Alto de Barajas

Alto de Barajas

Spain, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,764 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Alto de Barajas

Nestled in the heart of Ávila province in Castile and León, Spain, Alto de Barajas is a serious mountain pass sitting at 1,764 meters (5,787 feet) above sea level. If you're after some real elevation gain and dramatic scenery, this is it.

The AV-510 road to the summit is an adventure in itself—and we mean that both ways. It's paved, but fair warning: the asphalt's seen better days. You're dealing with a narrow route that doesn't mess around with its gradient either, with some sections hitting a punishing 11.5% incline. This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive.

Come winter, things get properly serious. The high altitude means snow regularly blankets the pass, and the road can shut down completely when conditions turn sketchy. If you're planning to tackle this one, timing is everything—summer visits are definitely your safest bet.

It's a true test of nerve and driving skill, but for those willing to brave it, the rewarding mountain scenery and sense of accomplishment make it absolutely worthwhile.

Where is it?

Alto de Barajas is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.4976, -3.0925

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
1,764 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
39.4976, -3.0925

Related Roads in europe

Sella Pass is one of the most iconic roads of the Dolomiteshard

Sella Pass is one of the most iconic roads of the Dolomites

🇮🇹 Italy

# Passo Sella: A Dolomite Adventure If you're after seriously stunning mountain driving, Passo Sella deserves a spot on your bucket list. This iconic Alpine pass sits at 2,246m (7,368ft) in Italy's gorgeous Dolomites, straddling the border between Trento and Bolzano provinces. It's the perfect connector between Val Gardena in South Tyrol and Canazei in the Fascia Valley, and trust us – the views are absolutely incredible. The 17.4km (10.81 miles) route from Canazei to Plan De Gralba isn't for the faint of heart. This fully paved beauty (officially known as Strada Statale 242) winds through some seriously dramatic hairpin bends with steep drops that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The gradient hits a punchy 12.5% at its steepest points, so bring your driving skills – and maybe some courage. Here's a bit of history: construction kicked off way back in 1843, with the road officially opening in 1856. It's such a legendary route that the Giro d'Italia regularly features it as the race's highest point (Cima Coppi). Yeah, we're talking professional cyclist-level challenging here. The summit rewards you with phenomenal views of the Torri del Sella, Mesules, and the dramatic Sassolungo group (3,181m). The charming villages dotted along the route are worth savoring, and there's a hotel and refreshment options at the top. Fair warning: summer holidays bring absolute chaos, especially mid-August. Coaches roll through constantly with tour groups, so pick your timing wisely. Winter access is generally open year-round, though weather closures do happen. This is mountain driving at its finest – just plan accordingly.

Where is Gorges du Nan?extreme

Where is Gorges du Nan?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, buckle up for the Gorges du Nan! This isn't just a road; it's a cliff-hugging adventure carved into the Isère department of France, nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region south of Grenoble. You'll find yourself on the D22, specifically a 9.1 km (5.65 miles) stretch between Malleval-en-Vercors and Cognin-les-Gorges, winding through the spectacular canyon created by the Le Nant River. Be warned: this road is NARROW. Think single-lane narrow, so passing isn't really an option. It's especially dramatic after the first tunnel coming from Cognin-les-Gorges. There aren't many places to pull over, so it's best to cruise on through to Malleval-en-Vercors for a breather. Seriously, glancing over the edge will give you vertigo – it’s a long way down! Expect a 25-minute journey (without stops) through Vercors National Park. You'll encounter a steep 3-mile descent, a 2.2m width restriction, tunnels bored right into the rock, hairpin turns galore, and plenty of blind curves. What's really cool is the history. This road wasn't some massive construction project. Back in 1880, two villages teamed up to create this unique route to improve access. Plus, the Vercors area played a key role in the French Resistance during WWII, so keep an eye out for memorials along the way.

How to Travel to Mirador César Manriquemoderate

How to Travel to Mirador César Manrique

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: You're on La Gomera, one of the Canary Islands, heading toward the Mirador César Manrique. This viewpoint sits way up high at 705 meters (that's over 2,300 feet!), and the road to get there? Pure magic. We're talking about the GM-1, the main artery connecting the island's capital with the charming northern town of Hermigua. Get ready for a rollercoaster – this road is a serious zig-zag! Every twist and turn unveils a new, jaw-dropping view of the valley below. You'll cruise past dramatic cliffs, through quaint little villages, all with scenery that will leave you breathless. Hugging the west side of the Valle Gran Rey (Valley of the Great King), the road is surprisingly smooth and winds its way through the island's rugged coastline and deep into the mountains. It curves down into the valley, which used to be a super-secret, secluded spot. Trust me, this drive is worth every single hairpin turn!

Where is Verçenik Yaylası?hard

Where is Verçenik Yaylası?

🇹🇷 Turkey

Okay, picture this: Verçenik Yaylası, a seriously high-up plateau clinging to the eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey, right on the border of Rize and Erzurum. Getting here? It's an adventure, to say the least. We're talking a completely unpaved road that hugs the riverbank – super rocky and rough. Seriously, you NEED a 4x4 with good clearance. The climb to the top starts near Yaylalar Köyü and it's a hefty 22km to the summit. You'll be gaining a massive 1,582 meters in elevation, so buckle up for a pretty steep average gradient of 7.2%. Some say it’s a tough ride, but totally doable if you take it slow and watch out for those rocks. And here's the thing: the difficulty of getting here is part of the magic. Keep in mind there aren't any shops on the plateau. A handful of locals and workers call this place home, so bring your own food and drinks. While not every car can make it up here, the reward is one of the highest and most breathtaking plateaus you'll ever see. For a similar experience, check out Koycegiz Gecidi in Erzurum!