
Is La Ventosa (Mexico 185) Heavily Used?
Mexico, north-america
N/A
230 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so if you're headed through the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico, you might find yourself on Mexico 185 near La Ventosa – yeah, the town famous for its crazy winds! It's the main drag for anyone trying to get across this part of Mexico quickly, especially for all those big trucks hauling stuff between the Pacific and the Gulf coast port of Coatzacoalcos. Think of it as a lower-altitude alternative to other routes, topping out at just 755 feet.
Now, fair warning: this road can be a bit wild. We're talking *strong* winds (seriously, they can be intense!), a ton of trucks, and roads that aren't always in the best shape. Plus, there are speed bumps galore! The wind is the real kicker, though. It can literally shove vehicles, especially those big rigs, right into other lanes or even off the road! Sometimes, it's so strong it can even flip a truck over.
Despite the potential hazards, there's a certain stark beauty to the drive. You'll see hundreds of windmills spinning away in the valley, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the edge of the tropical jungle. It's not your typical scenic route, but definitely a memorable one!
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 230 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hard15 Most Dangerous Cities for Driving in the USA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because I'm about to tell you about this seriously epic route. We're talking the Tail of the Dragon, also known as Deals Gap. It straddles the North Carolina/Tennessee border and clocks in at just 11 miles, but hold on tight! You'll be wrestling your steering wheel through a mind-blowing 318 curves. Yeah, you read that right. Elevation-wise, you'll climb a bit, nothing too crazy, but the real challenge is those relentless twists and turns. Watch out for motorcycles and sports cars – this place is a mecca for them. And keep your eyes peeled for the scenery when you can – think dense forests and stunning mountain views. Just remember: This road is all about the drive, so stay focused and enjoy the ride!
hardTravel guide to the top of Dead Indian Hill in WY
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Dead Indian Hill in northern Wyoming's Park County is calling your name! We're talking about a summit sitting pretty at 8,549 feet in the Absaroka Range, with killer views of the Sunlight Basin from up top. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved, and you'll need a trusty 4x4 to conquer it. There's a gate, but usually it's open and beckoning you forward. Hold on tight, because this climb gets STEEP – we're talking gradients up to 13%! The ascent kicks off at some point, and from there it’s a short but mighty 0.93 miles to the top, gaining 436 feet along the way. The average grade is around 8.86%. The summit itself is home to a few radio towers. Just a heads-up: keep an eye on the weather, because snow can turn this epic drive into a no-go zone real quick.
extremeWhat’s the Old Cascade Tunnel?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for a seriously spooky spot! Just east of Everett, Washington, in King County, lurks the Old Cascade Tunnel. We're talking major creep factor. This abandoned Great Northern Railway tunnel, hidden away in the Cascades, was built way back in 1900 to ditch some gnarly switchbacks. Clocking in at 2.6 miles long with a 1.7% grade, this tunnel, also known as the Stevens Pass Tunnel, is NOT your average scenic route. Forget exploring! This place is collapsing and seriously unstable. I'm talking major cave-in potential. A huge failure occurred in 2006, creating a debris dam and a creepy little lake inside. The lining is cracked, and another collapse could happen any minute. Seriously, DO NOT ENTER. They've built a safe viewpoint at the west end so you can peek, but that's it. Oh, and did I mention it's supposedly haunted? Legend says the ghosts of the 1910 Wellington avalanche, which tragically killed 96 people, still roam these tunnels. So, you know, extra spooky vibes.
hardWhere is Coal Bank Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trippers, let’s talk Coal Bank Pass! You'll find this stunner clinging to the San Juan Mountains of western Colorado, south of the old mining town of Silverton. We're talking San Juan County and serious "American Alps" vibes! The good news? The Million Dollar Highway (aka U.S. 550) that takes you there is fully paved. Coal Bank Pass is the southernmost of three high passes on this stretch, clocking in at a cool 10,640 feet. It's nestled between Molas Pass and Red Mountain Pass. Don't worry, this drive is totally doable for most cars. The south side is steeper than the north, averaging a gradient of 6.5% with some sections hitting 8%. Trucks, be warned: there's a runaway ramp for those moments when things get a little dicey on the way down towards Durango. The pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. Heavy snowfall can make things tricky (and sometimes lead to closures). But seriously, the scenery here is unreal. Think jagged peaks, evergreen forests, and views that’ll make you pull over every five minutes. Get ready to make some memories!