Carretera del Diablo Altar Desert Crossing

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.