El Camino del Diablo: A Remote Drive in Arizona
El Camino del Diablo ("The Devil's Highway") offers an exciting and historic journey through the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, running close to the Mexican border. This route is suited only for those well-experienced in backcountry travel.
Why is it Called El Camino del Diablo?
Travelers have used this route for centuries to cross the harsh Sonoran Desert, and it has earned its name as one of the deadliest immigrant trails. This ancient path has claimed the lives of over 2,000 people.
How Long is El Camino del Diablo?
The historic drive is 185 km (115 miles) long, running from Ajo to Yuma, along the southern U.S. border. It crosses some of the most remote and arid terrain.
Is El Camino del Diablo Unpaved?
The road is completely unpaved and extremely rough in certain areas. It should only be attempted in 4x4 high-clearance vehicles. No emergency or tow services are available, so travelers use the trail at their own risk.
Is El Camino del Diablo Worth the Drive?
The journey leads through a vast landscape featuring rugged mountains, flat desert terrain, organ pipe cacti, drifting sand dunes, and ancient lava flows.
How to Prepare for El Camino del Diablo?
Detailed planning and advanced preparation are essential for this trail. There is no potable water, and the path passes through active military bombing ranges, areas with unexploded ordnance, illegal immigration and smuggling zones, abandoned mine shafts, and dangerous wildlife. Never drive this trail alone.
When is the Best Time to Drive El Camino del Diablo?
This is not a summer trip. Besides the risks of remote travel in extreme heat, El Camino del Diablo remains hazardous. Visitors should bring extra water, inform others of their travel plans, and ensure their vehicle is fully prepared for the journey.
Pic: By DiverDave - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37547445