Colláu del Muru

Colláu del Muru

Spain, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,638 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you find yourself in northern Spain, specifically the southern part of Asturias within the stunning Somiedo Natural Park, you HAVE to check out Colláu del Muru. This mountain pass climbs to a hefty 1,638 meters (that's 5,374 feet!).

Now, a word of warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is gravel, rocky, and can get pretty gnarly in spots. We're talking high-clearance 4WD territory, folks! The weather in the Cantabrian Mountains is no joke either; it can change on a dime. While the pass is usually open year-round, winter can bring closures, so always check conditions beforehand. Seriously.

But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Think dramatic landscapes and raw, untouched beauty. If you're a nature lover, this is your paradise. Just take it slow, be prepared, and get ready to be blown away!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
1,638 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Tête de Veret: Driving the Inhuman Unpaved 21% Ramps of the Grand Massifextreme

Tête de Veret: Driving the Inhuman Unpaved 21% Ramps of the Grand Massif

🇫🇷 France

# Tête de Veret: A Legendary Alpine Challenge Perched at 2,309 meters (7,575 feet) in the Haute-Savoie region of southeastern France, Tête de Veret sits high above the iconic Flaine ski resort—you know, that place famous for its quirky Bauhaus concrete buildings and Picasso sculptures. But skip the resort crowds, because the real adventure lies on the gnarly network of unpaved service roads hidden above it. The main track to the summit stretches 5.7 kilometers (3.54 miles) of pure technical mayhem. This isn't a casual drive—we're talking an incredibly steep, rocky ascent that demands serious four-wheel drive and maximum ground clearance. While the overall climb is relentless, certain sections ramp up to a jaw-dropping 21% gradient. Throw in constant high winds battering the exposed mountainside, and you've got yourself one seriously challenging alpine experience. Here's the catch: the road sits locked behind gates most of the year. Private vehicle access is restricted unless you've got special permission, and even then, conditions are brutal. The window of opportunity? Roughly June through September, weather permitting. But don't get too excited—heavy mist frequently rolls in, dropping visibility to dangerous levels even during peak season. Winter? Forget about it. From October through May, snow and ice make the whole thing completely impassable. Still, this rough-and-tumble 4x4 track serves as the lifeline connecting several major peaks across the Grand Massif area, making it a legendary route among serious off-road adventurers willing to tackle the elements.

Where is Monte Specie?moderate

Where is Monte Specie?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you're in the Italian Dolomites, specifically in South Tyrol, heading towards Monte Specie—or Strudelkopf, as the locals call it. This peak sits pretty at 2,308m (that's 7,572ft!). You'll find it nestled in the Braies Valley, right in the heart of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. Heads up: the road to the top is all gravel. It's a 5km (3.1 mile) climb from Parkplatz Plätzwiese, gaining 334 meters along the way, so expect an average gradient of about 6.7%. Private cars aren't allowed, adding to the off-the-beaten-path feel. But here's the cool part: this isn't just any road. It's an old military road from World War I. Keep an eye out for the ruins of the Unità d'alloggio I - Landro e Prato Piazza, an old Austro-Hungarian building along the former border. It’s basically just the fortified stone walls left now, but it's super atmospheric. And the view from the top? Unreal. There's a cross up there dedicated to Val Pusteria freedom fighters, and from this vantage point, you can see the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the jagged Cadini di Misurina, the glittering Cristallo Group, and even the Tofane Group. Trust me, it's a panorama you won't forget.

Montagne de Lure: Driving the steep 4x4 track to the Sommet de Lureextreme

Montagne de Lure: Driving the steep 4x4 track to the Sommet de Lure

🇫🇷 France

# Montagne de Lure: The French Alps' Hidden Gem Perched at a breathtaking 1,826m (5,991ft), Montagne de Lure is basically the cooler, slightly less famous cousin of Mont Ventoux. This stunning limestone ridge sits in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of southeastern France, acting as a natural divider between the Mediterranean landscapes and the true Alpine peaks. It's the kind of place that makes you understand why the French Prealps are so special. The mountain range itself stretches for about 42 kilometers, creating an impressive wall between the Luberon and the higher Alps. What makes Lure truly unique is how it sits at this crossroads of different climates, which means you'll find some seriously diverse wildlife and plant life up here. It's an ecological hotspot that deserves respect. When you reach the summit, you'll spot communication towers and antennas visible for miles around. But forget about those—the real payoff is the jaw-dropping 360-degree views. On clear days, you can take in the Durance valley, Forcalquier, Manosque, and Oraison to the south, while Mont Ventoux's snowy peak dominates the western view. Fair warning though: vipers love basking on those sun-warmed limestone rocks in summer, so watch your step! The paved D53 road gets you most of the way up, but that final push to the actual summit? It's a completely different beast. We're talking loose limestone gravel and sharp rocks on a steep, unpaved track that'll test your vehicle's capabilities. A 4x4 is seriously recommended if you manage to get access. Just know that this section is often closed to private vehicles to protect the fragile alpine environment, so most people tackle those last meters by foot or mountain bike. From the Col du Pas de la Graille (where D53 peaks), that summit track stretches 977 meters with a 65-meter elevation gain. The math says 6.65% average gradient, but the loose surface makes it feel way more technical than those numbers suggest. Couple that with the thin air and exposed ridge conditions, and you're in for a genuinely challenging drive. Here's the thing about this mountain: winter basically shuts it down. Heavy snow and ice close the upper sections from roughly November through May. The ridge acts like a storm magnet, creating massive snowdrifts that just won't budge. Even when the snow melts, brutal winds—sometimes hurricane-force—make the summit track incredibly dangerous. The real enemies here are unpredictable weather and the complete lack of forgiveness from the landscape. That limestone surface turns treacherous when wet, and the narrow track leaves zero margin for mistakes. You're way out in the middle of nowhere with spotty cell service and nothing but nature for company. Respect the mountain, keep an eye on the sky (thunderstorms pop up fast), and come prepared to be totally self-sufficient. That's when Montagne de Lure rewards you with something truly unforgettable.

Road trip guide: Conquering Pico El Morrónhard

Road trip guide: Conquering Pico El Morrón

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Pico El Morrón, a seriously cool peak chilling at 1,593 meters (that's 5,226 feet!) in Granada, Andalusia, down in southern Spain. Hidden within the Sierra de Parapanda, part of the Subbética range, getting to the top is a proper challenge. You'll kick things off from the paved GR-3407, but soon you'll be bouncing along mostly unpaved tracks (though there are some paved sections at the start). Seriously, a 4x4 is your best friend here. You'll find this gem near Loja. Up top, you're greeted by TV antennas (Repetidor TV Parapanda, if you wanna get technical) and a fire guardhouse. The views? Epic! You can see a huge chunk of Andalusia from up there. The road's usually open year-round, but winter weather can sometimes throw a wrench in the plans. Before you reach the summit, keep an eye out for an old, abandoned quarry where they used to dig out marble and "false agate." The climb is a real leg-burner! From the GR-3407, it's about 5.3 km (3.29 miles) to the top, gaining 408 meters in elevation. Expect an average gradient of 7.69%, but be warned – some sections crank up to a whopping 16.8%! Get ready for some serious uphill action.