Why is it Called El Camino del Diablo?
Usa, north-america
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Dare to tackle El Camino del Diablo – the Devil's Highway – in Arizona? This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a backcountry adventure right along the Mexican border, so prior experience is a must. This historic route cuts through the Sonoran Desert. The name? Earned. It's sadly known as one of the deadliest migrant trails, with a tragic history.
Clocking in at 120 miles along the southern US border, it winds through some seriously remote and arid landscapes. Forget pavement; expect unpaved, extremely rough conditions in sections. A high-clearance 4x4 is non-negotiable. You're on your own out there – no emergency or tow services.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The scenery is incredible: rugged mountains, flat desert expanses, cacti galore, shifting sand dunes, and old lava flows.
But heads up! This trip demands detailed planning. No drinking water is available. You'll be trekking through active military bombing ranges, areas with unexploded ordnance, plus zones with illegal activity, abandoned mines, and potentially dangerous wildlife. Never attempt this journey solo.
Avoid summer due to scorching heat. Even outside summer, be prepared for extreme conditions. Bring ample supplies, let people know your itinerary, and ensure your vehicle is in top shape.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWindy Ridge
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Windy Ridge in Utah's Iron County is calling your name, but be warned, this ain't no Sunday drive. We're talking about a 9,557-foot peak accessed via Forest Service Road 281, a rugged gravel and rocky path that's a no-go in winter. Now, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it: if unpaved mountain roads make you sweat, maybe skip this one. A 4x4 is a MUST, and if you're afraid of heights, seriously reconsider. This trail is STEEP! The views? Absolutely epic. But the road? Let's just say it's an adventure. The summit itself is home to some communication towers, so don't expect total wilderness vibes at the very top. Still, if you're up for a challenge and crave jaw-dropping scenery, Windy Ridge is waiting.
extremeHow to Get to Mission San Francisco Javier by Car?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along The Royal Road, headed to what might just be the most stunning mission on Baja California Peninsula—Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó, or simply Mission San Javier. This gem, nestled in the mountains, is a seriously well-preserved piece of history from the 1700s when the Spanish were converting the locals. The road itself? It’s an adventure! Clocking in at 65 miles, it connects Loreto on the Gulf of California with Santo Domingo. The first half, from Loreto to the mission, is smooth sailing on paved roads. You'll climb about 1,400 feet, nothing too crazy. But hold on tight because the second half, heading south to Santo Domingo, is where things get wild. Think unpaved, narrow stretches, and steep climbs. And after a rain? Forget about it! You'll be splashing through arroyos (streams) like you're on a wild water park ride! Seriously, you're gonna need a high-clearance vehicle for this part of the journey. But trust me, the views of the Sierra de la Giganta mountains and canyons are totally worth it!
hardRelay Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Relay Peak in Nevada's Washoe County is calling your name. This ain't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a serious climb to 10,177 feet! You'll find this beast of a road, NF-051, nestled inside the Mount Rose Wilderness of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Forget smooth asphalt, it's all about that rugged gravel and rocky terrain. Definitely a summer-only kind of trek, unless you're rocking a snowmobile! If unpaved mountain roads give you the jitters, maybe skip this one. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer this steep climb. And if heights aren't your thing? Well, let's just say the views are breathtaking...in more ways than one! Your reward at the summit? A microwave station and some seriously epic scenery. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road adventure!
extremeHow long is the Going-to-the-Sun Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Going-to-the-Sun Road is THE highlight of Glacier National Park, Montana. Seriously, this 50-mile stretch nestled way up in the Rockies is an engineering masterpiece and arguably one of the most scenic drives on the planet. Starting in West Glacier and winding all the way to St. Mary, this "crown jewel of scenic drives" is entirely paved, but don't let that fool you – it's narrow! Think two lanes, hairpin turns, and seriously stunning views paired with twisty sections and cliff edges. Heads up: oversized vehicles aren't allowed in certain sections. Anything wider than 8 feet is a no-go between Avalanche Campground and Rising Sun picnic area. Also, taller vehicles (over 10 feet) might scrape the rocks heading west from Logan Pass. Construction started way back in 1921, and it finally opened in 1933. This is the only road that crosses the entire park, so it's a must-do! Budget at least 2 hours without stops, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. You'll cruise through incredible landscapes, from glacial lakes and forests in the valleys to alpine tundra up at the pass. The views change dramatically depending on which way you're driving. The road's usually open from mid-June to mid-October, but snow can shut things down early. They get up to 80 feet of snow at Logan Pass! Speaking of Logan Pass, that's the highest point at 6,646 feet. One major heads up: During peak summer (usually late May to early September), you NEED a timed entry reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road. You'll have to snag a permit in advance through the National Park Service. No permit, no entry during restricted times. Always check the park's official website for the latest details.