
How to drive the Hidalgo State Route 53 to San Clemente?
Mexico, north-america
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a truly wild ride, you NEED to experience Hidalgo State Route 53, aka the Road to San Clemente, deep in the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains of Mexico.
This isn't just a drive; it's a full-on immersion into the heart of the Sierra Otomí-Tepehua, connecting the heights of La Victoria with the plunging depths of the Río Pantepec canyons. Think drastic elevation shifts, hairpin turns that'll test your skills (and maybe your stomach!), and a landscape that morphs before your eyes.
Be warned: this route is a beast. Prepare for steep inclines, unbanked curves that demand respect, and road conditions that can change in a heartbeat, especially when the rains come. Landslides are a real possibility, so keep your eyes peeled!
The reward? Absolutely breathtaking views as you climb from high-altitude pine forests at over 7,200 feet and descend into a tropical paradise near the canyon floor.
Heads up! When you hit Tenango de Doria, the road gets a little… quirky. You'll need to wind your way through the town's streets to pick up the descent again towards the Rio Pantepec canyon. Trust your instincts, and you'll find your way.
Get ready for the ride of your life!
Where is it?
How to drive the Hidalgo State Route 53 to San Clemente? is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 22.3871, -102.3270
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 22.3871, -102.3270
Related Roads in north-america
hardLookout Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer road trip for you: Lookout Mountain in Okanogan County, Washington. This gravel road climbs to a cool 5,522 feet, where you'll find a fire lookout with views for days. Fair warning: this road isn't for the faint of heart. Snow can shut it down anytime, and heavy fog can roll in, making visibility a nightmare. You can drive most of the way, but the last bit is a 1.5-mile hike. The road gets super narrow about 3 miles from the top, with a steep drop-off that leaves zero room for error. But trust me, the views are worth it! You'll get epic 360-degree panoramas, including killer views of Hoodoo Peak and the North Cascades. Seriously, bring your camera (and extra batteries!), because you're going to want to capture every moment. The lookout cabin itself is locked up, but who cares? The scenery is the real star of the show.
hardIs the road to Smith and Morehouse Reservoir in UT paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're headed to Smith and Morehouse Reservoir in Utah? Sweet choice! Nestled high in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, this gem sits at a cool 7,736 feet. Now, listen up: the road in, Smith and Morehouse Road (Forest 033), is a rough and tumble dirt track, totally unpaved and riddled with holes and ruts. Seriously, a 4x4 is a must. Don't even think about trying it in your sedan! The road itself is just under 4 miles long, starting from the paved Weber Canyon Road. It's a pretty flat shot, and usually takes around 15-20 minutes to drive without stopping. Keep in mind this road is typically impassable in the winter. And hey, if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a minor gravel road (Forest Road 030) that climbs up to Shingle Mill Flat, a cool pyramid-shaped peak at almost 10,000 feet. But be warned: that road is brutally steep, and also requires a 4x4. You've been warned.
moderateA scenic unpaved road to Cordova Pass in southern Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Nestled high in southern Colorado, Cordova Pass tops out at a whopping 11,248 feet! You'll find it in Huerfano County, offering a taste of the wild west. Originally called Apishapa Pass, it was renamed in 1934 after Jose De Jesus Cordova, a local legend. The unpaved road itself was built the same year. Most of the time, your average car can make it, but be warned: there are ruts from past mud-slinging adventures that can be tricky in a low-rider. And near the top, watch out for sneaky potholes hiding in the shadows – your suspension will thank you. While it’s generally not too tough, if rain or snow are on the horizon, best to bring a 4x4 friend. The route connects near Gulnare, Colorado, to the paved highway over Cuchara Pass. Heads up, if you're coming from Cuchara Pass (that's FR364), it's a rocky, dirt road – not ideal for RVs or long trailers. East of the pass, on County Road 46, the road gets even bumpier until you hit the south end of the National Forest. Keep in mind, this beauty is usually snowed in from mid-November to late May. There's a parking area with a fee station, restrooms (sometimes open), and picnic spots for a scenic break. Tucked inside San Isabel National Forest, right by the Spanish Peaks Wilderness, the drive is seriously stunning. If you're rolling in from the east, you'll cruise under Cordova Arch (aka Apishapa Arch), a WPA masterpiece from the 30s. This arch is a total showstopper, slicing right through one of the dramatic igneous rock walls that fan out from the Spanish Peaks.
easyHow long is the Silver Thread Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an unforgettable road trip on the Silver Thread Scenic Byway in Colorado! This totally paved beauty stretches for 117 miles along Highway 149, winding through the Rio Grande National Forest and beyond. Starting near Gunnison at US-50, this route takes you all the way to South Fork, on US-160 in Rio Grande County, nestled within the stunning San Juan Mountain Range. You'll cruise through charming towns like Lake City, Creede, and South Fork. Good news, road trippers! This byway is maintained year-round, even in winter when snowplows keep it clear. Just be cautious of potentially tricky conditions during the snowy season. The road peaks at a lofty 11,574 feet above sea level, so be prepared for some serious altitude! While you could technically drive the whole thing in around 3 hours without stopping, trust me, you'll want to budget way more time. This route is packed with panoramic vistas, abundant wildlife (elk, deer, moose, and bighorn sheep!), and a fascinating history of Native Americans, early explorers, and Victorian mining. Prepare to be wowed! The Silver Thread Scenic Byway is a historical route boasting incredible beauty and outdoor adventures. Follow the path of old toll roads and stagecoach lines, and keep an eye out for those marked stopping points offering breathtaking views at every turn. As you go through the area, you will experience the colorful old mining and logging camps along the way offer a wealth of history, while the surrounding Wilderness and National Forest lands serve up a huge dose of scenic beauty. The heights around Creede and Lake City remain strewn with abandoned mining structures, most of them accessible via rugged backcountry roads. You'll also witness sparkling North Clear Creek Falls, the intriguing Slumgullion earth slide, and the distinctive Uncompahgre Peak. Grab a Silver Thread Guide at the Lake City Visitor Center for even more insider tips!