
Collet de la Gralla
Spain, europe
28.9 km
1,961 m
moderate
Year-round
# Collet de la Gralla: A Pyrenean Adventure
Tucked away in the Ripollès region of Girona, Catalonia, near the Spanish-French border, sits the stunning Collet de la Gralla pass at 1,961 meters (6,433 feet). This isn't your typical paved highway—it's a rough-and-tumble mountain track called Camí de Fontlletera (GIV-5265) that demands respect and a proper vehicle.
The 28.9 km route connects the charming villages of Ribes de Freser and Tregurà de Dalt, winding through the eastern Pyrenees with all the drama you'd expect from high alpine terrain. The scenery is absolutely worth it—think sweeping mountain vistas and that raw, untamed Pyrenean landscape that'll take your breath away (partly from the elevation, partly from the views).
Here's the catch: this is serious mountain driving. The unpaved surface combined with frequent snow means you'll want to tackle this between late spring and early fall when conditions are most favorable. Definitely bring an SUV or proper all-road vehicle—regular cars need not apply. But if you're up for the challenge and prepared for mountain weather, this pass offers an unforgettable journey through some of Europe's most spectacular terrain.
Where is it?
Collet de la Gralla is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 38.9812, -3.6860
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 28.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,961 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.9812, -3.6860
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