El Frunce Road
Mexico, north-america
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! If you're in Durango, Mexico, and craving a thrill, this extreme mountain road is calling your name. Picture this: a crazy-narrow, mostly gravel track clinging to the side of the Huahuapan canyon (Bacis River). Seriously, two cars passing at the same time? Forget about it!
This wild ride connects Vencedores town (perched at a cool 2,470m) down to Sapiores (a much lower 1,110m) and a mine called Mina Bacis. The views? Absolutely mind-blowing! Think endless mountain vistas that'll make your jaw drop. But a word of warning: if you're not a fan of heights, this one might make you a little queasy. Get ready for an unforgettable – and slightly hair-raising – experience!
Where is it?
El Frunce Road is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 24.1451, -102.9227
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 24.1451, -102.9227
Related Roads in north-america
extremeHow to get by car to Badwater Basin, the lowest point of North America?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Death Valley National Park in eastern California, heading towards a spot so low, it's almost unbelievable. I'm talking about Badwater Basin, a vast salt flat sitting at a whopping 282 feet *below* sea level – the absolute bottom of the barrel in North America! The road in, Badwater Road (aka CA 178), is paved the whole way, so no need for a 4x4. You'll hop on from Furnace Creek (off CA-190) for a smooth 15.5-mile ride. It's mostly gentle, with a few short ramps kicking up to a 4% gradient. Keep an eye out for the "SEA LEVEL" sign high up on the cliffs – it really puts things into perspective, showing just how far down you are. The landscape is seriously surreal. This whole area used to be a lake, but over time, it dried up, leaving behind crazy salt formations. The name? Legend has it a thirsty traveler tried to give the water to his mule, but it was so salty, the poor thing refused to drink it! Hence, "Badwater." Now, Death Valley isn't messing around with its climate. It's one of the hottest places on earth, so come prepared. Major rainstorms can flood the valley floor, so be aware of your surroundings. If you're there in a downpour, get to higher ground pronto! And remember, cell service can be spotty, so don't rely on your phone. The drive itself takes about 30 minutes without stops, but you'll want to pull over and soak it all in. The basin itself is otherworldly. Word to the wise: it gets crowded, especially on weekends. You can see it from the parking lot, but make sure you check out Artist’s Drive along the way – more mind-blowing Death Valley scenery you won't want to miss. Trust me, Badwater Basin is a bucket-list destination!
extremeHow Long is Racetrack Valley Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Racetrack Valley Road, way up in northern Death Valley National Park, California, is a total thrill ride! If you've got a trusty 4x4 with good tires and decent clearance, get ready to tackle one of Death Valley's most epic backcountry adventures. Clocking in at just over 29 miles, this dirt road is no joke. It's usually pretty well-maintained, but be warned: it's seriously washboarded in sections. The sign at the start isn't kidding about needing 4-wheel drive, and you'll definitely want a full-sized spare tire. High-clearance vehicles with beefy tires are ideal, but if you're a careful driver, some say you can even navigate it in a standard sedan. Just keep in mind that Death Valley summers are brutal, so plan accordingly. Washouts and winter snow can also make the road impassable. Always check the latest conditions at the Visitor Center or Grapevine Ranger Station because the weather here is wildly unpredictable. And if you start feeling dizzy, nauseous, or headache-y, find some shade and chug some water! Desert winds can kick up some serious dust storms, especially in the spring. Cell service is spotty, so don't rely on your phone. But the sunrise views? Absolutely breathtaking! Racetrack Valley, nestled between the Cottonwood and Last Chance Ranges, is famous for its sailing stones on a dry lakebed. Whatever you do, don't walk on the playa when it's wet, and driving on it is a major no-no. These stones, made of dolomite and syenite, mysteriously glide across the surface, leaving cool trails behind them. Remember, Death Valley holds the record for the hottest air temperature ever recorded, a scorching 134°F (57°C)! So, be prepared for extreme conditions. Drink gallons of water, avoid hiking during peak heat, and if your car breaks down, stay put and wait for help. Obey speed limits, use lower gears going downhill, and buckle up! Watch where you step—rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widow spiders love to hide. Flash floods are a real risk, so stay out of canyons when it rains and head for higher ground if needed. And seriously, don't go exploring any old mine tunnels – they're unstable and dangerous. Cell signal is unreliable. For emergencies, dial 911. Backpackers, come prepared and let someone know your plans. Grab a free backcountry permit from any visitor center if you're backpacking.
easyWhere is Echo Summit?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Let's talk Echo Summit, a killer pass perched way up in California's El Dorado County at a cool 7,398 feet. You'll find it hanging out near the Nevada border in the northern Sierra Nevada. This beauty, also known as Johnson Pass, was carved out way back in the late 30s and is now a super smooth, paved ride called U.S. Route 50 (or the El Dorado Freeway if you're feeling fancy). Fun fact: it's the highest point on this highway in California. The whole stretch runs for about 12.3 miles between Meyers and Strawberry. Generally, you can cruise this road year-round, but Mother Nature sometimes throws a curveball with heavy weather, so keep an eye on the forecast. Get ready for some seriously epic scenery!
moderateWhere is Soldier Pass Utah?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Soldier Summit in Utah! This beauty sits at a cool 7,493 feet above sea level, right on the border between Utah and Wasatch counties in eastern Utah. Ever wonder about the name? Legend has it that back in 1861, a troop of soldiers led by General Philip St. George Cooke got slammed by a surprise snowstorm *in July* (crazy, right?) while heading to join the Confederate Army. Sadly, some didn't make it and are buried at the summit. Spooky, historical, and a little bit sad! The drive itself? It’s about 42.8 miles (68.87km) of pure, paved bliss on U.S. Route 6. Cruise from the ghost town of Thistle in Spanish Fork Canyon all the way to Castle Gate, another ghost town over in Carbon County. The road isn't too crazy, mostly flat with some ramps that get up to a 5% grade. Keep in mind, you're high in the Wasatch Mountains, so while it's usually open year-round, winter weather can cause temporary closures. At the summit, you'll find a ghost town (naturally!) that shares the name and a gas station if you need a top-up. Get your cameras ready for those views!