A memorable road trip to Coll des Molles
France, europe
6 km
2,089 m
hard
Year-round
# Coll des Molles: A Pyrenean Challenge Worth Taking
Perched at 2,089 meters (6,853 feet) in the Pyrénées-Orientales, this high mountain pass sits right on the border between France and Spain's Catalonia region. If you're up for a serious adventure, Coll des Molles delivers the goods.
Starting from Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste on pavement, the first quarter of the 22.2km climb lulls you into a false sense of security with gentle gradients under 7%. Don't get too comfortable though – things get real with a brutal 4-kilometer stretch that averages over 8.5%, demanding serious effort and lower gears.
The road narrows as conditions deteriorate, but the gradients ease to a more manageable 5.5% average for the next 6 kilometers. Just when you think you've got it figured out, the pavement disappears entirely for the final 6km – you're now grinding over dirt and rocks to reach the summit.
Fair warning: this pass plays by mountain rules. Snow can shut it down completely without notice, so timing is everything. Tackle this beast between late spring and early fall if you want the best shot at making it through. It's brutal, unpredictable, and absolutely unforgettable.
Where is it?
A memorable road trip to Coll des Molles is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.3024, 2.1866
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,089 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.3024, 2.1866
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