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Richard

Oct 8, 2002, 5:12 PM

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Hwy-Durango to Mazatlan

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I would like to drive my motorhome and towed vehicle from Laredo to Mazatlan, using the shortest route. This would require driving the winding road from Durango to Mazatlan late in December. (I have traveled in Mexico before, but not this segment). I am accustomed to driving winding mountain roads as I live in the high country of Colorado. I hope to hear from those of you having first-hand experience driving this road in an RV. Your thoughts and opinions will be appreciated. Many thanks for your time and information.

John Ferguson

Oct 8, 2002, 6:45 PM

Post #2 of 9 (821 views)

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Hwy-Durango to Mazatlan

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: I would like to drive my motorhome and towed vehicle from Laredo to Mazatlan, using the shortest route. This would require driving the winding road from Durango to Mazatlan late in December. (I have traveled in Mexico before, but not this segment). I am accustomed to driving winding mountain roads as I live in the high country of Colorado. I hope to hear from those of you having first-hand experience driving this road in an RV. Your thoughts and opinions will be appreciated. Many thanks for your time and information. <<<<<<<<<<<<<I am not an RV'er but I'll add whatever insight I can.If you have experience driving the mountain roads in Colorado, you'll have a good idea of what to expect on the Durango-Mazatlan highway (known as El Espinazo del Diablo, "The Devil's Backbone"). Probably the hairiest road I've driven in Colorado is the Durango-Silverton road. I'd say the 'Espinazo' is no worse. Surface conditions of the 'Espinazo' generally are fine. About 100 miles east of Durango are moderately windy and hilly, with the next 60 after that being the most challenging. After that the 30 or 40 miles east of Mazatlan start leveling out.I see humongous semis going up (very slowly) and down this road all the time. I will refrain from assuming what your rig can do, but maybe knowing what other kinds of large vehicular traffic travel this road will help. Just make sure you're rig is all tuned up, and watch out for those slow-moving trucks (sometimes, fast-moving, going downhill).I always recommend to not be in any hurry on this road. A conservative speed will enhance your safety, plus you'll be able to enjoy some incredible scenery. There is a nice pull-over underneath the huge government marker, just a few miles below the top of the drive (west side of the mountains).I'd be glad to field any other questions about this route.Enjoy!

dan

Oct 8, 2002, 9:17 PM

Post #3 of 9 (818 views)

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Hwy-Durango to Mazatlan

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Just drive West in the states and cross at Nogales. That way you're on good ole US highways for part of the way!

Bob Story

Oct 9, 2002, 7:03 AM

Post #4 of 9 (819 views)

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Hwy-Durango to Mazatlan

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Just remember that Mexican mountain roads are NOT anything like Colorado!While it might be a shorter mileage route to Mazatlan, I think that you will find out the hard way that timewise it is much longer and a lot more stressful.I'm sure that on several ocasions that I saw my own tail lights!

Richard

Oct 9, 2002, 8:03 AM

Post #5 of 9 (819 views)

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Hwy-Durango to Mazatlan

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Many thanks to all for your comments, suggestions and information. I appreciate it very much.

Ken in Maz

Oct 9, 2002, 6:23 PM

Post #6 of 9 (819 views)

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Hwy-Durango to Mazatlan

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This is not a bad road just slow. I drive it pulling a 22 foot pull trailer with a full size GMC van, it is about 180 miles and takes me 7 hours, i would not go out of my way to avoid it at all,large busses and semi trucks do it,Ihave found the truckers to be very courteous and signal you when it is safe to pass them.

James

Oct 9, 2002, 8:52 PM

Post #7 of 9 (819 views)

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Hwy-Durango to Mazatlan

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<body onload="window.location='http://www.stupidstuff.org/'">This is a hoot: http://www.stupidstuff.org/

tom

Oct 10, 2002, 6:39 AM

Post #8 of 9 (819 views)

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Hwy-Durango to Mazatlan

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I have driven this route several times and would add only one thing to the other great comments you have received. TRUCKS! This road sometimes has HEAVY truck traffic which can cause a few problems. On the upper western slopes where the road is very narrow, I have had to back up for trucks using both narrow lanes to negotiate corners. I have also had to slam on my brakes and dive for the rock wall on the right side (dropoff side) when trucks have been coming downhill way too fast, using both lanes, and unable to stop. Once a truck clipped my mirror and I was against the rock wall. Since you will be heading west, downhill, at least the trucks you meet will be going slow. Lots of blind corners with very narrow lanes - just remember most semi's with trailers will need and be using both lanes and your gonna have to stop quickly to avoid hitting him. Most truck drivers will not back up, and that means you will back up. This is a beautiful route, but not for the faint of heart.: I would like to drive my motorhome and towed vehicle from Laredo to Mazatlan, using the shortest route. This would require driving the winding road from Durango to Mazatlan late in December. (I have traveled in Mexico before, but not this segment). I am accustomed to driving winding mountain roads as I live in the high country of Colorado. I hope to hear from those of you having first-hand experience driving this road in an RV. Your thoughts and opinions will be appreciated. Many thanks for your time and information.

Denis Lyons

Oct 13, 2002, 1:29 PM

Post #9 of 9 (820 views)

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Hwy-Durango to Mazatlan

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: Just remember that Mexican mountain roads are NOT anything like Colorado!: While it might be a shorter mileage route to Mazatlan, I think that you will find out the hard way that timewise it is much longer and a lot more stressful.: I'm sure that on several ocasions that I saw my own tail lights!I just wondered if htere is a time of day or day of the week when there are no trucks?Denis Lyons in Toronto