Sola de Vega Road
Mexico, north-america
N/A
2.18 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Sola de Vega road, also known as Mexico 131 or the Oaxaca-Puerto Escondido highway! This isn't just a drive; it's an *experience*. Think twisty mountain roads for over six hours, taking you through cute villages (watch out for those speed bumps!), and offering incredible views of the Sierra Madre.
Word to the wise: if you get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. It's a popular route connecting Oaxaca to the beaches of Puerto Escondido, which means a lot of traffic on a fairly narrow road. Expect hairpin turns, steep climbs and descents – using your engine to brake is highly recommended. You'll climb to 2,180 meters near Sola de Vega before dropping all the way down to sea level at the coast. Good news: there's a new highway (Mexico 131D) in the works that should offer an alternate route, but for now, this is the way to go!
Where is it?
Sola de Vega Road is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 21.2033, -102.2292
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2.18 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 21.2033, -102.2292
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhy is the Eisenhower Tunnel famous?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Colorado, you absolutely HAVE to experience the Eisenhower Tunnel! Straddling the border between Summit and Clear Creek counties, this engineering marvel punches right through the Continental Divide, about an hour west of Denver, inside the Arapaho National Forest. Okay, so it's actually *two* tunnels: the Eisenhower Memorial Bore (completed in '73) and the Edwin C. Johnson Bore (finished in '79). Each one is about 1.7 miles long. Why is it so special? At a whopping 11,158 feet above sea level, this is one of the highest vehicular tunnels on the planet. Sure, construction was a beast (seriously, it took years and cost lives), but now you get to shave off 9 miles compared to braving the hairpin turns of Loveland Pass on U.S. Highway 6! The grade leading up to the tunnel is pretty steep, about 6-7%, so make sure your rig is ready for it. Oh, and heads up: HAZMAT vehicles have restrictions. The drive only takes about 5 minutes, but experiencing this feat of engineering, and soaking in the surrounding Rocky Mountain views, is totally worth adding to your Colorado road trip itinerary. Just be prepared for company – around 10 million vehicles make the trek each year!
hardIs the road to Smith and Morehouse Reservoir in UT paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're headed to Smith and Morehouse Reservoir in Utah? Sweet choice! Nestled high in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, this gem sits at a cool 7,736 feet. Now, listen up: the road in, Smith and Morehouse Road (Forest 033), is a rough and tumble dirt track, totally unpaved and riddled with holes and ruts. Seriously, a 4x4 is a must. Don't even think about trying it in your sedan! The road itself is just under 4 miles long, starting from the paved Weber Canyon Road. It's a pretty flat shot, and usually takes around 15-20 minutes to drive without stopping. Keep in mind this road is typically impassable in the winter. And hey, if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a minor gravel road (Forest Road 030) that climbs up to Shingle Mill Flat, a cool pyramid-shaped peak at almost 10,000 feet. But be warned: that road is brutally steep, and also requires a 4x4. You've been warned.
moderateWhere is Chepeta Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Chepeta Lake! This alpine gem sits way up high in northeastern Utah's Ashley National Forest. We're talking serious altitude here! The road in, known as FR 144, is a totally doable dirt road, and honestly, they keep it in pretty good shape, although it gets a little bumpy here and there. Weekends can get a bit crowded with folks heading to the lake, so keep that in mind. It's about 10.8 miles to get there, and the very last bit – maybe 200 yards before you arrive – is just stunning. Seriously, this drive is worth it for the views alone!
hardWooden Pole Powerline Road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna escape the Vegas glitz and find some real Nevada grit? Then you gotta check out Wooden Pole Powerline Road, also known as Forrest Road 577, nestled in Clark County. This isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. Think gravel, rocks, and some seriously steep, rocky climbs. Winter? Only if you're packing chains and a death wish! You'll start off Kyle Canyon Road, finishing up at Angel Park. Heads up though, you're going remote, so prep like a pro! Flat tire? You might be waiting a while for help as phone signal is patchy. Clocking in at 4.6 miles, you're right by Mount Charleston and the Spring Mountains. A 4x4 with high clearance is a must. It's not crazy hardcore, but you'll defo need that extra ground clearance and be ready for some decent ascents and descents. The roads are always changing, so be alert. If you're up for a fun drive, a few mild challenges, and some incredible views, this is your jam!