Estany de Sallente
Spain, europe
4.5 km
1.3 m
hard
Year-round
# Estany de Sallente: A High-Altitude Alpine Adventure
Ready for a serious climb? Head to Estany de Sallente, a stunning high-mountain reservoir perched at 1,765m (5,790ft) in La Vall Fosca, nestled in the Pyrenees near Lleida, Spain.
The paved road up to this scenic spot kicks off from the charming village of Cabdella at 1,300m, and it's no leisurely cruise—you're looking at 4.5km of solid climbing with a punchy average grade of 10%. Some sections get seriously steep at 13.6%, so you'll definitely feel the burn as you gain 465m in elevation. Built back in 1981, this winding asphalt ribbon serves as your gateway to something truly special.
Once you reach the summit, there's an incredible cable car waiting to whisk you up to one of Spain's most breathtaking destinations: Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici, Catalonia's only national park, sitting at a jaw-dropping 2,200 metres above sea level. If you're after epic mountain scenery, alpine lakes, and the kind of views that make the drive worthwhile, this is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list.
Where is it?
Estany de Sallente is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.0996, -4.3233
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.3 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.0996, -4.3233
Related Roads in europe
hardHüdavendigar Dağı
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Hüdavendigar Dağı! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Nestled way up in Ağrı Province, in eastern Turkey, you'll find this beast of a mountain pass. We're talking a whopping 3,111 meters (10,206 feet) above sea level – one of the highest roads in all of Turkey! The road to the top? Gravel, baby! So buckle up for a bumpy ride. Be warned, though: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Thunderstorms can roll in fast, turning the road into a 4x4-only zone or even making it completely impassable. Plus, ice and snow can be serious hazards, so take it slow and steady. But trust me, the views from up here are worth every single white-knuckle moment. The scenery is absolutely epic!
moderateFfordd Pen Llech is the steepest road in the UK (37.45%)
🇬🇧 Wales
Yo, adventure seekers! Ever heard of Ffordd Pen Llech? This insane road is nestled in the totally charming medieval castle town of Harlech, North Wales. You'll find it in Gwynedd county, chilling on Tremadog Bay within Snowdonia National Park - picture-perfect Wales at its finest! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a fully paved, single-track road clinging to the side of Harlech Castle (a seriously cool medieval fortress). Prepare for one of the steepest, gnarliest, and most breathtaking climbs you can find in the UK. How steep? At its toughest, it hits a staggering 37.45% gradient! Seriously, it's so intense that vehicles were once banned from driving *up* certain sections! To avoid gridlock chaos, the top half is now a one-way descent. FYI - it briefly held the Guinness World Record for the Steepest Street in the World. The road is short but savage: just 0.2 miles (0.32 km) long, but you'll gain 170 feet (52 meters) in elevation. The average gradient? A leg-burning 17.33%! Cyclists, this climb is not for the faint of heart! If you're feeling less hardcore, there's an alternative route with a "milder" 25% gradient. Trust me, the views are worth the challenge!
hardWhere is Maloja Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for the Maloja Pass! This beauty winds through the Swiss Alps in Graubünden, practically kissing the Italian border at an altitude of 1,819m (5,967ft). Dating back to Roman times (and maybe even earlier!), this route really came alive in the 1800s as a crucial link between Northern Italy and Engadin. While tunnels later diverted heavy traffic, the Maloja Pass remains a classic. Clocking in at 23.8 km (14.78 miles), Route 3 twists and turns from Silvaplana to Bregaglia. Don't let the "pass that never was" nickname fool you; its unique geography offers a thrilling drive. Expect some steep climbs (up to 11%) and tight hairpin turns that demand your full attention, especially if you encounter a truck heading the other way. Motion sickness sufferers, you've been warned! While usually open year-round, winter can throw a curveball. Snowfall can lead to temporary closures, so winter tires are a must. Chains might be a good idea, too! Set aside about 30 minutes for this drive, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views of Lake Sils (Silsersee) and Lake Silvaplana (Silvaplanersee) are simply breathtaking. Plus, you're super close to the swanky resort town of St. Moritz, making this a perfect side trip.
moderateThe Ultimate Guide to Driving to Mirador de la Retama
🇪🇸 Spain
Mirador de la Retama is an observation deck at an elevation of above the sea level, located in the western part of the island La Gomera, in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife of the Canary Islands, Spain. The paved road to the viewpoint is the wonderful and spectacular GM-1. It’s the main road of the island between La Gomera's capital and the northern town of Hermiga. The road has a lot of twists and turns. Every curve on the road down to the sea reveals a new view of the valley. The road passes impressive cliff-faces and idyllic settlements. The scenery is breathtaking. Nestled on the west side of the Valle Gran Rey (Valley of the Great King), the road is in very good condition and leads you amongst the rough coastline of the island taking you deep into its mountains. The road curves down into the valley, once well known for its seclusion. Driving the stunning C-462 road to Coll de Port The Ultimate Road Trip To Puerto del Pico in Avila Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.