
Collado Ordes
Spain, europe
4.8 km
1,147 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a wild ride in northern Spain, Collado Ordes in the Picos de Europa is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking a seriously steep climb up to 1,147 meters!
Starting near Ceneya, the road throws you straight into a 4.8 km ascent with a crazy average gradient of 14.64%. And hold on tight, because you'll be navigating 31 hairpin turns as you gain 703 meters in elevation. Parts of this road are unpaved, with some concrete sections thrown in to help with traction on the really steep bits. Expect stunning views of the Sierra de Amieva range, but keep your eyes on the road — this is one thrilling ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,147 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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