Collado de la Quesera
Spain, europe
14 km
1,745 m
hard
Year-round
# Collado de la Quesera
Perched at 1,745 meters (5,725 feet) above sea level, Collado de la Quesera is a stunning mountain pass tucked away in Guadalajara province, in the heart of Spain's Castile-La Mancha region.
The road up here is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—this is no leisurely cruise. The climb packs some serious punch, with grades hitting up to 12.3% in places. The pass has even earned its stripes as a stage in Spain's legendary Vuelta a España cycling race.
Coming up from Riaza? Buckle up for a 14-km push that'll gain you 542 meters of elevation, averaging out to a steady 3.9% grade. If you're approaching from Majaelrayo instead, you're looking at a shorter but steeper 10-km haul with 509 meters of elevation gain—that's a more intense 5.1% average.
Either way, you're in for a spectacular drive through the breathtaking Hoces de Bejo landscape. It's the kind of mountain pass that keeps you engaged behind the wheel and gives you seriously rewarding views once you reach the top.
Where is it?
Collado de la Quesera is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.4066, -2.9719
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,745 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.4066, -2.9719
Related Roads in europe
hardIs Road F735 (Þjófadalavegur) unpaved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, buckle up for the F735, aka Þjófadalavegur, in Iceland's Northwestern Region! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious 4x4 territory, the kind where you need some major fording chops. Forget about cell service or finding a gas station; you're on your own out here. Is it unpaved? Oh yeah, and rough! This road demands a full-size 4x4 with high clearance. Don't even THINK about attempting this in a small car – it's seriously risky. Think long, arduous, rocky, and barren interior landscapes. The track throws everything at you: stony slopes, broken sections, and massive rocks. The F735 stretches from the blissful Hveravellir thermal pool, to the majestic Strútur mountain. You’re in for incredible scenery, lakes, and mountain vistas that will make your jaw drop. Hveravellir also offers facilities like camping and accommodation. Heads up, this road is high! It climbs to one of the highest elevations in Iceland, which means it's only open from late June to early September. River crossings? You bet! There's at least one major crossing. It's usually shallow, but with a strong current. You need to be confident and know what you're doing. Never attempt it alone or after heavy rain when the water level is high. Only well-equipped jeeps should even consider it. Always scout the crossing before committing. And a word to the wise: driving at night is particularly dangerous here. Oh, and rental car insurance doesn't cover water damage, so that river crossing is ALL on you!
moderateMonte Tomba
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Tomba: A High-Alpine Adventure in Veneto Looking for an off-the-beaten-path mountain experience? Monte Tomba delivers. This stunning pass sits at 1,799 meters (5,902 feet) in Verona Province in Italy's Veneto region, offering serious altitude and seriously cool vibes. The route up is all gravel via Strada Provinciale 14—think rough, loose surfaces with the occasional washout to keep things interesting. Fair warning: skip this one after rain or snow unless you're driving a tank. Mother Nature wins those battles. Once you crest the summit, you'll find a hotel and communication tower waiting. Perfect spot for a breather, some food, and incredible views over the surrounding peaks. The whole experience has that authentic, rugged mountain-pass feel that makes for great stories (and even better photos). If you're game for ridge-road driving through some spectacular alpine scenery, Monte Tomba absolutely belongs on your bucket list.
moderateİkizkaya Tepesi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Artvin Province in Turkey's Black Sea region and you've got a serious craving for off-the-beaten-path thrills, you HAVE to check out İkizkaya Tepesi. We're talking a mountain pass that tops out at a whopping 2,726 meters (that's 8,943 feet!). This isn't your average cruise. The road is gravel, rocky, and bumpy, and you'll be navigating some seriously exposed drop-offs. Translation? You need a 4x4 and your A-game. Fair warning: this beast is usually snowed in from October through June, so plan your trip accordingly. But trust me, if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely worth it. Just keep your eyes on the road…and maybe don't look down!
hardWhere is Mount Perelik?
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a gem for you: Golyam Perelik, a 2,180m (7,152ft) peak tucked away in Bulgaria's Smolyan Province, close to the Greek border. Getting there is half the fun. The road is mostly paved up to the Perelik hut, but hold on tight for the final stretch – it's a narrow, unpaved thrill ride that screams for a 4x4. Trust me, the views are worth it! On a clear day, you'll be treated to sights of Rozhen, Rila, Pirin, the Stara Planina mountain, Mount Olympus in Greece, and even the Aegean Sea. The climb starts from Route 866 and stretches for about 10 km (6 miles), gaining almost 500 meters in elevation, so be prepared for some steep sections. The best time to tackle this beauty is during the summer. Just a heads up: there's a military base at the very top that's off-limits. But hey, the journey and the panoramic views are the real prize!