Motorcycle Ride Planner · Routes · Mexico

Sierra Gorda Spine (Ruta de las Misiones) - MEX 120

Mexico · MEX 120

Renowned among Mexican motorcyclists as the ultimate paved canyon twisty in the republic. Slices through the heart of the UNESCO Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, climbing from semi-arid cactus plains up into dense fir and cloud forests at Pinal de Amoles (the 'Gateway to Heaven' where riders frequently ride above a dense sea of clouds), descending into the colonial mission valley of Jalpan de Serra, and winding through tropical cloud jungle to Edward James' surrealist castle at Xilitla. Road Quality: Impeccably banked, high-grip asphalt with continuous third- and second-gear S-turns; damp cloud forest moss on north-facing corners in morning hours. Safety & Military Checkpoints: Low security concerns; municipal transit police checkpoints near Jalpan; frequent speed humps (topes) upon entering small villages; watch for slow municipal trucks on blind switchbacks. Fuel Range: Plentiful Pemex stations in Cadereyta, Vizarrón, Pinal de Amoles, Jalpan de Serra, and Xilitla (maximum fuel gap < 40 miles).

Sierra Gorda Spine (Ruta de las Misiones) - MEX 120 runs 145 miles between Cadereyta de Montes, Querétaro and Xilitla, San Luis Potosí. We count about 1,450 corners along it, which is relentless. A hard road that rewards experience and punishes bravado.

Tank-bag quick reference

• StartCadereyta de Montes, Querétaro20.6975, -99.8142
• High2,100 ft - 9,200 ft (Pinal de Amoles)elevation range
• EndXilitla, San Luis Potosí21.3861, -98.9897

T-CLOCS before you go: tyres and wheels, controls and cables, lights and electrics, oil and fluids, chassis and stand.

Repair within reach

• 33 miHonda Motos QuerétaroQuerétaro, Querétaro

Straight-line distance from the start of the route, not driving distance.

More in Mexico

• El Espinazo del Diablo (Devil's Backbone) - MEX 40 Libre135 mi · 2150 corners
• Sierra de Miahuatlán & San José del Pacífico - MEX 175 South148 mi · 1950 corners
• Carretera Transpeninsular (Baja 1000 Highway) - MEX 11020 mi · 1850 corners
• Sierra Madre del Sur Pacific Descent - MEX 131158 mi · 1850 corners
• Sierra Juárez Alpine Ridge to Gulf Lowlands - MEX 175 North132 mi · 1650 corners
• Chiapas Jungle Twisties & Maya Ruins - MEX 199135 mi · 1250 corners

Questions riders ask

How long does Sierra Gorda Spine (Ruta de las Misiones) - MEX 120 take to ride?

About 145 miles. At an unhurried pace with stops that is roughly 4 hours of riding, longer if you are stopping for photographs.

Where does Sierra Gorda Spine (Ruta de las Misiones) - MEX 120 start and end?

It runs between Cadereyta de Montes, Querétaro and Xilitla, San Luis Potosí. Either end works as a start; the route reads the same in both directions.

Is Sierra Gorda Spine (Ruta de las Misiones) - MEX 120 a twisty road?

We count about 1450 corners across 145 miles, which is relentless.

Is there a GPX file for Sierra Gorda Spine (Ruta de las Misiones) - MEX 120?

Yes. The GPX is free, there is no account, and the planner will build a route that includes this road alongside others nearby.

Where these numbers come from

Distances and corner counts come from the route's own geometry, not from ratings or votes. Nothing here is crowdsourced and nobody paid to appear.