Can you drive to Alto de l’Angliru?
Spain, europe
8.5 km
1,558 m
hard
Year-round
Nestled in Asturias, Spain, Alto de l’Angliru (aka Gramonal) is a beast of a climb reaching 1,558m (5,111ft). We're talking about one of *the* most epic cycling climbs you'll ever encounter, a paved ribbon winding its way up what was once a simple cattle track.
Starting from the RI-5 north of Porció, it's a mere 8.5km (5.28 miles) to the top, but don't let the distance fool you. Traffic is light, especially during the week.
Prepare for some serious leg-burning because this road is STEEP! We're talking an average gradient of 10.68%, but it punches you in the gut with a max gradient of 23.5% in spots. You'll gain 908 meters in elevation, and trust me, you'll feel every single one of them.
It's one of the most infamous climbs in professional cycling, known for its relentless nature. Forget about catching your breath – aside from a tiny dip early on, it's a constant uphill battle, including a brutal 21% stretch right after the slight downhill!
L'Angliru isn't just steep; it's savage. It throws punch after punch with those insane 21%+ slopes, culminating in a wall-like 23.5% ramp just a couple of kilometers from the summit. And to add to the fun, expect frequent rain and fog making conditions extra spicy!
Keep in mind, this road is up in Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park, which means winter closures are common due to snow. Even in summer, fog and rain are regular visitors.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,558 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateA road with very nice scenery to Col des Aravis
🇫🇷 France
Col des Aravis is this stunning mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,487m (4,879ft) in the French Alps, right where Haute-Savoie and Savoie departments meet. You'll find it in the southeastern Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and it's part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes—basically a dream drive for any road-tripper. The 19.2 km (11.93 miles) journey on the D909 (Route du Col des Aravis) takes you from the village of Flumet in the southeast to the charming resort town of La Clusaz in the northwest. The entire route is fully paved, but don't be fooled—this isn't a straightforward cruise. You'll tackle plenty of hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections that max out at 10% gradient. It's the lowest pass in the Aravis range, which hasn't stopped it from becoming a favorite challenge in the Tour de France over the years. Here's the real magic though: as you climb from La Clusaz, Mont-Blanc gradually reveals itself, emerging majestically from the surrounding peaks like something out of a postcard. When you finally reach the summit, you're greeted by a charming 17th-century chapel dedicated to St. Anne—built way back in 1624 to watch over weary travelers just like you. Fair warning if you're tackling this in July or August: the heat can be intense, and you'll share the road with plenty of other drivers doing the same climb. But trust us, the views are absolutely worth it.
hardHow to get to Peter-Anich-Hutte in Tyrol?
🇦🇹 Austria
# Peter-Anich-Hütte: A Wild Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Austria's stunning Tyrol region, the Peter-Anich-Hütte sits pretty at 1,909m (6,259ft) in the Innsbruck-Land district, just southwest of the city itself. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—we're talking serious mountain terrain here. The journey to this historic refuge (built back in 1884/85 and named after the legendary Tyrolean cartographer Peter Anich) is pure adrenaline. Starting from Rietz, you're looking at a 9.1 km (5.7 mi) climb with punishing grades that average 14.1% and hit a bone-jarring 30% at their steepest. Yeah, you read that right—you'll definitely need a proper 4x4 to handle this beast. The road itself is mostly unpaved, which adds another layer of challenge to the whole experience. It's a private service road with vehicle restrictions, so you won't find crowds here. The hut sits dramatically on the northern edge of the Stubai Alps, making it a summer-only destination when conditions allow. If you're craving a genuine alpine challenge with breathtaking scenery and serious elevation gains, this is the kind of road that separates the casual drivers from the real adventurers.
hardHow long is Grimsel Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Switzerland, and you stumble upon Grimsel Pass. This beauty straddles the border between Bern and Valais, clocking in at 23 miles of pure driving bliss. Starting in Gletsch and winding up to Meiringen, this fully paved route is called Grimselstrasse and it connects the Hasli Valley with the Goms district. Historically, this pass has been a hotspot since Roman times, acting as a key trade route. The official road we know today was carved out in 1895. Now, heads up! This high-altitude pass (we're talking 7,100 feet!) is typically snowed in from November to late May/early June. And even when it's open, expect cool to cold temps and potential snow, even in summer. While it's not crazy dangerous, Grimsel Pass is a five-star driving experience. The final push to the summit boasts incredible switchbacks and views. The descent is a bit tighter, demanding your full attention with its narrower road and blind corners. Keep an eye out for traffic! And if you're feeling adventurous, the old road bypasses two tunnels and the old cliff road bypasses three more. But trust me, it’s all worth it. This road is an absolute stunner, meandering past sparkling reservoir lakes with breathtaking views. You'll drive through areas of slate, gneiss, and granite, surrounded by lush vegetation. The climb? Intense! Expect steep sections with gradients hitting 12%. It's a relentless climb, with uneven grading. Finally, treat yourself to a stop at the cozy cafe at the summit. You deserve it!
hardHere's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Refuge de Moede Anterne
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're heading to Refuge de Moëde Anterne, perched way up in the Fiz Mountains in the French Alps? Get ready for an adventure! This mountain refuge sits at almost 6,600 feet, and getting there is half the fun. The road? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps. You'll definitely want some experience tackling unpaved mountain roads before attempting this one. It's pretty steep in sections, and if it's been raining, expect some seriously muddy conditions. Definitely not a place to be if you're afraid of heights. On the bright side, the views are incredible! Plus, this area has some cool history – it was actually used as a hideout by French Resistance fighters during World War II. Just a heads up, this road is usually closed during the winter months.