What are the highest roads in Mexico?
Located in the southern portion of North America, Mexico is a land of extraordinary topographical contrast and immense scale. Defined by vast geographical barriers, the country boasts a massive coastline but is dominated inland by two colossal mountain systems: the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Sierra Madre Occidental. Crucially, the central heart of Mexico is pierced by the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt (Eje Volcánico Transversal), a chain of soaring, snow-capped volcanoes and high plateaus.
This dramatic spine of elevation—featuring high mountains, deep canyons, and sweeping deserts—has created a thrilling network of mountain roads. These essential routes conquer extreme altitudes, leading adventurous drivers across Mexico's most spectacular and challenging high-mountain passes.
Highest roads in Mexico
| Mountain pass | Elevation | State | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pico de Orizaba | 4.614m (15,137ft) | Veracruz/Puebla | Gravel |
| Sierra Negra | 4.576m (15,013ft) | Puebla | Gravel |
| Piedra Grande hut | 4.255m (13,959ft) | Veracruz/Puebla | Gravel |
| Nevado de Toluca | 4.254m (13,956ft) | State of Mexico | Gravel |
| Cofre de Perote | 4.160m (13,648ft) | Veracruz | Gravel |
| Altzomoni | 4.027m (13,211ft) | State of Mexico | Gravel |
| La Joyita | 4.009m (13,152ft) | State of Mexico | Gravel |
| Nevado de Colima | 3.991m (13,093ft) | Jalisco | Gravel |
| La Joya hut | 3.977m (13,047ft) | State of Mexico | Gravel |
| Albergue Tlamacas | 3.962m (12,998ft) | State of Mexico | Asphalt |
| Jocotitlán | 3.901m (12,798ft) | State of Mexico | Gravel |
| Cerro Potosí | 3.721m (12,208ft) | Nuevo León | Gravel |
| Paso de Cortés | 3.692m (12,112ft) | Mexico-Puebla | Asphalt |
| Volcan El Muñeco | 3.627m (11,899ft) | State of Mexico | Gravel |
| Carretera al Capulin | 3.627m (11,899ft) | State of Mexico | Gravel |
| Xalatlaco-El Ajusco | 3.622m (11,883ft) | State of Mexico | Asphalt |
| Cerro de la Viga | 3.556m (11,666ft) | Coahuila | Gravel |
| Raíces | 3.531m (11,919ft) | State of Mexico | Asphalt |