
A Most Tricky Road to Alto de Calabazosa and Lago de la Cueva Viewpoint
Spain, europe
2 km
1,691 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in northern Spain, in the heart of the Somiedo Natural Park (Asturias, to be exact), lies the Alto de Calabazosa. We're talking serious altitude here – 1,691 meters (that's 5,547 feet!) – and views that'll knock your socks off.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The "Ruta de los lagos de Somiedo" is unpaved and can get pretty gnarly in spots. Forget your sedan; you'll absolutely want a high-clearance 4WD vehicle for this trek. And pro-tip: only tackle it when it's dry! Trust me on this one.
Starting from the parking lot, it’s a 2km journey to the top, which reaches 1,786m (5,859ft). Up top, you’ll find the Mirador Lago de la Cueva, a natural viewpoint that gives you some truly stunning views of the area. Just keep an eye on the weather, as it can change on a dime. Though usually open year-round, winter can bring closures, so check conditions before you go. This area gets hammered with some intense weather, but those dramatic skies just add to the overall beauty. If you love nature, this is your happy place. Seriously, the scenery is breathtaking – prepare to be amazed!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,691 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardA winding unpaved road to the historic Loibl Pass
🇦🇹 Austria
# Loibl Pass: A Historic Alpine Challenge Perched at 1,367m (4,485ft) on the Austria-Slovenia border, Loibl Pass is one of Europe's most legendary mountain crossings—and for good reason. This ancient route through the Southern Limestone Alps has been connecting travelers for thousands of years, from Roman merchants linking Emona and Virunum to modern adventurers seeking an adrenaline rush. The 5km (3.10-mile) journey to the summit is not for the faint of heart. The unpaved, narrow road climbs steeply through 16 dramatic hairpin turns, making every moment feel like a genuine alpine adventure. It's the quickest way between Austria's Ferlach and Slovenia's Tržič, though "quick" is definitely relative here. History seeps from every corner of this pass. During WWII, the strategic importance of this route led to the construction of the Ljubelj Tunnel (1,570m long, sitting at 1,068m elevation), carved to bypass the treacherous upper sections. A sobering memorial on the Slovenian side honors those who lost their lives at the nearby forced labor camp during 1943-1945. Today, the original mountain road summit is closed to vehicles—you'll need special permission from Ferlach police to drive the Austrian portion, and even then, you'll have to turn back at the border. But if you're on foot or pedaling a bike, the entire top section is yours to explore. On clear days, grab a meal or stay at the renovated mountain hostel and soak in spectacular views across the Ljubljana and Klagenfurt basins. This isn't just a drive; it's a walk through centuries of European history.
easyDriving the scenic road to Col d’Olivier
🇫🇷 France
# Col d'Olivier: A Scenic Alpine Gem Head to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in southeastern France, where you'll find the charming Col d'Olivier sitting pretty at 711m (2,332ft). This mountain pass is tucked away in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, nestled within the stunning Verdon Natural Regional Park and just a hop away from the Var department. The real treat? This 19.3km (12-mile) drive along the fully paved D952 is your golden ticket to the legendary Gorges du Verdon. It's one seriously gorgeous route that deserves your full attention—seriously, bring a good camera. The scenery is the kind that makes you pull over constantly (and you'll want to), so pace yourself and soak it all in. Running from the charming town of La Palud-sur-Verdon to the enchanting Moustiers-Sainte-Marie—officially one of France's most beautiful villages—this pass is open year-round, making it accessible whenever wanderlust strikes. Just a heads-up: weekends and peak holiday seasons get crowded, so keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic and drive defensively. Whether you're chasing mountain scenery or dreaming of postcard-perfect villages, this alpine route delivers on all fronts.
moderateThe Unpaved Camino de los Franceses to Collado de Carihuela in Granada
🇪🇸 Spain
# Collado de Carihuela: Spain's Alpine Adventure Looking for one of Europe's most breathtaking mountain passes? Meet Collado de Carihuela, sitting pretty at 3,209m (10,528ft) in Granada's Sierra Nevada mountains. This isn't just any high-altitude route—it's one of the highest roads you can find in Europe, and it's absolutely spectacular. Nestled in Andalusia in southern Spain, this pass has some seriously cool features at the summit. You'll find the Refugio Vivac de la Carihuela mountain refuge and a charming little chapel, the Ermita de la Virgen de las Nieves, offering both shelter and spiritual vibes high up in the peaks. The route itself—known as Camino de los Franceses or Camino del Mulhacén—stretches for 31km (19 miles) between the Veleta peak and the quaint town of Capileira. Here's the thing though: it's completely unpaved, which means it's impassable during winter months when the snow rolls in. The drive rewards you with stunning alpine lakes scattered along the way. Fair warning: to preserve the national park's pristine wilderness, this road is off-limits to motor vehicles. Only cyclists and hikers are welcome here, making it perfect for those seeking a genuine mountain experience away from the roar of engines. The raw, untamed beauty of the Sierra Nevada awaits.
moderateWhere is La Caldera Refuge?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, so you're in Granada, Spain and itching for an adventure, right? Then listen up! You NEED to experience the Camino de los Franceses (or Camino del Mulhacén if you're feeling fancy). This trail winds its way up, up, UP to the Refugio Vivac de la Caldera, perched at a whopping 3,053m (that's over 10,000 feet!). We're talking serious altitude here, making it one of the highest routes in Europe. Starting near Capileira, this 31km (19-mile) path throws you right into the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains. But here's the thing: it's completely unpaved. Think rugged, natural beauty, and incredible views. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for stunning alpine lakes along the way! Be warned though, this trek is impassable in winter. This road is closed to motor vehicles, but is a great hike! The refuge itself sits beside a crater lake in a stark, breathtaking landscape. It's a bit eerie, but totally unforgettable.