
How to drive the wild road to Cerro de la Viga in the Sierra Madre Oriental?
Mexico, north-america
10 km
3,556 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Cerro de la Viga, a real hidden gem in Coahuila, Mexico. We're talking serious altitude here—3,556 meters (11,666 feet)! Perched way up in the Sierra Madre Oriental range, this peak boasts some of the most incredible views you'll ever see.
Heads up: La Viga is the tallest peak in Coahuila, so the weather can be pretty unpredictable, no matter the time of year.
Now, the road…it's called Camino Antiguo a La Viga. Forget smooth tarmac; this is a purely unpaved adventure. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle it. And be warned: winter can get dicey with snow, and the rainy season brings mudslide risks, especially along that higher section of the road (over 1400m!).
Starting from Puerto de Maravillas, the journey is just 10 kilometers (6.21 miles), but don't let that fool you. You'll climb a hefty 909 meters, averaging a steep 9.09% gradient. It’s a challenge, but the views from the top are SO worth it!
Where is it?
How to drive the wild road to Cerro de la Viga in the Sierra Madre Oriental? is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 24.1810, -98.8400
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 10 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,556 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 24.1810, -98.8400
Related Roads in north-america
moderateA drive through Glenwood Canyon is a feast for the eyes
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up for a ride through Glenwood Canyon, Colorado! This 12.5-mile stretch of I-70, straddling Garfield and Eagle counties, is an absolute engineering masterpiece. Think 40 bridges and viaducts, plus 3 tunnels, all woven together! This isn't just a drive, it's an experience. The road's open year-round, though winter weather can sometimes cause temporary closures. Seriously, the views are epic. You're cruising alongside the mighty Colorado River, which carved this canyon over, like, three million years. The canyon walls tower up to 2,000 feet above you, and you're surrounded by the White River National Forest – wilderness vibes are strong here. Just a heads up, though: this area is known for occasional rockslides, so keep an eye out. Completed in 1992, this route has a history dating back to the pioneer days, but the modern construction is a must do.
extremeWhat’s Walter's Wiggles?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in southwest Utah, nestled in Zion National Park, awaits Walter's Wiggles — a wild little detour on the way to Angels Landing. Forget a leisurely stroll; this is a relentless climb up 21 super-tight switchbacks etched right into the cliff face. Each "wiggle" is only about 20-25 feet long! This pedestrian-only path, a true marvel of engineering built in 1926, tackles a crazy elevation gain. It's named after Walter Ruesch, Zion's first superintendent. Chains are bolted into the rock face to help you get up! The 2.4-mile trail can be terrifying! Be aware that there have been fatalities over the years. But the views from the top? Totally worth it!
extremeShrine Mountain Inn
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Eagle County, Colorado? Sweet! You HAVE to check out Shrine Mountain Inn. Picture this: three cozy cabins – Walters, Chucks, and Jays – nestled high up in the Gore Range, between Vail Pass and the cute town of Red Cliff. You'll be cruising on Shrine Pass Road (FSR 709), and let me tell you, the views are insane as you climb to 11,256 feet! The road's mostly gravel and usually in decent shape, but it can get a bit narrow and rocky in spots. I'd recommend an SUV or 4WD, just to be safe, though sometimes a high-clearance 2WD vehicle can make it. This gem is usually open from June to September, but remember you're in the mountains! The weather can flip on a dime, and they close the road sometimes, so check conditions before you go. High altitude and crazy weather are always a possibility here, no matter the season. Trust me, it's worth it for those views!
hardWhere is the Bitterroot-Big Hole Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Let me tell you about the Bitterroot-Big Hole Road in southwest Montana! Picture this: You're cruising (carefully!) between US-93 near Sula and Lost Trail Pass, straddling Beaverhead and Ravalli counties. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about 16.5 miles of unpaved, seriously steep, winding, and narrow goodness (Forest Road 106, if you wanna get technical). Built way back in 1914 and even used by Lewis and Clark on their return trip, this road is steeped in history. It tops out near Gibbons Pass, hitting a high point of 7,368 feet, but you'll definitely feel the climb! This isn't a road for the faint of heart – or for big RVs. Keep an eye out for soft shoulders (especially near those massive drop-offs!), falling rocks, and other road debris. Seriously, a good spare tire is a must. Be prepared to back up, way up, if you meet someone coming the other way. But hey, the views are absolutely worth it.