A paved road to Collado de Llesba with terrific views of Picos de Europa
Spain, europe
1.8 km
1,682 m
moderate
Year-round
# Collado de Llesba: Spain's Scenic Mountain Gem
Tucked away in western Cantabria near the Castile and León border, Collado de Llesba sits at a respectable 1,682m (5,518ft) and punches way above its weight when it comes to views. This high mountain pass is your gateway to one of Spain's most spectacular natural viewpoints—the Mirador del Oso—right within the stunning Picos de Europa range.
The drive up is refreshingly short. Starting from Puerto de San Glorio, it's just 1.8 km (1.11 miles) of paved road with a gentle 3.94% average gradient and only 71 meters of elevation gain. That said, don't let the mellow stats fool you—the road is genuinely narrow and demands respect. It's mostly smooth asphalt (with concrete at the start), but here's the kicker: there are no guardrails, and the drop-off to your right is seriously substantial. You'll want to take this stretch slowly and stay focused.
Once you crest the summit, the payoff is absolutely worth it. The panoramic views of the Picos de Europa from this vantage point are nothing short of extraordinary. There's even a charming bear statue—the Monumento al Oso Pardo—that's become a favorite photo spot for visitors, plus a small parking area to set up base. If you're feeling adventurous, several hiking and mountaineering trails launch from here, including the rewarding ascent to Coriscao peak (2,234m), which offers even more jaw-dropping views across the wider Cantabrian mountain systems stretching into Asturias, León, and Palencia. It's compact, it's accessible, and it's absolutely unmissable.
Where is it?
A paved road to Collado de Llesba with terrific views of Picos de Europa is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.8116, -3.1001
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,682 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.8116, -3.1001
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Trebević Mountain?
🌍 Bosnia
Okay, so you're heading to Bosnia and Herzegovina? You HAVE to check out Trebević Mountain! This peak, sitting pretty at 1,232 meters (that's over 4,000 feet!), is just south of Sarajevo, offering insane views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Once you reach the top, you'll find a parking lot and some communications towers. It's a local hotspot for a good reason! Just a heads up, this area was unfortunately used as a sniper and mortar position during the war in the 90s, a sobering part of its history. The road up? It's a mix of paved and unpaved sections, adding a little adventure to the trip. Starting from the R446a Road, the final stretch to the summit is only about 2.25 km (a little over a mile). Get ready for some truly breathtaking scenery!
moderateIs CV800 Road to Port de la Carrasqueta paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the CV800 in sunny southeastern Spain, and life is good. This beauty, also called Carretera de la Carrasqueta, winds its way through the Sierra de la Carrasqueta range, and yes, it's paved the whole way. Clocking in at about 36 kilometers (22 miles), it's best tackled from south to north, starting near Sant Joan d'Alacant (off the N-332) and eventually hooking up with the A7 near La Sarga. Get ready for some climbs, though! You'll hit gradients of over 8%, so keep your engine humming. You can usually drive it any time of year, but watch out for snow and fog in the winter. The road peaks at the Port de la Carrasqueta, a cool 1,023 meters (3,356 feet) above sea level. The views from up there? Totally worth it, with panoramic vistas of the l’Alacantí valley. And pro tip: make a pit stop at Venta Teresa – you'll thank me for the refreshments and even more amazing scenery!
moderateCrossing the hair-raising Nadym River Bridge in Siberia
🌍 Russia
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the heart of Siberia, right on the Arctic Circle. You're about to cross the Nadym River, but forget your average bridge! This is a pontoon bridge, and "rickety" is an understatement. We're talking about a bridge that's only open in the summer because the river's frozen solid for half the year. Now, I'm not gonna lie, this thing can be a bit of a nail-biter. Parts of it are submerged in over a foot of water! It's definitely not for the faint of heart, but the views? Totally worth it. Think wide-open Siberian wilderness, crystal-clear arctic air, and a serious sense of adventure. Word on the street is they're working on a more permanent solution, but for now, this insane bridge is the only way across. Get ready for a wild ride!
hardWhere are Gorges du Bachelard?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in France, and BAM! You stumble upon the Gorges du Bachelard. This isn't just a road; it's an experience. We're talking a 40km (25-mile) ribbon of asphalt – the D902 – carved into a narrow, rocky canyon. Think dramatic waterfalls cascading down beside you, picturesque stone bridges arching overhead, and cliffs that'll make you crane your neck in awe. This "balcony road" snakes its way from Uvernet-Fours to Entraunes, nestled within the Mercantour National Park. Built way back in 1913, it's still got that adventurous vibe with a few rough, gravelly patches thrown in for good measure. Be warned: it's steep and narrow in spots, so keep your eyes peeled for cyclists and the odd motorcycle. This isn't truck territory, thankfully. While pulling over can be tricky, hang in there – the scenery mellows out near Fours Saint Laurent as the valley opens up. Trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment!