
Road trip guide: Conquering Altzomoni Peak in Mexico
Mexico, north-america
7 km
4,027 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Altzomoni! Perched way up in the State of Mexico, this volcanic peak clocks in at a whopping 13,211 feet – seriously high up there! You'll find it hanging out near Puebla state, smack-dab in the Izta-Popo Zoquiapan National Park.
Heads up: the 4.34-mile (7km) road from Paso de Cortés is all dirt. Yeah, you heard right – unpaved paradise! Expect some serious steepness, with gradients hitting 11% in spots. You'll gain 346 meters in elevation, so be prepared for an average gradient of around 4.94%.
The summit is home to a weather station, a mountain hut, and a TV repeater. Word to the wise: this spot gets hammered with snow and can become a muddy mess after rain, so a 4x4 isn't just recommended – it's essential. Get ready for views that'll take your breath away... if the altitude doesn't first!
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering Altzomoni Peak in Mexico is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 23.8228, -103.2823
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7 km
- Max Elevation
- 4,027 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 23.8228, -103.2823
Related Roads in north-america
hardCamino a Ozolotepec
🇲🇽 Mexico
This backroad adventure in Oaxaca is not for the faint of heart, but the views? Totally worth it (maybe!). Starting near El Pacifico at a lofty 2530 meters, you'll climb even higher to 3030 meters before diving into a wild ride connecting Santo Domingo Ozolotepec (2330m), San Juan Ozolotepec (2100m), and San Francisco Ozolotepec (1990m). The stretch between Santo Domingo and San Juan? Edge-of-your-seat stuff. Think super-narrow roads clinging to the canyon rim, barely wide enough for one vehicle. And hold on tight for those steep switchbacks near San Francisco as you plunge to the canyon floor. The road bottoms out at 1350 meters where it abruptly ends in a river. Word on the street is they’re trying to extend it towards San Felipe Lachilo (960m) and eventually the coast. Even cruising through the towns isn’t exactly smooth sailing. The roads are still rough, and you've got to watch out for pedestrians and potential brake failures on trucks. Plus, the area is prone to earthquakes, so landslides, falling rocks, and even fissures in the ground are real possibilities. Oh, and did I mention you’ll be driving near Cerro Nube Flan, Oaxaca's highest peak at 3750 meters? Access to that beast is from Santiago Lapaguia. This route is an unforgettable, if slightly terrifying, experience.
hardWhy is San José del Pacífico famous?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Sierra Sur mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, heading to the tiny village of San José del Pacífico, perched way up at 2500m (that's over 8,200ft!). This place is famous for its mind-blowing cloudscapes and, ahem, *special* mushrooms. The road to get there? It's all about the *Carretera de Puchutla*! Buckle up because this isn't your average highway. We're talking 125 km (77 miles) of seriously twisty, narrow, paved road that climbs like crazy. You'll be going from Copalita in the south all the way up to Barranca Larga in the north. If you're planning a trip to the beaches of Zipolite and Mazunte, this road is unavoidable. Trust me, though, it's an experience. Just be prepared for some challenging driving, but the views? Totally worth it. And remember, during the rainy season from June to September, San José becomes a hub for those seeking spiritual experiences. Just sayin'.
moderateIs the road to Mount Harrison in Idaho paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Idaho? You HAVE to check out Mount Harrison! This is one of the highest roads in the state, tucked away in the northern Albion Mountains in Cassia County. The whole way up, you'll be cruising on smooth pavement along Forest Road 549 (aka Howell Canyon Road). Heads up though, this road is only open in the summer, usually after July 1st, because winter brings serious snow. The climb starts from ID-77 at 5,600 feet and it’s about 11.3 miles to the top. Don’t let the distance fool you, this road gets STEEP, gaining over 3,600 feet, with some sections hitting a 10% grade! Once you reach the top inside Sawtooth National Forest, you’re rewarded with incredible views. There’s a lookout tower (built in the '30s, updated in the '60s) that’s open on summer weekends, where you can see for nearly 100 miles into Utah, Nevada, and Idaho! Mount Harrison has a somber history. A B-24 bomber crashed here in thick fog back in 1945, and all nine crew members perished. The wreckage is still there, and there’s a memorial plaque to honor them. Beyond the history, the mountain features a gorgeous alpine lake and a glacial cirque, so keep your eyes peeled.
hardWhere is Trout Creek Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, road trip lovers, let's talk Trout Creek Pass! This beauty sits way up high in Colorado, clocking in at a cool 9,501 feet. You'll find it nestled right on the border of Park and Chaffee counties, smack-dab in the middle of the San Isabel National Forest. Good news for everyone: the road is fully paved! You'll be cruising along on U.S. Highway 24 and US 285. The north side is a gentle climb, but the south side kicks it up a notch with a moderate 5% grade. How long is the adventure? It's about 26.4 miles from Hartsel to Johnson Village. And the best part? You can usually drive it year-round. Just keep an eye on the weather, because it might close during heavy winter storms. Get ready for some seriously stunning Rocky Mountain scenery!