
Collado Chaquetas, a chillout road in high mountains
Spain, europe
N/A
1,801 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Andalucia, Spain, in Granada province, ready to tackle the epic Collado Chaquetas pass! This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking serious elevation here, topping out at 1,801 meters (5,908 feet)!
Tucked away in the stunning Sierra Nevada National Park, this unpaved road is best saved for late spring through early fall. Trust me, you don't want to mess with mountain roads and snowdrifts unless you're properly equipped. Speaking of which, an SUV or all-road vehicle is your best bet for conquering this beast.
The views are absolutely insane – get ready for panoramic shots of the snow-capped peaks of Mulhacén and Veleta. Seriously, your Instagram will thank you. Just a heads-up: stick to daytime driving, as night trips aren't recommended. And be prepared for some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 15% in places!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,801 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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