Espinazo del Diablo

Mountain

Espinazo del Diablo is a rugged section of the Sierra Madre Occidental in northwestern Mexico, famed for steep scenery, rare cloud-forest pockets and a dramatic mountain highway. Travelers come for scenic drives, birdwatching and high-elevation forest habitat.

Espinazo del Diablo Durango (city)Gómez Palacio, DurangoLerdo, DurangoSantiago PapasquiaroMapimí, DurangoCuencaméEspinazo del Diablo

Espinazo del Diablo essentials

Address: Sierra Madre Occidental, Pueblo Nuevo, Durango, Mexico

The Espinazo del Diablo (Devil’s Backbone) is a high, serrated section of the Sierra Madre Occidental that straddles parts of Durango and Sinaloa and rises from the Pacific coastal plain into cool mountain terrain. The mountains form steep ravines and ridgelines, with elevations reaching above 2,700 meters in places.

The area is ecologically important for its mix of dry forest at lower elevations, extensive oak and pine-oak stands higher up, and rare cloud-forest fragments around 1,900-2,200 meters that support abundant epiphytes and specialist plants. Large numbers of bird species have been recorded here, including several Mexican endemics and limited-range species.

A narrow, winding section of Mexican Federal Highway 40 climbs the spine of the range and has long been known for tight curves, fog and steep drop-offs; a newer parallel toll road (40D) now offers a faster, straighter crossing, but the old route still provides the most dramatic mountain vistas. Visiting feels remote: expect long drives between towns and basic services outside the main settlements.

  • Highway vistas: Lookouts along the old Highway 40 offer sheer ravine views, including a noted vista at about 2,440 meters flanked by steep cliffs.
  • Summit pass: The crest of the Sierra reaches around 2,744 meters at the high point of the pass, where weather can change quickly and panoramic views open toward both the plateau and the coast.
  • Cloud-forest pockets: Humid ravines between 1,900 and 2,200 meters host rare cloud-forest stands rich in mosses, bromeliads and orchids.
  • Oak and pine-oak woods: Extensive oak and mixed pine-oak zones are typical above 900 meters, offering scenic forest walks and shade.
  • Birdwatching for endemics: The region supports many Mexican-endemic birds and limited-range species such as the tufted jay, eared quetzal and thick-billed parrot.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Espinazo del Diablo#

The climate has a marked wet season in summer and a much drier, cooler period in winter; choose timing according to whether you want clearer roads or greener forests. Avoid the heaviest rains if you are traveling by the old mountain road.

Winter (best)
November - February · 4°C - 26°C (39°F - 79°F)
Dry, cooler conditions make for clearer mountain views and easier driving on the old highway, though nights and early mornings can be chilly at high elevations.
Spring (good)
March - May · 8°C - 34°C (46°F - 93°F)
A pleasant, warming shoulder season with lower rainfall than summer and fresh vegetation after winter; great for hiking and bird activity before the rains begin.
Rainy season (avoid if driving the old road)
June - September · 15°C - 34°C (59°F - 93°F)
Late spring into summer brings heavy rains, frequent fog and localized hazards on the winding old road, although cloud forests are at their most lush.

Weather & Climate near Espinazo del Diablo#

Climate

Espinazo del Diablo's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in June) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 4°C to 34°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 25 Good
Best Time to Visit
NovemberMarchApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
-11°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 4° - 23° 14° 9 mm some cloud 50% 2.4 m/s 1.1 high 10.6h
February Ideal 6° - 25° 15° 5 mm mostly sunny 42% 2.7 m/s 1.6 very high 11.2h
March Ideal 8° - 28° 18° 3 mm mostly sunny 34% 3.1 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
April Ideal 12° - 31° 21° 5 mm mostly sunny 29% 3.1 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.6h
May Ideal 15° - 34° 24° 16 mm mostly sunny 30% 2.8 m/s 2.8 extreme 13.3h
June Excellent 17° - 34° 26° 53 mm mostly sunny 42% 2.7 m/s 2.8 extreme 13.6h
July Excellent 17° - 32° 25° 92 mm partly cloudy 55% 2.5 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.4h
August Excellent 16° - 31° 24° 102 mm some cloud 57% 2.4 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.9h
September Excellent 15° - 30° 23° 74 mm partly cloudy 63% 2.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.2h
October Ideal 12° - 29° 20° 25 mm mostly sunny 55% 2.2 m/s 1.9 very high 11.4h
November Ideal 7° - 26° 17° 8 mm mostly sunny 53% 2.3 m/s 1.3 high 10.8h
December Excellent 5° - 23° 14° 10 mm mostly sunny 50% 2.2 m/s 1.0 high 10.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Espinazo del Diablo#

The Espinazo del Diablo lies on the route between the city of Durango on the Mexican Plateau and Mazatlán on the Pacific coast; both cities are the usual start or end points for a trip across the mountains. Regional population centers and transport hubs in the broader region include Gómez Palacio and Torreón for road connections.

Nearest major airports are in Durango and Mazatlán, and long-distance bus services run between the cities; the last stretch across the mountains is done by road on Federal Highway 40 or the newer toll Highway 40D, so plan for a mountain drive and check local conditions for fog or closures.

Tips for Visiting Espinazo del Diablo#

  • Expect rapidly changing weather and bring warm layers for high-elevation stops, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • The old Federal Highway 40 is scenic but narrow and often foggy; the parallel toll highway 40D is generally faster and safer if you want a less demanding drive.
  • Fuel, food and accommodation are limited on the mountain stretches - top up supplies in major towns before you go.
  • Bring binoculars and a field guide if you plan to birdwatch; many species are best sought in the cloud-forest ravines.
  • Drive cautiously and allow extra time for the route - visibility and road conditions can deteriorate suddenly.