How long is the Durango-Mazatlan Highway?
Mexico, north-america
211 km
1,880 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for an epic adventure on Mexico 40D, the Autopista Durango-Mazatlán! This isn't just a road; it's a mind-blowing feat of engineering slicing through the western Sierra Madre. Think 115 bridges and 61 tunnels – seriously impressive!
Spanning 211km (131 miles), this route is a scenic alternative to the old Espinazo del Diablo ("Devil's Backbone"). You'll trade terrifying drops for incredible landscapes – from lush tropical vibes to towering pine forests and even desert scenery. Talk about a visual feast!
Starting in Durango, the capital city nestled at 1,880 meters (6,168 feet), you'll wind your way down to the sunny resort town of Mazatlán on the Pacific coast.
A word of caution: While paved, this road can throw some curveballs your way. Watch out for potential landslides, potholes, and the occasional blocked tunnel. Also, keep an eye on asphalt conditions, especially during the rainy season.
Opened in 2013, the highest point of the road reaches nearly 9,000 feet, so winter can bring ice and even snow closures.
Don't miss the Tunel el Sinaloense, a 9183-foot (1.7-mile) tunnel. But the real showstopper is the Baluarte Bridge (Puente Baluarte). It's a record-breaker – the highest cable-stayed bridge on the planet, and the tallest in the Americas. Just try not to be too distracted by the dizzying 403-meter drop to the canyon floor as you cruise along its 1,124-meter length!
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 211 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,880 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Leidy Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure awaits in northeastern Utah! You're heading to Leidy Peak, and let me tell you, it's a trek! We're talking a 24.63-mile (39.63 km) gravel road that climbs to a whopping 11,026 feet (3,361m). Seriously, this is one of Utah's highest roads! Getting there is half the fun. Just follow the main road, keep an eye out for the Hacking Lake sign, but instead of turning, stick to the right. This’ll lead you to the trailhead's start. Word of caution: this road is a no-go in winter. It's buried under snow and totally impassable. The sweet spot is late June/early July when it usually opens up, but don't dilly-dally; the road closes again with the first big snow, usually sometime between mid-September and mid-October. So time your visit right to experience those stunning Uintah Mountain Range views!
extremeWhere is Cinnamon Pass in Colorado?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Cinnamon Pass, perched way up at 12,640 feet in the Colorado Rockies, straddling Hinsdale and San Juan counties. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a 19.5-mile off-road adventure on Cinnamon Pass Road, part of the legendary Alpine Loop. You'll need a 4WD with high clearance to tackle this baby. The road's unpaved and can get pretty gnarly, especially on the western ascent, with steep, rocky sections that turn treacherous when wet. Even the easier eastern side demands a capable vehicle. Be prepared for some serious shelf roads, where passing other vehicles can get a little hairy. The scenery, though? Totally worth it. Think panoramic views of the San Juan National Forest and classic Colorado high country. Just keep in mind this popular route can get crowded in the summer. The pass is usually open from late May to October, but that all depends on the snow situation. If you're not afraid of heights and love a good off-road challenge, Cinnamon Pass is calling your name.
moderateForest Road 514
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Let's talk about FR514, a hidden gem nestled high in Utah's Piute County. Seriously, this road is way up there – one of the highest in the whole state! We're talking a roughly 2.3-mile stretch of well-maintained gravel that climbs to a dizzying 10,564 feet above sea level. The views? Epic! Think panoramic vistas and that "top of the world" feeling. Now, a word to the wise: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Snow can shut this beauty down in winter, so always check conditions before you go. And while the gravel's generally good, this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. You'll want to be comfortable navigating unpaved surfaces. But trust me, the reward is worth it!
hardA wild road to Pilot Peak in Plumas County (CA)
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so listen up, adventure junkies! I just tackled Pilot Peak in California's Sierra Nevada, and WOW. This peak sits pretty at 7,457 feet, and getting there is no joke. Forget pavement—we're talking serious off-road terrain. You absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer this beast. The road west of Graeagle is rocky, steep, and ready to test your driving skills. Heads up: Mother Nature usually closes the road from late October to late June/early July with heavy snow, so plan accordingly! The prize? Killer views from the top, where you'll find the remains of a fire lookout tower. Built in '76, it's seen better days, but the panorama is totally worth the climb. Trust me, this is one adventure you won't forget.