A wild steep road to Alto de Hazallanas in Andalusia

A wild steep road to Alto de Hazallanas in Andalusia

Spain, europe

Length

16.3 km

Elevation

1,679 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Alto de Hazallanas: Spain's Steep Alpine Challenge

Tucked away in Granada's stunning Sierra Nevada National Park, Alto de Hazallanas sits pretty at 1,679 meters (5,508 feet), and getting there is definitely not for the faint of heart. The climb from Pinos Geril–Güéjar Sierra stretches a solid 16.3 km with a relentless 890-meter elevation gain, averaging out to a 5.4% gradient that doesn't sound too bad until you hit those crazy hairpins.

Here's where it gets interesting: those tight switchbacks regularly hit 20% gradients or steeper, and you'll be grinding through double-digit percentages for what feels like forever. The good news? All three routes up—the GR-3200, A-395, and A-4025—are beautifully paved and well-maintained. Traffic is refreshingly light, so you won't be battling other drivers while you're battling the climb.

The pass has earned serious cycling credibility too, having featured in Spain's prestigious Vuelta a España race. If you're tackling this from behind the wheel, expect a proper challenge with sweeping mountain vistas and that incredible sense of accomplishment when you finally summit. Just take it steady on those hairpins—the views are worth savoring anyway.

Where is it?

A wild steep road to Alto de Hazallanas in Andalusia is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 38.8358, -2.8400

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
16.3 km
Max Elevation
1,679 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
38.8358, -2.8400

Related Roads in europe

Why is Desfiladero de La Hermida famous?moderate

Why is Desfiladero de La Hermida famous?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the N-621, the road that slices right through the Desfiladero de La Hermida gorge in northern Spain. We're talking Cantabria and Asturias, stunning north coast scenery! This isn't just any drive; it's a 27.7 km (17.21 miles) rollercoaster of a road that winds its way from Potes (Cantabria) to Panes (Asturias). Think about dramatic vertical walls, a valley carved by the Deva River, and roughly 175 turns. Yeah, buckle up if you get carsick easily! Back in the day, before cars were even a thing, this gorge was THE route for moving wood and food. The first proper road popped up in 1863, thanks to some investment to help with mineral transport. Don't forget to schedule in a pit stop at Nuestra Señora de Lebeña to check out the Mozarabic church. And Potes? A charming village nestled against the backdrop of seriously jagged mountains. This drive is all about the views!

Reajo Caponhard

Reajo Capon

🇪🇸 Spain

# Reajo Capon: Madrid's Wild Mountain Adventure Tucked away in central Spain's Madrid region, Reajo Capon rises to a dramatic 2,088 meters (6,850 feet) above sea level. And getting to the top? Well, it's not your typical Sunday drive. The road up is pure adventure—gravel, rocky, and delightfully bumpy. If you're prone to vertigo or nervous about the possibility of landslides, you'll probably want to skip this one. The narrow path doesn't offer much wiggle room, and Mother Nature can shut things down without warning. Plan your visit for late spring through early fall; from November through March, snow and ice typically make the route impassable. Honestly, this road demands respect. Tackle it in wet conditions or after dark and you're asking for trouble—do both simultaneously and you're in for a real challenge. There's virtually no margin for mistakes, and you'll definitely want a 4x4 vehicle under you. But if you're up for the challenge and conditions cooperate, the reward is an unforgettable high-altitude driving experience in the heart of Spain.

Where are the Gorges de Chouvigny?moderate

Where are the Gorges de Chouvigny?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through central France in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. You stumble upon this incredible canyon called Gorges de Chouvigny, right on the border of the Allier and Puy-de-Dôme departments. The road through it, the D915, is only about 7.5 km (4.66 miles) long, stretching from Le Pont de Menat to Chouvigny. The whole thing is carved out by the La Sioule river, and it's seriously scenic! Now, fair warning, the road is paved, but it gets pretty narrow and twisty in sections. Plus, there are some unlit tunnels to navigate, and for stretches, it's a single-track hugging the mountainside, so passing isn't an option. Basically, keep your eyes on the road and enjoy the stunning views.

Driving the stunning C-462 road to Coll de Portmoderate

Driving the stunning C-462 road to Coll de Port

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, buckle up for the Coll de Port, a seriously gorgeous mountain pass nestled in the Solsonès comarca of Catalonia, Spain! This beauty climbs to a lofty 1,671 meters (5,482 feet) up the southern face of the Pyrenees' Serra del Cadí range, specifically in the lovely Lord valley. The C-462, as it's known, is a fully paved ribbon of road stretching 27.3 kilometers (almost 17 miles) between Sant Llorenç de Morunys and Tuixent. Word on the street is this is one of the most scenic drives you can find in northern Catalonia, and honestly, they're not wrong. Expect some solitude out there — this road isn't exactly bustling. Keep an eye out for some steep sections; you'll hit gradients of up to 12% in places! The pass is generally open year-round, but be aware that winter weather can occasionally shut things down. And the best part? There's a bar/restaurant waiting for you at the summit, perfect for soaking in the views after that climb!