The horrendous road to Nevado de Colima
Mexico, north-america
23.4 km
3,991 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Nevado de Colima in Jalisco, Mexico, and let me tell you, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a climb to a whopping 3,991 meters (13,093 feet) above sea level!
This road is not for the faint of heart. Forget your low-riders – you'll need a serious 4x4 to conquer this beast. Expect some seriously steep sections, clocking in at around 12%. Imagine a rugged, rocky path that feels more like a mule track than a road in places. It's about one-and-a-half lanes wide and turns into a muddy slip-n-slide after a rain shower.
The entire route is gravel and rock, nestled inside the stunning Nevado de Colima National Park. Fair warning: most folks only make it to the locked gate around 11,500 feet due to the extreme conditions.
Originally built to service communication towers way up top, this road demands a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD. Starting from Carretera Estatal el Grullo-Ciudad Guzman, the adventure spans 23.4 km (14.54 miles) with a massive elevation gain of 2,214 meters! Expect an average gradient of around 9.46%, but remember those sections hitting 12%? This road delivers incredible views if you have the nerve and the vehicle to get there.
Where is it?
The horrendous road to Nevado de Colima is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 22.8714, -102.5095
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 23.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,991 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 22.8714, -102.5095
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow to drive to Nevado de Toluca in Mexico?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: You're in Estado de México, just a few hours from the buzz of Mexico City, and you're about to tackle one of the highest roads in the country! We're talking about Nevado de Toluca, a massive, dormant volcano just begging to be explored. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road winds up to a staggering 4,254m (13,956ft) inside Parque Nacional Nevado de Toluca, also called Xinantécatl. Now, heads up: it's unpaved and can be a bit rough thanks to rain and volcanic rocks. You used to be able to drive almost to the crater itself, but now there's a gate about 2km back, before you reach the lakes. You'll need to pay a fee at a couple of checkpoints to get access. Winter travelers, take note: the upper parking might be closed after snowfall, so prepare to park lower down. The adventure kicks off in Raíces, a small village in Zinacantepec. The road stretches for about 20.5 km (12.73 miles) and, in dry conditions, a 2-wheel drive should be fine. Be ready for some steep sections, with gradients hitting around 7%. You'll gain 784 meters in elevation from Raíces, averaging a 3.82% gradient. Give yourself about 1.5 to 2 hours to soak it all in. The drive is seriously stunning, passing through lush pine forests with the snow-capped volcano getting closer with every turn. You'll find lodging options along the way, and about 6 kilometers from the crater, there's a gate, a café, and a basic shelter. If you're visiting between November and March, expect snow! It's a great spot for some off-piste cross-country skiing when the conditions are right. Just be aware that the park closes during heavy snowstorms for safety. Get ready for incredible views and a truly unique experience!
hardWhere is Left Hand Reservoir?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've found an incredible spot tucked away in north-central Colorado, deep within the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests: Left Hand Reservoir. But getting there? That's half the fun! The road? Let's just say it's...rustic. Think totally unpaved, rough and ready terrain. We're talking a serious 4WD situation here, folks. High clearance is a MUST. Forget your standard car—you'll need something that can handle big ruts that might give you some approach and departure angle problems. SUVs? Proceed with extreme caution (or maybe just skip it). And watch out for those high winds! The route is steep and you'll be thankful for low-range gearing. And have your camera ready, because there are plenty of tree stumps, rocks, and boulders along the sides of the trail that'll make for some epic photos. Keep in mind this isn't a year-round destination. Due to its location in the Front Range of the southern Rocky Mountains, the road's only open from about mid-June to mid-October. The unpaved section starts off of the paved Forest Road 112 (Brainard Lake Road) and stretches for roughly 3.8 miles. Over that distance, you'll climb about 600 vertical feet. Worth it for the views!
easyWhere is Peguis Canyon?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, buckle up, amigos, because Highway 16 in Chihuahua, Mexico, is a total stunner! This isn't just a road trip; it's an adventure carved right through the heart of the Sierra Madre. You'll find yourself smack-dab in the Área Natural Protegida Cañón y Sierra del Pegüis, where the mighty Conchos River has sliced a dramatic 2,000-foot gorge – the Cañón Pegüis – into the landscape. Think epic views at every turn! The fully paved Mexico 16 stretches for about 226 kilometers (that's 140 miles for my American friends). You'll be cruising east-west, starting near the US border in Ojinaga and winding your way to Chihuahua City. Get ready for some serious curves through the Plan de Barrancas – it's all part of the fun! Just keep your eyes on the road and your camera ready for those unforgettable canyon vistas.
hardIs Moki Dugway paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Utah Route 261, just north of Mexican Hat. Everything's paved, smooth sailing... until BAM! You hit the Moki Dugway. This isn't your average road, folks. It's a three-mile stretch of pure, unadulterated graded dirt switchbacks carved right into the Cedar Mesa cliff face. We're talking serious hairpin turns and an 11% grade descent, dropping you a whopping 1,100 feet. Built way back in 1958 to haul ore, this road connects Utah Highway 95 with US Highway 163. Is it dangerous? Well, the state recommends vehicles under 28 feet and 10,000 pounds. Basically, most cars are fine, but maybe leave the RV at home. And yeah, there aren't any guardrails, so keep your eyes on the road! But let's be real, you're not here for easy. You're here for the views, and the Moki Dugway delivers. We're talking jaw-dropping panoramas of Valley of the Gods and even distant glimpses of Monument Valley. There's a parking area at the top just begging for a photoshoot. The Dugway's usually open year-round, but watch out for storms. Rain turns this dirt road into a muddy mess, and even 4x4s can struggle. So, check the weather, pack your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!