Durango Ghost Mining Circuit
Silver mine ghost towns in the high Sierra Madre.
The Durango Ghost Mining Circuit winds through the Sierra Madre Occidental at elevations over 8,000 feet, connecting a dozen abandoned silver mining camps that once fed Mexico’s colonial wealth. Starting from the old mining town of Ojuela and looping through La Zarca, Nombre de Dios, and back via the ghost town of Mapimí, this 180-mile route follows narrow mining roads carved into cliffsides where pack mules once hauled silver ore to Spanish refineries. The highlight is the abandoned Ojuela suspension bridge — a 300-foot span built in 1898 that still hangs over the canyon like a rusty reminder of boom times.
Moderate difficulty with some technical rock sections and steep grades that’ll test your low range. Stock 4WD with skid plates recommended, plus recovery gear for the inevitable stuck situation on loose shale. Best run April through October before snow blocks the high passes. No permits required, but fuel up in Durango because gas stations are scarce. Camping anywhere along the route is legal and you’ll have your pick of ghost towns for atmospheric overnight spots. What you get is a genuine Mexican mining adventure without the tourist crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 180 mi / 290 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8600 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Durango, Durango |
| Land manager | Mexican Government |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Tacoma handle the Durango Ghost Mining Circuit without modifications?
A stock 4WD with skid plates is the minimum — think bone-stock Tacoma or 4Runner with factory clearance. Rocky shelf roads and loose terrain make skid plate protection non-negotiable; if you're running a lifted rig you'll have an easier time, but it's doable stock if you drive it smart.
Is the trail accessible year-round or does weather close it down?
Best window is April through October. The Sierra Madre gets serious rainfall during summer monsoon season (July–September), which can wash out sections and make rocky climbs slick and unpredictable. Winter brings snow and ice above 8,000 feet — don't plan a December run without serious prep.
Do I need permits or special paperwork to drive this route in Durango, Mexico?
No trail-specific permit is required, but you must have valid Mexican vehicle insurance, your vehicle's temporary import permit (TIP) if you drove in from the US, and your passport. Mexican federal and state land rules apply — don't skip the insurance, it's not optional.
What's the hardest section and what should I expect?
The most technical stretches are the high-altitude shelf roads with exposed drop-offs and loose rock surfaces that demand deliberate tire placement. At moderate difficulty this isn't a rock-crawling nightmare, but narrow passages with little room for error at elevation — combined with no guardrails — will get your attention if you're not used to Sierra Madre mining roads.
How far out do I need to plan for fuel on a 180-mile loop starting and ending near Durango city?
Top off in Durango city before you leave — reliable fuel stops are essentially nonexistent once you're deep in the circuit. Carry a jerry can with at least 5–10 extra liters; 180 miles of low-gear 4WD driving burns fuel hard, and getting stranded out here with spotty cell service and no towns means a very long wait for help.
Trail track
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