Cueva del Agua, a road recommended for drivers with strong nerves

Cueva del Agua, a road recommended for drivers with strong nerves

Spain, europe

Length

6 km

Elevation

1,748 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Cueva del Agua ('Water Cave’) is a natural cave at an elevation of 1.748m (5,734ft) above the sea level, located in the municipality of Deifontes, in the province of Granada, autonomous community of Andalusia, in southern Spain.

Nestled in the Sierra Arana/Sierra Harana rango, the road to the rather unique cave (also known as Cueva de la Sabina, Cueva del Asno and Cueva de Deifontes)is unpaved and very steep. It´s a really tough climb. A classical one between cyclists. Unfortunately the entrance to Cueva del Agua is closed due to previous acts of vandalism. It can be visited by making an appointment at the Deifontes town hall and with a guide service. The summit hosts a natural viewpoint called Mirador Cañada Larga, with stunning views. Best visited in winter and spring, when the high mountains around are capped with snow.

The road to the cave was built in 1969. Starting from Collado del Torreón (Camino a Iznalloz) the road to the summit is 6km long. The average gradient is 9.6% hitting a maximum gradient of 10% through some of the ramps.It's a really tough climb.

Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez

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Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
6 km
Max Elevation
1,748 m
Difficulty
hard

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