How long is Camino Rivera del Pilón?
Mexico, north-america
75 km
3.71 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Camino Rivera del Pilón, a totally epic road trip that straddles Nuevo León and Coahuila, Mexico. It's about 75 km of pure driving bliss, linking the charming towns of Rayones and Casillas. And get this – you're gonna be scaling some serious heights! We're talking about a route that gives you access to the legendary Cerro San Rafael, which is the highest point in Coahuila at a whopping 3,710 meters above sea level! The best part? It's all smooth sailing thanks to a full paving job back in 2018.
But wait, there's more! The views are absolutely insane. Think turquoise waters of the Pilon (or Casillas) river snaking through stunning canyons, lush flora, and mountain vistas that will blow your mind. You'll be gazing at giants like El Cuahuilon (3530 masl), El Tecolote (3480 masl), Minillas Peak, La Bandera (2750 masl), and, of course, the majestic San Rafael (3710 masl). And you'll be soaking it all in from a sweet vantage point of about 1350 masl. Trust me, this is one scenic road you absolutely don't want to miss!
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 75 km
- Max Elevation
- 3.71 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardReward Mine: a risky drive into an abandoned mine in California
🇺🇸 Usa
Ever dreamed of driving through a real mine? Head to Inyo County, California, and you might just get your chance! Tucked away at the foot of the Inyo Mountains, between Independence and Lone Pine, lies the Reward Mine (aka Brown Monster Mine), a sprawling relic from the late 1800s gold and lead rush. This place is massive, with eight interconnected levels stretching over 500 feet! The main tunnel is so huge, rumor has it you can drive a 4x4 right through it. You'll find the mine just east of the Manzanar Historical Monument, a somber but important WWII internment camp definitely worth a visit. Now, for the adventurous drivers: the trail leading to the mine entrance is steep and rocky, definitely requiring 4WD, good clearance, and excellent off-road tires. Once inside, the terrain mellows out to soft dirt, and you can supposedly drive over a quarter mile into the earth. The main tunnel itself can fit multiple vehicles! A word of serious caution: this mine is showing its age, and collapses are a real risk. This is earthquake country, so a cave-in could happen anytime. Driving in alone is not recommended, and extreme caution is a must. Even though it's tempting, driving into the depths of the mine is a dangerous and risky adventure. Despite the risk, the reward is driving into a real mine, something very few get to experience.
moderateBobcat Pass is a high mountain road in New Mexico
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Bobcat Pass! This beauty sits way up high in New Mexico's Carson National Forest, at a cool 9,826 feet. You'll find it straddling the Taos and Colfax County line in northern New Mexico — keep your eyes peeled for the bobcats that gave the pass its name! NM-38, a fully paved road, is your path to the summit. Clocking in at just over 29 miles, it connects the towns of Questa and Eagle Nest with some serious elevation changes. Prepare for a bit of a climb! The road gets steep in sections, with gradients hitting 10%. Coming from Questa, you’ve got almost 18.5 miles to ascend, gaining a whopping 3,600 feet. The average grade is around 3.7%, but there's a tough 4-mile stretch leading up to the pass (the first couple miles from Red River will really get your heart pumping). But, hey, what goes up must come down, right? Reward yourself with a stunning 13-mile cruise downhill into Eagle Nest through the Moreno Valley. It's mostly downhill, and the views are incredible!
easyWhere is Salina Creek Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a ride on Salina Creek Road! This hidden gem is snuggled in the heart of Utah's Manti-La Sal National Forest, just east of Salina. You'll be cruising on Forest Road 009, a well-maintained gravel track that hugs Salina Creek (you'll even cross it twice on bridges!). At around 12.3 miles long, it's a perfect little escape running between Convulsion Road up to Willow Creek and Skyline Drive Scenic Backway. Most cars can handle it in good weather, so no need for a heavy-duty 4x4 unless the weather turns. Keep in mind this beauty is a seasonal treat, typically open from spring until the snow flies again at the end of the year. And get ready for some serious altitude – you'll climb to a cool 9,009 feet above sea level!
hardForest Road 1877, an epic enthralling drive
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, let me tell you about Forest Road 1877 in New Mexico! This isn't just any scenic drive; it's a high-altitude adventure in Taos County, tucked away in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains within the Carson National Forest. First things first: this is a dirt road, all the way. We're talking about 4.7 miles of unpaved glory, and it's usually only open during the summer months because snow can linger well into June or even July. Get ready for some serious elevation! You'll climb to a breathtaking 10,193 feet above sea level. Starting from Santa Barbara Road, it's a steep climb, gaining 1,722 vertical feet with an average gradient of almost 7%. Translation? You'll definitely want a 4x4 with high clearance to tackle this one. But hey, the views from up there? Totally worth it!