 504m (1,653ft). You'll find it connecting central and western Oahu. The road itself, Kolokole Road, stretches for about 22.20km (13.8 miles) from Wahiawa to Nānākuli. It's a fully paved ribbon of asphalt, but get ready for some twists and turns! Think steep climbs, tight corners, and some narrow stretches to keep things interesting. Now, here's the catch: access is usually limited to military personnel. But, rumor has it, the road sometimes opens to the public during emergencies. Keep an eye out, but be aware that heavy rains and rockslides can shut it down in a heartbeat. Oh, and movie buffs? You might recognize the scenery! This is the spot where those WWII Japanese fighters supposedly flew through on their way to bomb Pearl Harbor in that iconic war film. Pretty cool, right?
easyHow long is Ashton Flagg Ranch Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're itching for a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, you HAVE to check out the Ashton Flagg Ranch Road. We're talking a wild ride between the northern end of the Tetons and Yellowstone's Pitchstone Plateau, stretching across Wyoming and Idaho. Clocking in at about 49 miles (79 km), this isn't your Sunday cruise. Starting near Ashton, Idaho (off US-20) and winding east to US191 (John D. Rockefeller Jr. Parkway), be prepared for a mix of terrain. Some pavement exists, but most of it’s a gravel road. The east side gets spicy with narrow, rough, muddy, and rutted sections. Forget your low-rider! Seriously, a high-clearance vehicle is a must, and 4x4 is highly recommended. This mountain road climbs to a whopping 7,424 feet (2,263 m), so expect snow to linger well into June, making it usually impassable from late October to late June/early July. Check conditions before you commit! Is it worth it? Absolutely! Allot about 3.5 hours for the drive *without* stops (but who can resist stopping?). You’ll be treated to incredible scenery and access to a string of gorgeous lakes: Indian Lake, Lake of the Woods, Moose Lake, Loon Lake, and Grassy Reservoir. Think primitive camping, fewer crowds than Yellowstone, and amazing opportunities for wildlife spotting. Seriously, the remoteness and ruggedness of the Ashton Flagg Ranch Road will make you feel like a true explorer. Just be prepared for an adventure! The route combines sections of Ashton/Flagg Ranch Road, Grass Lake Road, Flagg Ranch Road, or Reclamation Road.