
Collet de Les Barraques
Spain, europe
N/A
1,900 m
hard
Year-round
# Collet de Les Barraques
Ready for a proper alpine challenge? This stunning mountain pass sits at 1,900m (6,233ft) in the heart of Girona, Catalonia, and it's absolutely worth the effort. The road up is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—sections hit a gnarly 10.2% gradient that'll have your engine working hard and your brakes well-earned by the top.
Here's the thing about climbing this high: Mother Nature doesn't always cooperate. Snow can roll in without warning and shut things down, so check conditions before you head up. The mist around here is no joke either—visibility can drop dramatically, turning the drive into a genuine white-knuckle experience if you're not careful. Keep your wits about you and drive accordingly.
The pass has serious pedigree too. It's featured in the Catalonia Volta cycling race, so you know it's a proper climb that's earned respect from the cycling world. The views and the sense of achievement when you crest the summit? Absolutely unbeatable. Just come prepared, stay alert, and you're in for an unforgettable drive through some seriously dramatic Catalan terrain.
Where is it?
Collet de Les Barraques is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.8010, -3.3673
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,900 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.8010, -3.3673
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