
Canencia Pass, a paved mountain road in Madrid
Spain, europe
17.1 km
1,511 m
moderate
Year-round
# Puerto de Canencia
Tucked away in the northern reaches of Madrid's mountains, Puerto de Canencia sits pretty at 1,511 meters (4,957 feet) above sea level. This is where the magic happens if you're after some serious elevation gains in central Spain.
The road up? That's the M-629, a beautifully winding paved route that's been around since the mid-20th century (built between 1941 and 1954, if you're keeping track). Fair warning: weekends get crowded here, so plan accordingly. You're looking at 17.1 km of pure Sierra de Guadarrama scenery.
Here's what to expect: some genuinely steep sections that'll test your nerve, with maximum grades hitting 10%. But don't worry—you've got options for your ascent. Coming from Canencia? That's the shorter climb at 8.9 km, gaining 367 meters at a mellow 4.12% average grade. Prefer starting from Miraflores de la Sierra? Go for the 7.8 km route instead, which climbs 368 meters at a slightly spicier 4.71% average gradient.
Either way, you're in for a scenic mountain adventure that'll make for some incredible road trip memories.
Where is it?
Canencia Pass, a paved mountain road in Madrid is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.0328, -2.2884
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,511 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.0328, -2.2884
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