Travelling through the curvy Plan de Barrancas in Sierra Madre
Mexico, north-america
N/A
1.66 m
moderate
Year-round
Craving a scenic Mexican adventure from Guadalajara to the Pacific coast hotspots like Tepic and Puerto Vallarta? Buckle up for the Plan de Barrancas roads (that's Mexico 15 and the 15D toll road).
These routes wind and weave like crazy through the Sierra Madre mountains! Expect narrow, paved roads with hairpin turns that’ll test your driving skills. You'll climb to about 5,400 feet near La Venta el Astillero before dropping down to around 3,000 feet in Tepic.
Word to the wise: this stretch is known for being tricky. Stay alert, watch your speed, and take those curves seriously – it’s a busy route.
But hey, the views are INCREDIBLE. Think lush tropical rainforests clinging to canyon walls and dramatic mountain vistas. Plus, you’ll cruise past fields of agave (hello, tequila!) and even get a peek at the lava remnants from the Ceboruco volcano, which last erupted in the 40s. The diverse scenery is unreal, with everything from rainforest and tropical plants to oak and pine forests.
Where is it?
Travelling through the curvy Plan de Barrancas in Sierra Madre is located in Mexico (north-america). Coordinates: 23.0177, -102.0670
Road Details
- Country
- Mexico
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 1.66 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 23.0177, -102.0670
Related Roads in north-america
moderateMeadow Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Flathead County, Montana, you NEED to check out Meadow Peak. We're talking a summit sitting pretty at 6,709 feet! The road up? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bump and grind. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically mandatory. And heads up, this road's usually a no-go from October to June, thanks to Mother Nature's mood swings. But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. At the top, you'll find an honest-to-goodness fire lookout tower (still active, built in '57!), and views that'll knock your socks off. We're talking a full 360 degrees of pure Montana bliss. Expect a steep-ish hike to the top, but those views? Totally worth the leg burn! Get ready for some serious Instagram-worthy moments!
hardWhere is the road to New York Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the White River National Forest, Eagle County, Colorado, about to tackle an old mining road up to New York Mountain, high in the Northern Sawatch Range. We're talking serious altitude here. The adventure starts near Fulford, a quirky little ghost town that’s the gateway to the real backcountry. From there, it's Forest Road 418 (FR-418) all the way. Think Colorado high-country at its finest: alpine meadows giving way to rocky terrain as this old road snakes its way up. Keep an eye out for the three old miner's cabins hanging on near the top – relics from a time when this place was buzzing with activity. Now, let's be real: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. FR-418 is unpaved and seriously rugged. We're talking ruts, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps. A decent 4x4 is your best friend here, and high clearance? Non-negotiable. There are a couple of spots where you'll be thanking your lucky stars you didn't bring the family sedan. And those eight hairpin turns? Get ready to work that steering wheel! The road is only 5 miles long, but you'll climb 1,266 feet. Don't let the numbers fool you; that thin mountain air will have your engine working overtime, and those technical spots will have you crawling. It's slow going, but trust me, the views of the Sawatch Range from the top are worth every bump and bruise. Word to the wise: this road is usually snowed in from October to June. Even in summer, the weather can be WILD. Afternoon thunderstorms can turn the dirt into a slick mess, and the temperature can plummet faster than you can say "hypothermia." Always, ALWAYS check the local reports before you head up. And be prepared for anything once you get up there.
moderateWhere is Cerro Vista?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in northern New Mexico, right on the edge of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, deep in the Carson National Forest. You're about to tackle Cerro Vista, a seriously high peak! The road? Oh, it's a total dirt track. 4x4 is a must, trust me. It's about 14.3 miles from start to finish, climbing over 3,458 feet. That's a pretty consistent climb, with an average gradient of around 4.6%. And heads up, usually, this road is not accessible during winter. But the views? Totally worth the bumpy ride!
moderateTripoli Road in New Hampshire: A Scenic Drive Through White Mountain National Forest
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along Tripoli Road (aka Forest Road 30) in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest. This hidden gem, carved out back in '34, stretches for just over 11 glorious miles, connecting Woodstock to Waterville Valley. Get ready for some twists and turns! This winding road is mostly unpaved, adding to the adventure. There are a few spots where you'll feel like you're climbing straight up, with grades hitting almost 10%! But don't worry, the road's generally in good shape. Fall foliage is absolutely unreal here, but be warned – it gets CROWDED on weekends and holidays. You'll need to snag an entrance pass to get in, but trust me, it's worth it. You'll climb to almost 2,400 feet at Thornton Gap, soaking in those White Mountain views. Just a heads up: this road's closed during the snowy months (usually open from mid-May to October), so plan accordingly!