
A very bumpy steep road to Alto del Mirlo
Spain, europe
2.26 km
1,767 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've found a real gem hidden away in central Spain. We're talking about Alto del Mirlo, or Alto del Traviés, a peak sitting pretty at 1,767m (5,797ft) in Ávila, Castile and León, practically nudging the Madrid border.
Nestled in the gorgeous Iruelas Valley, within the Sierra de Gredos mountains, this climb is not for the faint of heart. The road? Well, let's just say it's "rustic." Think unpaved, rocky, and definitely a job for your trusty 4x4. But trust me, the reward is worth it.
Reach the top, and BAM! You're hit with mind-blowing 360-degree views. The pass is usually open year-round, though winter weather can sometimes throw a wrench in the plans. The climb itself is a leg-burner, a steep 2.26 km (1.41 mi) ascent with a hefty 298 meters of elevation gain. That's an average gradient of 13.18%, folks! Get ready for a challenge with stunning scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.26 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,767 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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