
Is Mil Cumbres Road paved?
Mexico, north-america
237 km
980 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the legendary Mil Cumbres Road in Michoacán, Mexico! Officially known as Mexico 15 (or Carretera Morelia-Toluca, if you want to get technical), this fully paved road stretches for 237 km (147 miles) from Morelia, the state capital, to Toluca.
But be warned, this isn't a Sunday drive. Mil Cumbres, meaning "One Thousand Hills," lives up to its name with a relentless series of curves that might leave you feeling a little queasy. You'll climb from Paso Ancho, a low point at 980m (3,215ft), to a dizzying 2,930m (9,612ft) near San José de la Cumbre.
But oh, the views! This road teeters on the edge of a canyon, offering incredible panoramas of the Michoacán mountains and the Tierra Caliente lowlands. Keep an eye out for waterfalls during the rainy season, and get ready for some seriously stunning sunsets. The landscape is unique, with pine forests right next to you and desert valleys stretching out below, creating a colorful, unforgettable experience.
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 237 km
- Max Elevation
- 980 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeIs Angeles Crest Highway in CA paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Angeles Crest Highway, nestled between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, is a slice of pure driving heaven in Southern California. This completely paved beauty, part of California State Route 2, clocks in at 64 miles (102 km) and snakes through the San Gabriel Mountains. Construction took a while, from 1929 to 1956 (with a break during WWII), but trust me, the wait was worth it. You're looking at about a 2-hour cruise, but honestly, you'll want to factor in extra time for soaking up the views. We're talking alpine scenery just a stone's throw from downtown LA – fresh air, towering trees, majestic mountains, and endless blue skies. The road climbs and curves through the Angeles National Forest, treating you to chaparral and montane forest vibes along the San Gabriel's highest, most scenic ridges. Heads up, this road isn't just about pretty faces; it can be a bit of a wild ride. Think twists, sweeping curves, and switchbacks galore as you climb to nearly 7,000 feet. The pavement is generally great, and it's mostly two lanes with the odd passing lane thrown in. Weekends bring out the bikers, so keep an eye out. And watch for the local wildlife, especially those cheeky chipmunks and squirrels darting across the road. Speaking of heights, the road peaks at a whopping 7,923 feet (2,415m). Be aware, this means winter closures are common from Islip Saddle to Vincent Gap due to rockfall and avalanche risks. Sometimes, landslides can cause longer shutdowns too. But when it's open, it's open to adventure!
hardIs the road to Baru Volcano unpaved?
🌍 Panama
Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about the road to Volcán Barú in Panama's Chiriquí Province. This dormant volcano sits way up high at 3,474m (11,398ft). The trek up, starting from David, is about 58.8km (36.53 miles) of mostly unpaved, rugged terrain. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4 for this one! It's called Volcancito Road or Camino Volcán Barú. Get ready for some serious twists and turns; this road will definitely test your driving skills (and your nerves!). The pavement gives way to a rough dirt track that climbs almost all the way to the summit. Why bother with the white-knuckle drive? Well, on a clear day, you can see *both* the Pacific Ocean *and* the Caribbean Sea from the top – how epic is that?! Just a heads up, the summit is covered in antennas, and it gets seriously cold. We're talking below freezing with possible frost, so pack accordingly! And yeah, this is a volcano, but it's been snoozing since around 1550 AD, so you're (probably) good.
extremeWhere is Los Pinos Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Los Pinos Pass in southern Colorado! This bad boy sits way up high, topping out at 10,541 feet, right on the edge of Hinsdale and Saguache counties, deep inside the Rio Grande National Forest. "Los Pinos" literally means "the pine trees," and trust me, you'll see plenty. This route has some serious history – think Ute Indian trails and the old Saguache and San Juan toll road from way back in 1874. You'll be cruising on George Bush Drive (aka Los Pinos Pass Road), and just a heads up, it's all dirt! The whole stretch runs for about 24.6 miles, connecting Cathedral (on County Road 50) to County Road NN 14. Don't expect a walk in the park – it’s a bit rocky and can get muddy, plus it's a steady climb. The western ascent from Cathedral stretches for almost 6 miles with an elevation gain of around 1600 feet, giving you an average grade of just over 5%. But nothing too crazy, any high-clearance vehicle should handle it like a champ. Keep in mind, being nestled in the northern San Juan Mountains, this pass is generally open from summer to early fall. So, if you're looking for incredible mountain views and a taste of Colorado history, Los Pinos Pass should be on your list!
moderateDriving the unpaved Bajada a Zirupa in Chihuahua
🇲🇽 Mexico
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about the wild ride that is Bajada a Zirupa! Nestled in the mountains of Chihuahua, Mexico, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget pavement; this is 18.33 miles of pure, unadulterated gravel. Starting near the town of Madera (aka Ciudad Madera) at a cool 7,200 feet above sea level, you'll descend to the tiny village of Zirupa (or Sirupa), which sits pretty at around 4,900 feet. The views? Stunning. The challenge? Real. Word to the wise: this road laughs in the face of anything less than a 4x4, especially after a rain shower. If you're up for an off-the-beaten-path experience with incredible scenery, Bajada a Zirupa is calling your name.