Driving the cracked road to Alto del Morredero in Castile and Leon
Spain, europe
38 km
1,762 m
moderate
Year-round
# Alto del Morredero
Nestled in northwestern Castile and León, the Alto del Morredero is a breezy mountain pass sitting at 1,762 meters (5,780 feet) above sea level. This gem is tucked away in the El Bierzo region, winding through the serene Valle del Silencio valley in Spain's Montes de León range.
The 38-kilometer (24-mile) route—officially the LE-CV-192/21—stretches north to south between Salas de los Barrios and Corporales. Fair warning: the asphalt is fully paved but shows its age with some cracking and bumpy patches along the way. The silver lining? You'll encounter barely any traffic on the climb, making it a peaceful escape into the mountains.
While the pass typically stays open year-round, don't be surprised by occasional winter closures during harsh conditions. For cyclists, this road is seriously scenic—it's made appearances in Spain's prestigious Vuelta race. Coming from Ponferrada, you're looking at a 25-kilometer ascent with 1,347 meters of elevation gain (averaging 5.4%). If you're approaching from Corporales instead, prepare for a slightly steeper 18-kilometer push with 1,130 meters of gain (6.3% average).
Whether you're after dramatic mountain scenery or a quiet drive through stunning Spanish countryside, Alto del Morredero delivers both.
Where is it?
Driving the cracked road to Alto del Morredero in Castile and Leon is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.9781, -4.4197
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 38 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,762 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.9781, -4.4197
Related Roads in europe
moderateColl de Mola
🇪🇸 Spain
Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Coll de Mola, a hidden gem nestled in the Catalan Pyrenees of Spain. This beauty sits at a cool 1,821 meters (that's almost 6,000 feet!) in the Berguedà region. You'll find it on the southern side of the majestic Cadí mountains. Now, the road up isn't your typical smooth highway – it's a well-maintained, shall we say, "rustic" track known as GR-150. Keep your speed in check – 30km/h is the limit. It's generally open year-round, but be prepared for potential short closures in winter if the weather gets wild. This pass is your scenic connector between the charming villages of Gósol (accessible via the B-400) and Tuixent (linked by the C-462). And the views? Unreal! Prepare to be wowed by the iconic Pedraforca mountain dominating the landscape throughout your entire drive. Trust me; this one's a feast for the eyes!
hardIs Col des Gentianes unpaved?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're in the Swiss Alps, ready for an adventure. You're heading up to Col des Gentianes, a lofty peak sitting pretty at 2,906m. Buckle up, because this ain't your average Sunday drive! First things first, leave the sports car at home. This is 4x4 territory, baby! The road to the summit is unpaved, and we're talking seriously steep with some loose gravel thrown in for good measure. We're talking a maximum gradient of 27% in places! It's about 6 km of pure grit, climbing 668 meters with an average gradient of over 11%. Think of it as a workout for your vehicle. Why bother? Because the Valais alpine scenery is off the charts! Just keep in mind that this road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July. Timing is everything. Once you conquer the climb, reward yourself at the restaurant up top. Burgers, steaks, the works – mountain fuel! And if you're feeling extra adventurous, hop on the cable car to Mont-Fort. From there, you'll be treated to a 360° panorama of the Alps that'll knock your socks off. Trust me, it's worth the white-knuckle drive!
hardKunkels Pass: Tunnels, Drop-offs, and Very Narrow
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Kunkelspass: Switzerland's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive Ready for an adrenaline rush? Welcome to Kunkelspass, a jaw-dropping alpine pass sitting at 1,363m (4,471ft) in Switzerland's Graubünden canton. This isn't your typical mountain road—it's a white-knuckle adventure carved straight into the mountainside. The journey starts in the village of Vättis (St. Gallen canton) and winds its way to Tamins in Graubünden via the Riedstrasse. Fair warning: you'll need permission from the City of Tamins to drive through with any motorized vehicle, and there's a toll required. Also, the road's only 2.3m wide, so leave the massive RV at home. What makes this route absolutely legendary? Tunnels with actual windows built into the rock face. Seriously. As you wind through the mountain, you'll catch glimpses of stunning Glarus Alps scenery through strategically carved openings—it's like nature's own drive-in theater. And those 300m drop-offs? They're real, and they're definitely noticeable on those hairpin turns. Built during World War I, this narrow strip of asphalt (with some gravel sections mixed in) climbs steeply at gradients up to 18.5%. The twisting, turning road demands respect and focus, but the payoff is unforgettable. Once you reach the summit, grab a well-deserved meal or drink at the bar and restaurant while you process what you just drove. This is bucket-list territory for serious road warriors.
hardWhere is Route de Duranus?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alpes-Maritimes department in France, just south of that dreamy Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. You're on the Route de Duranus, and let me tell you, the views are insane. We're talking towering rock walls on one side and a dramatic ravine plunging down below on the other. This winding ribbon of asphalt stretches about 6 kilometers from Duranus down to Saint-Jean la Rivière, offering non-stop thrills. Be warned: there are a couple of dark, unlit tunnels and some seriously narrow sections where you'll be holding your breath. If you're not a fan of heights or tight squeezes, this might not be your jam. You'll be clinging to the gray limestone cliffs above the Vésubie river, surrounded by landscapes that are absolutely epic. The road leads you to Le Saut des Français, a historic spot where, back in the day, local rebels supposedly tossed French soldiers to their doom. It's quite a story! While it's tempting to visit during the summer, this area gets packed. To truly savor the drive, aim for the shoulder seasons. Trust me; the scenery is worth it. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road—it's a wild ride!