El Travieso
Spain, europe
9.5 km
1,858 m
hard
Year-round
El Travieso is a stunning 1,858-meter peak tucked away in Salamanca province, Castile and León, Spain. This little gem sits right on the border between Ávila and Salamanca within the Candelario Natural Park.
The drive up is a real adventure. Starting from the village of Candelario, you'll tackle 9.5 kilometers of narrow asphalt road with some seriously exposed sections and hairpin turns—nine of them to be exact. Don't let that fool you though; the road is open year-round, though winter storms might occasionally force temporary closures. The climb is no joke, with grades hitting up to 12.5% in places and an average gradient of 7.6%. You'll gain 721 meters in elevation by the time you reach the summit.
The Sierra de Béjar, nestled in the western reaches of the Sierra de Gredos mountains, really shows off in winter. Just be prepared: temperatures can plunge below -15°C, and the wind can be absolutely relentless up here. If you're planning a winter visit, bundle up.
The real payoff? Those jaw-dropping mountain views that make every hairpin turn worth it. This is the kind of drive that stays with you—challenging enough to feel like an accomplishment, beautiful enough to make you want to come back.
Where is it?
El Travieso is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.8663, -3.9996
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,858 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.8663, -3.9996
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to reach the summit of Guillimona?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Sierra de la Guillimona in Granada, Andalusia, Spain! This baby tops out at 1,876m (that's over 6,150ft!) and sits right near the border with Albacete. So how do you get to this awesome, isolated peak? You'll start on the paved road between Puebla de Don Fadrique and Santiago de la Espada. From there, you'll kick it into off-road mode. The climb winds up a high-altitude plateau, giving you incredible views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Now for the nitty-gritty: the road's unpaved and a mix of gravel and rocks, so it can get a little bumpy. A 4x4 is HIGHLY recommended, especially if you want to make it to the top without any drama. The road has an average gradient of 6.07%, and with that loose, rocky surface, you'll need some serious traction and ground clearance. If you're not comfortable on steep, unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. Weather's a big player here too. Things can change fast up there! Summer thunderstorms can turn the road into a muddy mess, and in winter, expect snow and ice to shut things down for months. But, if you're prepared and the weather cooperates, the views from the top are insane. You'll get a panorama of northern Granada, plus Albacete and Murcia. It's the perfect escape for anyone looking for a seriously remote driving experience, far away from the crowds.
hardWhere is Rikoti Pass?
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Rikotskiy Pass, perched high in eastern Georgia, is a wild ride! This beauty straddles the border between two regions and marks the divide between eastern and western Georgia. We're talking serious elevation here! The road is fully paved, though get ready for some steep climbs - a maximum gradient, so be prepared for some shifting! The entire route stretches for a good length winding through the southern part of the Greater Caucasus mountains. And trust me, the scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment! Expect views that will leave you breathless. So here's the deal: this route used to be *the* way to get from Tbilisi to Kutaisi. But it became notorious for being a tough drive, so they built a tunnel in 1982 to make life easier (that tunnel is pretty long!). The original Rikotskiy Pass road is still around, though, offering a more adventurous option if you're feeling up to it.
extremeRoad CV-200
🇪🇸 Spain
# Carretera CV-200: Spain's Heart-Pounding Mountain Challenge Ready for a white-knuckle adventure? Head to the province of Castellón in Valencia, eastern Spain, where the Carretera CV-200 awaits the brave. This 19.4 km stretch connecting the charming towns of Aín and Segorbe is basically a driver's ultimate test of skill and nerve. The road itself is paved, but don't let that fool you—it's incredibly narrow (we're talking less than 5 meters wide in places) with sections steep enough to make your palms sweat. Snaking through the stunning Serra d'Espadà Natural Park, you're in for hundreds of curves and a dizzying nine hairpin turns that'll keep you fully focused the entire drive. No autopilot mode here! The elevation climbs to 780 meters (2,559 feet) above sea level, and the mountain scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Just keep one eye on the road and another on the rockfall risk—it's a real hazard on this route. If you're after an unforgettable driving experience that'll test your reflexes and reward you with some seriously dramatic landscapes, this is it. Just make sure you're in the right headspace and your vehicle is ready for the challenge.
hardCugnai Lift
🇫🇷 France
# Cugnai Lift: A Wild Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious high-altitude thrills? The Cugnai Lift sits at a jaw-dropping 2,884 meters (9,471 feet) in the Savoie department of southeastern France, nestled in the gorgeous Tarentaise Valley. This isn't your average ski resort chairlift—the road to get there is pure adventure. Fair warning: this is strictly 4x4 territory, and absolutely off-limits when winter rolls around. You're looking at one of France's highest driveable roads, which should tell you something about what you're getting into. The track itself? Brutally challenging. Narrow and steep sections with gradients hitting 25% will test your nerves and your vehicle's capabilities. The terrain is relentlessly rocky, with slippery conditions that occasionally become downright impossible. You'll be navigating what's essentially a ski piste in some sections—rough, unpredictable, and demanding serious driving skills. Before you even tackle the summit approach, you'll need to conquer the winding, narrow paved road up to Col du Pradier. It's a spectacular but no-nonsense introduction to what's coming. This isn't a casual Sunday drive through the Alps. This is an adrenaline-pumping, technically demanding adventure that rewards brave drivers with one of the most spectacular viewpoints in all of France. Just make sure your vehicle—and your nerve—are up to the challenge.