A brutally steep (28%) road to Cuitu Negru in Spain
Spain, europe
5.1 km
1,848 m
moderate
Year-round
# Cuitu Negru: Spain's Brutal Mountain Beast
Cuitu Negru towers at 1,848 meters (6,062 feet) above sea level, straddling the border between Asturias and Castile and Leon in Spain's dramatic Cantabrian Mountains. This wild, remote peak looks like something straight out of a cyclist's fever dream—and for good reason.
The fully paved road to the summit (also called Cuetu Negro or Cuitu Nigru) is a savage 5.1km climb that'll test every ounce of your driving skill. Starting from the N-630 south of the legendary Puerto de Pajares, you'll gain 487 meters over that short distance with an average gradient of 9.54%. But here's the thing—those averages don't tell the whole story.
This isn't just steep; it's absolutely relentless. Maximum gradients hit a bone-crushing 28%, with the opening kilometers sitting between 24-25% inclines. The final 500 meters? Still a punishing 17% grade. The top 2.5 kilometers were literally a goat track until 2012, when they got paved specifically for that year's Vuelta a España race. Yeah, this climb was so gnarly they had to lay concrete just to make it passable for one of Europe's toughest cycling races.
If you're after scenery, solitude, and a serious adrenaline rush in Spain's high country, Cuitu Negru delivers all three—just bring your grips and nerves.
Where is it?
A brutally steep (28%) road to Cuitu Negru in Spain is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.5833, -4.0362
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,848 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.5833, -4.0362
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