
The hairpinned road to Barranca de Beltran
Mexico, north-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Want to trade city life for ocean breezes? The Barranca de Beltrán roads (that's both Mexico 54D and the OG Mexico 54) are your ticket from Guadalajara to the Pacific paradise of Manzanillo (and Colima, too!).
The real showstopper? The Beltrán canyon area. Zoom across towering bridges on the toll road (they're even building more!), or take the "libre" route for a wild ride with five hairpin turns. The views are insane – think dramatic canyons dwarfed by those massive toll bridges overhead.
But wait, there's more! Get ready for epic vistas of the Nevado de Colima mountain and the Colima volcano. The landscape is a total chameleon, morphing from coconut palms near Manzanillo to lush rainforest near Colima, and even stretches of desert near the Sayula lagoon.
Quick heads-up: the road to Urique is best avoided due to safety concerns.
And if you're up for another thrilling adventure, check out Bajada a Xichu for unreal views of the Sierra Madre Oriental.
Where is it?
The hairpinned road to Barranca de Beltran is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 23.9049, -104.1234
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 23.9049, -104.1234
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhere is Steptoe Butte?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Washington State, heading towards this lone peak called Steptoe Butte, rising dramatically from the Palouse Hills. You'll find it in Whitman County, right on the southeastern edge of the state. This place used to be known as Pyramid Peak, but now it's named after Colonel Edward Steptoe. The road up is fully paved, though let's just say it's seen better days. It's narrow and winding, with no guardrails, so keep your eyes on the road. The climb starts on A635 Road (on Greenfield) and it's about 4.1 miles (6.59km) to the top, gaining 343 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 5.20%, so be prepared for a bit of a steep climb! But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Once you reach the summit parking area, you're treated to a 360-degree panorama of the rolling Palouse landscape. It's stunning! Just remember, the road's open year-round for day use, but winter driving can be tricky with snow and ice, so be extra careful. Oh, and the summit's got some communication towers, in case you're wondering what those are. Don't forget your camera!
hardPegleg Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're in Lassen County, California, and itching for a thrill, Pegleg Mountain is calling your name. This bad boy tops out at 7,106 feet! The road up there? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta steepness. Definitely needs a 4x4 and some serious off-road skills. Winter? Forget about it – this road is a no-go zone when the snow flies. And if heights make your palms sweat, maybe grab a postcard instead. But, oh the views! Trust me, they're worth the white-knuckle drive. And up top, you'll find a fire lookout tower, perfect for soaking in the panoramic vistas. Get ready for an unforgettable climb!
hardWhere is the Madeline Island Ice Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ever dreamed of driving on water? Seriously? Then buckle up (or maybe don't, more on that later!) for the Madeline Island Ice Road in Wisconsin. Located on Lake Superior, this isn't your average scenic byway. We're talking about a 3 km (1.9 mi) stretch of frozen lake connecting Bayfield to La Pointe on Madeline Island. It's a winter-only phenomenon that replaces the usual ferry, and supposedly even shows up on official state maps! This icy adventure isn't without its quirks. They mark the route with old Christmas trees, and the "road" is actually part of County Highway H. Sounds festive, right? But remember, this isn't a joyride. Speed limit is a crawl at 15 mph, and you need to keep a healthy distance from other cars. Now for the important stuff. Before you even think about hitting the ice, roll down your windows all the way and ditch the seatbelt. Why? Because if you break through (and the lake is seriously deep in spots, from 50 to 250 feet!), you'll need to bail out fast. The road can be slippery and unpredictable, and the conditions change rapidly. Keep an eye on weather updates before you go! The route will be marked with evergreen trees, so stick to the trail to keep your car above water!
moderateHow long is Mackinac Bridge in Michigan?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Michigan, ready to experience something epic. You're heading to the Mackinac Bridge, the mighty connector between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas! This isn't just a bridge; it's an *experience*. Built back in '57, this beauty stretches a whopping 26,372 feet – that's almost 5 miles! You'll be soaring 200 feet above the water, with views that will absolutely take your breath away. Now, I'm not gonna lie, some folks get a little freaked out. It's high, and the wind can whip up over 30 mph. Plus, the water below is seriously deep – like 250 feet deep at the center! But hey, if you're feeling a bit nervous, the Mackinac Bridge Authority has your back. They'll actually drive your car (or motorcycle!) across for you, totally free. And did I mention this is one of the most beautiful bridges *in the world*? Seriously, it's stunning. It's also the longest suspension bridge in the Americas, and fifth longest worldwide! To keep it all together with those wild winds and changing temperatures, the deck can move up to 35 feet at the center span. Don't worry - you probably won't notice.