Collado del Alamo, a gravel track with magnificent views

Collado del Alamo, a gravel track with magnificent views

Spain, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,729 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Hey adventurers! Ever heard of Collado del Alamo? It's a mountain pass nestled high in the Sierra Nevada National Park, in Granada, Andalucia, Spain. We're talking serious altitude here—5,672 feet (1,729m) above sea level!

The road? Think rugged and unpaved. You'll definitely want an SUV or all-road vehicle to tackle this one. Best time to go is late spring through early fall, because those mountain roads can get pretty snowy.

And the views? Unreal! You'll be gazing at the snow-capped peaks of Mulhacén and Veleta. Trust me, you'll want to soak it all in during daylight hours. This isn't a road you want to try navigating at night. It’s super steep in sections, hitting gradients of up to 15%. Get ready for an epic climb!

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Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
1,729 m
Difficulty
hard

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