Cap de Vaques: a dirt trail to the summit

Cap de Vaques: a dirt trail to the summit

Spain, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,312 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright adventure-seekers, let's talk Cap de Vaques! Perched way up high in the Spanish Pyrenees, this peak hits an elevation of 2,312 meters (that's 7,585 feet!). You'll find it smack-dab in the Vall de Boí in Catalonia, surrounded by insane natural beauty. Think rugged mountains and crisp, clean air.

This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The road – more like a dirt track leading to a chairlift at the Boi-Taüll ski resort – is unpaved and seriously steep in places (we're talking gradients up to 25%!). Plus, it can get pretty narrow. High-clearance 4x4 is a must. Trust me, you don't want to get stuck.

But the views from the top? Totally worth it! And because it's inside the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici Natural Park, you know the scenery is going to be epic. Just a heads up: this road is mostly a summer thing. Snow often hangs around until late spring, so plan accordingly.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,312 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

23 hairpin turns on the road from Paos to Kontovazainaextreme

23 hairpin turns on the road from Paos to Kontovazaina

🇬🇷 Greece

Tucked away in Arcadia in the heart of Greece's Peloponnese, the road from Paos to Kontovazaina is an absolute adrenaline rush—and not for the faint of heart. This 13.1 km stretch is a wild, twisting mountain adventure that'll test your driving skills like nothing else. Expect hairpin turns galore (we're talking 23 of them!) with some sections climbing at a brutal 12% gradient. The road tops out at 1,157 meters on the Afrodisia Mountain, offering incredible views if you can take your eyes off the road for a second. The pavement is there, sure, but it's seen better days—puddles and the occasional pothole keep things interesting. Here's the real kicker: the road gets seriously narrow in spots, making you feel like you're going twice as fast as you actually are. When you meet another car coming the opposite direction, one of you has to pull over and wait. There are no safety barriers on those cliff-edge sections, so this isn't the route for casual Sunday drives or anyone prone to motion sickness. This is pure, unfiltered Greek mountain driving at its finest. Come prepared, take it slow, and respect the road. It's magnificent, but it demands your full attention.

Where is the steepest street in England?moderate

Where is the steepest street in England?

🇬🇧 England

Okay, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for a wild ride through England's most vertical streets! Forget leisurely Sunday drives; we're talking about roads that practically point straight to the sky. Our headliner? Vale Street in Totterdown, Bristol. This beast isn't just the steepest street in England; it's the UK's reigning champ. Prepare for a serious leg-day workout if you're on foot, and maybe give your car a pep talk before you attempt the ascent! But Vale Street isn't alone in its gravity-defying glory. We're showcasing the top five, so get ready for a tour of inclines that'll leave you breathless. Keep in mind, Porlock Hill is the steepest A road in England. And don't forget about Lindisfarne Causeway, the road that disappears twice daily beneath the waves! So, whether you're a thrill-seeking driver or a hiking fanatic, these roads offer stunning views – assuming you can catch your breath long enough to enjoy them!

Cheneilhard

Cheneil

🇮🇹 Italy

# Cheneil: A High-Alpine Italian Adventure Nestled high in the Italian Alps, Cheneil is a charming little village sitting pretty at 2,043 meters (6,702 feet) above sea level in Aosta Valley, northwestern Italy. If you're looking for a genuine mountain escape, this place is calling your name. The drive up to Cheneil is no joke—but in the best way possible. Starting from Valtournenche, you're looking at a 6.6km climb that's going to get your adrenaline pumping. The road is nicely paved, which is great news, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a casual cruise. You'll be tackling an average gradient of 7%, with some gnarly sections hitting up to 9.5%. Your car (and your legs, if you're on two wheels) will definitely feel this one. The route winds up through the stunning Valle d'Aosta landscape, offering those postcard-worthy Alpine views that make the effort worthwhile. Once you reach the top, there's a convenient parking lot where you can finally catch your breath, stretch those driving muscles, and soak in the incredible high-altitude scenery surrounding you. This is the kind of drive that reminds you why mountain roads in Italy are so special—challenging, scenic, and absolutely unforgettable.

Can you drive to Oberalp Pass?moderate

Can you drive to Oberalp Pass?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Alright, road trip enthusiasts, buckle up for the Oberalp Pass! This epic Swiss Alp adventure straddles the line between Graubünden and Uri cantons, topping out at a cool 2,048m (6,719ft). You bet your wheels can handle it! Route 19, the fully paved pathway to the summit (also called Alpsu d'Ursera or Oberalppass if you're feeling fancy), is ready and waiting. Picture this: the road was carved back in 1862/63, making it a true vintage experience. The 32km (almost 20 miles) stretch from Disentis to Andermatt packs a punch, with gradients hitting a maximum of 10% in some spots. This isn't the busiest pass around, so you can enjoy the twists and turns with a bit more breathing room. Heads up though: Mother Nature usually closes the road from late October until late April or even mid-May, so plan your trip accordingly. Oh, and get this – there's a freaking lighthouse at the summit! Yep, a 14-meter beacon standing tall above 2000 meters, twinned with Rotterdam's Hoek van Holland lighthouse. It's there as a symbol of being the source of the Rhine River. While you're up there, take a moment to soak in the views. Just remember Nufenen Pass, is another one of Switzerland's highest paved roads!