
How important is Highway Mexico 57D?
Mexico, north-america
200 km
2,690 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading from Mexico City to Queretaro? Buckle up for a wild ride on Mexico 57D, supposedly the *busiest* highway in the whole country. Think of it as the vein pumping goods and commerce from the US and northern Mexico straight into the heart of Mexico City.
This isn't some sleepy backroad; it's a major artery! The area around it has exploded with factories, warehouses, and all sorts of development.
The good news? It's paved, and we're talking 6-8 lanes in places. The not-so-good news? Don't get *too* comfy. This road throws a few curveballs. You'll be climbing up, up, up to a mountain pass near Calpulalpan, topping out at a lung-busting 2,690m (8,825ft)!
And a word of caution: with all that traffic, things can get a little dicey. It's a 200km stretch between the cities and supposedly sees an average of three accidents *every* day! All that smooth road can tempt drivers to put the pedal to the metal, sometimes hitting crazy speeds of 220 km/h (140 mph). So, keep your eyes peeled, and maybe save the speed demon act for another day!
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 200 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,690 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardCrazy Woman Canyon Road is a very scenic drive in Wyoming
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an unforgettable off-road adventure on Crazy Woman Canyon Road in Wyoming's Johnson County! Nestled between Kaycee and Buffalo in the north-central part of the state, this 13.2-mile dirt track is a true hidden gem in the Bighorn National Forest. But first, a little history: Crazy Woman Canyon gets its name from the creek it follows, shrouded in local legends of a woman driven mad by solitude or tragedy. Whatever the truth, the name sets the scene for a wild ride! This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle to tackle the bumpy terrain and navigate the one-lane path. As you wind along Bighorn National Forest Road 33, prepare for an elevation gain of 2,857 feet as you climb into the mountains. The road hugs the creek through the canyon, offering incredible views at every turn. Be warned, though: this route isn't for the faint of heart! The road narrows in spots, with a few single-vehicle bridges, so keep an eye out for oncoming traffic. Vehicles larger than an SUV are a no-go. It's best to avoid this road after heavy rain, as washouts and slick conditions can make it treacherous. But if you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with stunning scenery: towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear creeks. Allow about 1.5 hours to soak it all in, as the road conditions demand a slow pace. Trust me, this is a drive you won't soon forget!
moderateRuby Road is a beautiful drive with lots of historical sights in Arizona
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising Ruby Road in southern Arizona is an unforgettable experience, a real desert adventure straddling Santa Cruz and Pima counties. Named after a once-bustling mining camp along its path, this 37.1-mile route stretches from near Rio Rico, eastward to Arivaca, tracing the Atascosa Mountains' southern slopes through wild, untamed lands. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle for this trek. The first 12 miles are paved, leading to the serene Peña Blanca Lake, but after that, it transforms into a graded dirt road for the remaining 25 miles to Arivaca. Be prepared for varying conditions and some rough patches under the tires. Reaching a peak of 4,829 feet, Ruby Road demands respect. It's narrow, winding, and lacks guardrails in sections, featuring some serious drop-offs. Slow and steady is the name of the game. Watch out, too, because the unpaved sections can get slippery and rutted when wet. Don't go it alone! And definitely let someone know your plans. The drive demands your attention to avoid potholes and to watch out for other vehicles on the road. But oh, the scenery! Prepare to be wowed by rugged mountains, semi-arid landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Don't forget your camera! Set aside 2-3 hours of pure driving time to soak it all in, or more if you want to explore. Think rolling hills, towering buttes, a desert oasis teeming with life, two picturesque lakes, and the ghost town of Ruby. History buffs will love exploring the remnants of Ruby, Oro Blanco, and other abandoned mining camps. Arivaca is billed as a ghost town, even though people still live there. Ruby, the ghost town, was named after a pioneer resident. Located only 8 miles from the Mexican border, the best time to visit is late fall, winter, or early spring. Summer temperatures can be brutal, often exceeding 100 degrees. But anytime you go, watch out for the heat and drink plenty of water. And if you hike, take water, snacks, protective clothing, a flashlight, first aid kit, compass, and map. Protect yourself from the sun with light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Keep an eye out for snakes. There are a lot of rattlesnakes.
easyWhere is Lizard Head Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Lizard Head Pass in Colorado? Oh, you HAVE to go! This beauty is right on the border of Dolores and San Miguel counties in southwest Colorado, nestled in the Lizard Head Wilderness. They even call it "The Most Beautiful Drive in America," and honestly, they might be right. Why the name? Just look around! About 10 miles south of Telluride, you'll spot a peak that totally looks like a lizard's head. The San Juan Scenic Byway (Highway 145) takes you right over the pass. It's all paved, so no worries about needing a special vehicle! This is a smooth ride for everyone. From the town of Dolores to Placerville, you're cruising for about 73 miles. This high-altitude pass in the San Juan Mountains is generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter – it can close briefly if things get rough. Don't stress too much about danger. The road is well-maintained, and the grades are gentle (maxing out around 7.8%). That said, Colorado weather is WILD. Be ready for anything, especially in winter. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so hitting it early is a good call. And remember you're at over 10,000 feet, so altitude sickness is a real thing. Hypothermia can be a risk year-round too, and watch out for early snowstorms in September! Is it worth it? 100% YES. Plan about 1.5 hours without stops to soak it all in. Mid-July to early August is prime time, but honestly, any time is gorgeous. You'll wind through the San Juan, Uncompahgre, Wilson, and Sneffels Ranges, with waterfalls in spring, wildflowers in summer, golden aspens in fall, or a winter wonderland if you time it right! Expect meadows bursting with wildflowers, spruce and aspen forests, and jaw-dropping views of snow-capped peaks. This is Colorado at its finest.
moderateHow long is Scenic Byway 163?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a truly iconic American road trip: Scenic Byway 163 through Monument Valley, Utah! This paved beauty clocks in at just over 65 miles, connecting US 160 near Kayenta to US 191 near Bluff. Give yourself around 3 hours to soak it all in, but honestly, you'll want to add extra time for photo ops—trust me. This road is a visual feast of classic Wild West scenery, think towering red rock formations and that endless desert horizon. The views are seriously jaw-dropping, and it's easy to see why this road, reaching an altitude of 5,711 feet, is so popular. Expect some elevation changes along the way! Just a heads-up: because the views are so amazing, people often stop and even wander into the road to snap pics, so keep your eyes peeled. Also, summer can get scorching hot (think triple digits), so plan accordingly. Oh, and did I mention this road is basically a movie star? Nicknamed the "Forrest Gump Road," it's been featured in tons of films and commercials. You'll instantly recognize that famous spot! Get ready to feel like you're driving through a real-life Western movie set. It's an unforgettable experience.