How To Travel The Challenging Mexican Federal Highway 131
Mexico, north-america
68.4 km
2,547 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Mexican Federal Highway 131 in Zacatecas – it's a wild ride! This south-to-north route stretches for about 42 miles (68.4 km) from Nochistlán to Jalpa, winding its way through Tlachichila.
Word of warning: while fully paved, the road has definitely seen better days; watch out for those potholes! And hold on tight, because you're in for some serious elevation changes and hairpin turns galore. We're talking about topping out at over 8,350 feet (2,547m) above sea level!
But the views? Totally worth it. Especially the stretch from Tlachichila to Jalpa – that descent gives you incredible panoramas of the Juchipila River and Jalpa city sprawled out below. Trust me, you'll want your camera ready! A traveler named Eblem Torres recommended this road — a person of great taste!
Where is it?
How To Travel The Challenging Mexican Federal Highway 131 is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 23.8813, -101.3950
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 68.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,547 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 23.8813, -101.3950
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is the Furnace Creek Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the Furnace Creek Road, a wild ride right in the heart of California's Death Valley National Park! Forget the pavement – this baby's all dirt, stretching for about 28 miles. Think quiet, gradual dirt road with mind-blowing desert scenery. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle to tackle this one, trust me. And watch out for those flash floods – conditions can change in a heartbeat! Speaking of heat, avoid hitting this road during the summer months unless you're a lizard. This route climbs up to a little over 4,000 feet above sea level. Keep an eye out for turnoffs to old mining ghost towns, remnants of a bygone era. Just 17 miles from the north end, there's a rough road leading west to somewhere special if you've got a 4x4. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
moderateLake Ponchartrain Causeway Bridge never seems to end
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Louisiana? You HAVE to drive the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge! This 24-mile stretch connects New Orleans to Mandeville, cutting right across the massive Lake Pontchartrain. Now, here’s the thing: for a solid 8 miles in the middle, you won't see land. Seriously. It's just water all around. Some drivers find this a little unsettling, and let's just say the bridge patrol has seen it all. This drive can be beautiful, but it can also be a little intense. Morning fog can be super thick, so if conditions are foggy, stick to the right lane, turn on your headlights (low beams only!), and keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. Inclement weather? Definitely adds another layer of "excitement" to the trip. Despite the potential for a little anxiety, the views are worth it. Just remember you're only 16 feet above the water, and it's a long, long way to the other side! It stretches nearly 24 miles from the Metairie suburb of New Orleans to Mandeville on the northern shores of the lake. Fun fact: It used to be the world's longest bridge over water!
hardMcCarthy Road is a drive you'll never forget in Alaska
🇺🇸 Usa
Deep in Alaska's Valdez-Cordova area lies McCarthy Road, an unforgettable 59-mile (95 km) adventure! This unpaved route, carved from an old mining railway (originally built in 1909!), winds its way west-east from Chitina (at the end of Edgerton Highway) to the remote town of McCarthy, within the breathtaking Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Forget smooth sailing – this road throws some curveballs! Expect potholes, mud after heavy rains, and the occasional sharp rock lurking to give you a flat tire. While the state keeps it maintained, narrow bridges (some just one lane) can be tricky, especially for larger vehicles. Keep an eye out for remnants of the old railroad – like rogue railroad ties and spikes! Most cars can handle it during normal summer conditions, but come prepared with a spare tire (or two!) and a good jack. The speed limit's a chill 35mph, and large RVs might want to reconsider. It's wide enough for two lanes most of the way, but stay alert for oncoming traffic on narrower sections. Budget about 2 to 2.5 hours for this winding drive. It's a gateway to mind-blowing scenery, vast wilderness, and adventure galore! You'll be treated to incredible geology, plus opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. And of course, the charming historic communities of McCarthy and Kennecott await. Remember, this area is remote. Cell service is spotty, and there's no fuel in Chitina. This road is for the adventurous! One of the highlights is definitely crossing the Kuskulana River Bridge. This historic 775-foot-long steel deck truss bridge, built in 1910, towers 238 feet above a gorge. It's the ultimate thrill ride! So, if you're craving an authentic Alaskan experience, McCarthy Road is calling your name! Just remember to embrace the wild, be prepared, and enjoy the ride!
hardTurkey Gulch Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: Turkey Gulch Road in Colorado's Clear Creek County. It's not your average Sunday drive, that's for sure! We're talking two miles of pure off-road bliss... or terror, depending on your driving skills. This rocky, gravelly path is seriously steep, with an average incline of almost 15% and spikes even higher. You'll climb almost 1600 feet from Stanley Road – talk about a workout for your car! Definitely need a 4x4 for this one, and a healthy dose of courage if you're not a fan of heights. It's gorgeous country, but keep your eyes on the road, especially when it's wet – things can get slick! Winter? Forget about it. This baby's closed for the season. If you're an experienced off-roader craving a challenge, Turkey Gulch is calling your name!