Where is Mengel Pass?
Usa, north-america
8 km
1,314 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Mengel Pass, a wild ride through Death Valley National Park in California! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. You'll find this rough-and-tumble track in Inyo County, linking Panamint Valley to the west with the stunning Butte Valley on the east.
This 5-mile dirt track, also known as Coyote Canyon Road, gets its name from Carl Mengel, an old-time prospector. In fact, his stacked rock memorial marks the summit. Keep an eye out for it!
So, what makes it so special? Well, Mengel Pass is a notorious Jeep trail, famed for being the spot where Charles Manson was captured. You'll need a proper 4WD vehicle. Think gnarly terrain – steep, rutted, and rocky. It's a long and slow route so bring extra fuel, plenty of water, and definitely don't go it alone.
The ever-changing road conditions make it a true challenge. Even experienced drivers will find it demanding, and some SUVs might struggle. But trust me, the solitude and spectacular scenery are worth the effort. Just be prepared for anything – mechanical issues, medical emergencies, you name it. Oh, and those scattered body panels you'll see? Consider them a cautionary tale! Keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic in tight spots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,314 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardTobias Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road experience in California's Tulare County, Tobias Peak is calling your name. We're talking about a lung-busting climb to 8,218 feet (2,505 meters) in the Sierra Nevada. The road? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta steep. You'll need a 4x4, and a healthy dose of confidence on unpaved mountain tracks. Oh, and did I mention the drop-offs? Yeah, don't look down if you're scared of heights! Word of warning: this road is usually snowed in from October to June. But, if you time it right and the weather's on your side (seriously, check that forecast!), you'll be rewarded with insane views from the lookout tower at the summit, built way back in 1935. Just remember, if you see a thunderstorm brewing, skip the lookout. Stay safe out there!
hardIs Saltillo-Monterrey Highway worth the drive?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the Saltillo-Monterrey Highway! This stretch of road has a bit of a reputation, previously sharing the title of "Mexico's Deadliest" with Mexico 40D. The old "libre" route was notorious for its crazy curves and seriously steep climbs—though it got some love and improvements around the 2000s. It's still a bit dicey, but traffic chilled out a bit after the new toll road opened in 2009. But is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The views of the Sierra de las Cumbres mountains are jaw-dropping (some peaks reach a whopping 3000 meters!). You'll start near Ramos Arizpe at about 1260 meters above sea level, then wind your way down to the Monterrey metro area at around 600 meters. Now, let's talk safety. This road's known for a few hazards: reckless drivers, crazy-strong winds, and sudden fog patches (plus flash floods from the mountains!). There was a massive pile-up in 2013 caused by dense fog that involved over 100 vehicles and caused 58 fatalities.
hardWhen Was Tip Top Mine Discovered?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Yavapai County, Arizona, lies the ghost town of Tip Top. Getting there? That's half the fun! You'll need a trusty 4x4—this isn't a Sunday drive kind of road. Tip Top Trail, as it's known, is a completely unpaved path winding its way to what was once a bustling mining town (discovered in 1875!). Imagine roaming through a place that rivaled Arizona's biggest cities back in the day. Keep your eyes peeled for foundations and even the mine's original door. The ruins sprawl for almost two miles along a stunning canyon. The views are classic Arizona: canyons, creeks, and ridges dressed in saguaro and mesquite. Just remember, you're in a remote area, so come prepared. Word on the street is that beyond Tip Top, the road to Crown King gets seriously gnarly. Most stock high-clearance 4WD SUVs can handle it, but be warned, it is a rough one! It's best attempted during cooler months, the journey to this amazing spot north of Phoenix will become one of your favorite.
moderateRoad Mexico 182
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Oaxaca on Mexico 182 (Tuxtepec-Teotitlán), a seriously beautiful but wild ride. Think epic Sierra Madre Oriental mountain vistas, deep valleys, and canyons showing off every biome from lush rainforest to stark desert—sometimes all in the same view! Keep an eye out for glimpses of Miguel Aleman Lake too. Now, a heads up: this road is not for the faint of heart. It's narrow with hairpin curves, plus you'll be passing through small towns with locals strolling along the shoulder. The road condition is mostly bad everywhere. Starting near sea level in Tuxtepec (30m), you'll climb to Miguel Aleman lake, then leave San Felipe de Jalapa (150m) and dramatically ascend along canyon walls to San Juan Coatzospam (1820m). After that, get ready for a dizzying drop into a canyon (minimum 1200m), only to climb again to a maximum of 2420m near Santa Maria Teopoxco before descending to Teotitlán at 1000m. If you get carsick easily or aren't a pro at engine braking, maybe sit this one out!