Ruta Tarahumara
Mexico, north-america
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Get ready for an epic road trip on the Ruta Tarahumara, connecting the charming towns of Creel and Guachochi in the heart of Chihuahua! This winding, two-lane road isn't just a way to get from point A to point B—it's a scenic adventure through the land of the Tarahumara (Raramuri) people, unlocking access to the breathtaking Copper Canyon and other hidden gems.
Prepare to be blown away by the views! Think towering pine forests, majestic ponderosa trees, dramatic canyons, sparkling rivers, serene lakes, and incredible rock formations. It’s one of the main access routes to the Copper Canyon.
The most picturesque stretch? Definitely the area near the Urique River. Here, the road carves its way into the Urique Canyon, revealing ancient cliff dwellings, bizarre rock formations, and intriguing ruins. The road peaks at an elevation of 8,333 feet near La Mesa and dips down to 5,938 feet at the Urique River, close to Basiborachi.
Where is it?
Ruta Tarahumara is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 24.2056, -103.2899
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 24.2056, -103.2899
Related Roads in north-america
hardThe Wild Road to Toro Peak in CA
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving an off-the-beaten-path thrill in Southern California, you NEED to check out Toro Peak. This beauty sits way up high in the San Bernardino National Forest, clocking in at 8,710 feet above sea level. The way up is Santa Rosa Road (7S02), a 12.7-mile dirt track that'll put your ride to the test. Forget your low-rider – high clearance is a MUST, and honestly, you'll be thanking your lucky stars for 4-wheel drive. This road gets seriously bumpy, especially on the final stretch, which is steep, loose, and rocky. The road snakes up the Santa Rosa Mountain Range with grades hitting a punchy 13% in places. Be warned: they sometimes close it down due to fire danger or bad weather. It climbs 4,124 vertical feet from the paved CA-74, so expect some serious elevation gain. Watch out for narrow sections and keep an eye out for other adventurers. The road can be closed due to snow in winter. The views from the top, where you'll find a microwave relay station, are totally worth the effort!
hardWhere is the Box Canyon Trail located?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, Arizona road trip fans, you HAVE to check out Box Canyon Trail! This 16-mile route carves right through Pinal County, in the heart of Arizona, and it's like driving through a postcard. Now, heads up: you'll need a 4x4 to tackle this one. We're talking some serious washboard action, deep dust, and a few rocky sections that'll test your clearance. You might even scrape the bottom a little – adds character, right? But the REAL warning? This canyon is NO joke when it rains. Flash floods are a serious risk, and those canyon walls are way too steep to climb. Plus, keep an eye out for narrow spots with drop-offs and tight squeezes. Basically, if the weather looks iffy, save this adventure for another day! Road conditions can change in an instant, so just because it was smooth sailing last week doesn't mean it will be this week!
hardMauna Loa in Hawaii: A Road Through Lava
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Epic Drive Up Mauna Loa Want to experience something truly otherworldly? Head to Hawai'i and tackle the Mauna Loa Scenic Drive—a wild 17-mile journey up one of the country's highest paved roads. Starting from Saddle Road at 2,001m, you'll climb 1,401 meters of elevation through a genuinely alien landscape of solidified lava to reach Mauna Loa Observatory at 3,402m (11,161ft). Built back in the 1950s, this narrow asphalt ribbon cuts through volcanic terrain that looks like the moon. "Mauna Loa" means "Long Mountain" in Hawaiian, and you'll understand why as you wind upward with an average 4.98% gradient. The road's rough, patchy surface features a white fog line down the middle—straddle it to avoid your tires on the jagged lava rocks lining the narrow shoulders. Fair warning: don't attempt this if you have heart or respiratory issues. The road gets serious about hazards with warning signs everywhere, and for good reason. It's basically a single lane with blind hills, tight turns, and zero forgiveness if visibility drops. Fill your gas tank before you go—there's nothing at the observatory. The rewards, though? On crystal-clear days, the views are absolutely stunning. You'll spot Mauna Kea, Kohala, Haleakala on Maui, and sometimes even other islands in the distance. The drive winds through Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park with plenty of pullouts to stretch your legs and soak it in. Here's the catch: weather can turn on a dime. Fog, clouds, snow, rain, and whiteouts are all possibilities year-round. If conditions start deteriorating, bail out immediately—this road is genuinely dangerous in poor visibility. Winter can bring blizzards and high winds, temperatures drop below freezing at night always, and remember, this is an active volcano (last erupted in 1984). Most of the road is drivable in any 2WD vehicle, but plan your visit for the clearest day possible and respect this mountain's power.
extremeWhere Is Starr Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Starr Peak in Gilpin County, Colorado! This beast of a mountain sits high up in the Roosevelt National Forest in northern Colorado. The summit's rocking a serious antenna – think major rooftop vibes. Word on the street is, it used to house something else entirely back in the day. The road up? Totally unpaved, bone-rattling rocky, and begging for a 4x4 that laughs in the face of rugged terrain. You'll start your climb with a whopping 1,210 feet of elevation gain over just 1.5 miles. I'm not kidding, that's an average gradient of over 15%! Prepare for a seriously steep grind. Heads up: this trek is a summer fling only. The Thorodin Mountain Range throws down a winter weather gauntlet, so plan your trip accordingly. And keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – this area is known to be a hotspot for roadkill.