Carretera de las Presas (Road GC-605) is not for the faint-hearted
Spain, europe
23.3 km
325 m
extreme
Year-round
# The Carretera de las Presas: Gran Canaria's Wild Mountain Ride
Want to experience one of Gran Canaria's most thrilling drives? The GC-605, nicknamed the Carretera de las Presas, winds through the southwestern part of the island with serious mountain road vibes. This 23.3 km beast climbs from the tiny town of Pie de la Cuesta (325m elevation) all the way up to the charming village of Ayacata (1,304m), gaining nearly 1,000 meters of elevation in the process.
Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely Sunday cruise. The road kicks off with an absolutely epic series of hairpin bends that spiral up the west side of the valley, flanked by striking ochre cliffs and massive boulders. By the time you reach the summit, you'll have conquered more than 30 hairpins, with some sections so narrow that two cars genuinely can't pass each other. The maximum slope hits 10%, and while the road is fully paved, the final 8 km can feel like a bit of a lottery—sometimes decent, sometimes rough as hell.
The payoff? Stunning vistas throughout, plus you'll reach the Las Niñas reservoir, one of the island's three biggest dams. There's even a legendary 400-year-old pine tree nearby with a haunting backstory. Nature lovers will appreciate the scenic viewpoints with parking spots scattered along the route.
Just come prepared: this route is notorious for landslides, rockfalls, and sudden fog. Bring layers too—it gets cold and windy up there. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, but if you're after an unforgettable mountain driving experience, this is it.
Where is it?
Carretera de las Presas (Road GC-605) is not for the faint-hearted is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.2081, -3.1438
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 325 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 40.2081, -3.1438
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Sela de Culac?
🇮🇹 Italy
Cruising through South Tyrol? You HAVE to check out Sela de Culac, also known as Sella del Culaç or Kulatsch Satte! This epic mountain pass sits pretty high at 2,020m (6,627ft) in the Dolomites, west of , in Val Gardena. The road itself? Totally paved – it's part of Strada Statale 243 (SS243). Get ready for some seriously steep climbs, though, with gradients hitting a punchy 11% in places! This beauty was first carved out during World War I, and got its full road treatment in 1960. Keep an eye out for cyclists – especially since this route's been featured in the legendary Giro d’Italia. The pass stretches for 15 km (9.32 miles) from Plan De Gralba to Colfosco. Heads up: there are rock slide areas, and it gets bustling with tourists, bikers, and cyclists in the summer months. But is it worth the hype? Absolutely! The views are insane, with the mighty Sasslong / Sassolungo looming in the background. Seriously, you're talking postcard-perfect Dolomite Alps scenery. At the top, you'll find Hotel Chalet Gerard, plus a parking spot to soak it all in. Trust me, this drive is unforgettable.
hardA memorable road trip to Pereval Balyk
🌍 Russia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a wild off-road experience in the Russian Caucasus, Pereval Balyk is calling your name. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive – we're talking a rugged, unpaved track climbing to a whopping 3,525 meters (11,564 feet)! Tucked inside Prielbrusye National Park, this baby is strictly 4x4 territory. For 11.5 km, you'll be hugging the edge of the Kyrtyk River gorge, with some seriously steep sections averaging over 10% (and maxing out at a lung-busting 16.4%). But the views? Totally worth it. To the east, you'll be gawking at the dramatic Kyrtyk River gorge. Look west, and you might catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing Dzhikiugankez glacier clinging to Mount Elbrus. This road is a gateway to some seriously stunning scenery. Just remember, this climb is tough – so pack your grit and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
hardDriving the Challenging Road F224 in the South of Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Highlands of Iceland, specifically Landmannalaugar, you're gonna encounter the F224 (Landmannalaugavegur). This baby is a short but mighty mountain road leading to the iconic mountain hut nestled in the valley. Forget your rental sedan – you absolutely NEED a high-clearance 4x4 and some serious driving chops for this one. We're talking about a completely unpaved track with massive, immovable rocks playing the part of a "road surface." Expect deep potholes, crazy ruts, and boulders galore. Seriously, don't even THINK about attempting this in a regular car unless you want a rescue mission in your future. This 2.4 km (1.5 miles) stretch connects the F208 at Sólvangur to the Landmannalaugar parking lot. Your reward? A gateway to the famous hut and a natural hot spring bubbling at a perfect 37-39°C. Plus, during peak season, you can snag a coffee and basic supplies at the small shop. Oh, and did I mention the unbelievably breathtaking landscapes? Keep in mind this road is only open during the summer months, usually from late June to early September, thanks to the Icelandic weather. Now, for the kicker: this route includes crossing a double fjord *and* some pretty significant rivers. I can't stress this enough – do NOT attempt these crossings solo or during heavy rainfall. Rising water levels from rain or warmer temps can turn these fords into serious trouble. Only well-equipped jeeps and larger vehicles should even consider it, and smaller jeeps? Forget about it. And if you do get stuck, call 112. Always check the river depth before you go for it – water levels can change *fast*. While the scenery is stunning during the day, this road can be dicey at night. And one last thing: rental car insurance typically doesn't cover water damage, so that river crossing is all on you.
extremeHow do the traffic lights work at Passo Stalle?
🇮🇹 Italy
Staller Saddle, or Passo Stalle, is a seriously cool international pass sitting way up at 2,061m (6,761ft), right on the border between Austria and Italy. It's your ticket between the Defereggen Valley in Austria's East Tyrol and the Valle di Anterselva in Italy's South Tyrol, carving through the stunning High Tauern range. This road is paved and signed, but hold on tight! The Italian side gets super narrow, making it one of the Alps' most challenging drives. It's so tight that they use a synchronized one-way system with traffic lights to keep things flowing. Think of it like this: from the Austrian side, you get the green light for the first 15 minutes of every hour. Coming from the Italian side? Your green window is from the 30th to the 45th minute. Overtaking? Forget about it! And running a red light? Seriously dangerous. The Italian side, aka SP44, is where things get wild. Crazy narrow, blind corners everywhere, and some seriously steep sections. Big rigs, buses, and caravans are a no-go. Some spots are so tight, even squeezing past a cyclist can be tricky. This stretch is only open from May to October, and even then, just between 5:30 AM and 10:15 PM. The Austrian side (L25) is generally wider and a bit less steep. But don't get too comfy! After Erlsbach (1,549m), the road kicks up with some consistent inclines. Pro tip: gas is usually way cheaper in Austria, so fill up in St. Jakob in Defereggen before you cross into Italy! Is it dangerous? The road itself is in good shape, but the real danger is the lack of space and that tight timing. Waiting 45 minutes for a green light can tempt some drivers to take risks, but those blind corners on the Italian side leave zero room for error. Heavy rain or landslides can also shut things down, even in summer.