Carretera del Diablo Altar Desert Crossing
Where the desert takes no prisoners
El Camino del Diablo stretches 130 miles across the most unforgiving stretch of Sonoran Desert, following the same route that claimed hundreds of gold rush prospectors and border crossers over the centuries. The sandy two-track runs from Wellton, Arizona to San Luis Río Colorado, skirting the Cabeza Prieta Mountains and crossing the Gran Desierto’s shifting dunes where summer temperatures regularly exceed 120°F and water sources are separated by 40-mile stretches of nothing but creosote and ironwood.
This is extreme desert travel requiring experienced drivers with full recovery gear, multiple spare tires, and at least two gallons of water per person per day. High-clearance 4WD with sand tires is mandatory—stock vehicles will bog down in the sugar sand. Travel only October through March, carry satellite communication, and inform authorities of your route. Those who complete this crossing earn bragging rights to one of North America’s most challenging desert traverses.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Extreme |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 130 mi / 209.2 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1200 ft |
| Best season | October-March |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with sand tires |
| Nearest town | San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora |
| Land manager | SEMARNAT/CONANP |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4x4 with all-terrains handle the Altar Desert crossing?
No. Stock all-terrains will get you buried. This trail demands dedicated sand tires (paddle tires or aggressive sand-specific rubber), a high-lift jack, traction boards, and a snatch block setup at minimum. A body lift or suspension lift helps clear the soft dune crests without high-centering.
When does the Altar Desert become genuinely dangerous to cross?
April through September is brutal — ground temps exceed 150°F and the heat will kill you if you break down. Stick to October through March. Even in winter, afternoon temps can hit the 90s, so plan driving for early morning.
Do you need a permit to drive the Carretera del Diablo, and how do you get one?
Yes. The route passes through the Alto Golfo de California y Delta del Río Colorado Biosphere Reserve, managed by CONANP. You need a permit from CONANP before entering — contact their Sonora office directly or through the reserve administration in San Luis Río Colorado. Do not skip this; rangers patrol and fines are steep.
What's the hardest section of this route and what should I actually expect?
The central dune fields between roughly the midpoint and the Pinacate volcanic zone are the most punishing — continuous soft sand, no firm base, and dunes that shift between trips so prior tracks mean nothing. Expect to air down to 10-12 PSI, crawl at 5-10 mph for long stretches, and potentially winch or buddy-recover multiple times if you're solo.
How much fuel do I need to carry for the full 130-mile crossing?
There is zero fuel on the route — none. San Luis Río Colorado is your last fill-up at the start and Puerto Peñasco is the nearest option near the end. Figure your vehicle's consumption in deep sand (often double normal highway mileage) and carry enough for at least 200 miles of sand driving to avoid being stranded.
Trail track
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