
Coll de Mola
Spain, europe
30 km
1,821 m
moderate
Year-round
Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Coll de Mola, a hidden gem nestled in the Catalan Pyrenees of Spain. This beauty sits at a cool 1,821 meters (that's almost 6,000 feet!) in the Berguedà region.
You'll find it on the southern side of the majestic Cadí mountains. Now, the road up isn't your typical smooth highway – it's a well-maintained, shall we say, "rustic" track known as GR-150. Keep your speed in check – 30km/h is the limit. It's generally open year-round, but be prepared for potential short closures in winter if the weather gets wild.
This pass is your scenic connector between the charming villages of Gósol (accessible via the B-400) and Tuixent (linked by the C-462). And the views? Unreal! Prepare to be wowed by the iconic Pedraforca mountain dominating the landscape throughout your entire drive. Trust me; this one's a feast for the eyes!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,821 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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