
How long is Puerto del Pico?
Spain, europe
42.4 km
1,391 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Spain? You HAVE to check out Puerto del Pico! It's this crazy cool mountain pass in Ávila, smack-dab in the heart of Castile and León.
The whole thing's paved, so no worries there, and it's called the N-502. We're talking about a 42.4km (26.34 miles) stretch of road that winds its way from Cuevas Del Valle up to Solosancho.
But here's the kicker: Puerto del Pico sits way up in the Gredos mountains, and some sections are seriously steep – like, 11-12% steep! Once you reach the top, you'll find a tiny parking area and a lookout with insane views. And, get this, one of the best-preserved Roman roads in Spain! The Romans built it like, two centuries before Christ to connect Ávila and Mérida. Imagine Roman armies marching along it and hauling metals! The old road is still there in great shape, about 5.5 to 8.5 meters wide.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 42.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,391 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateIs the road to Flistjønnskaret paved?
🇳🇴 Norway
Flistjønnskaret is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.261m (4,137ft) above sea level, located in the Telemark region of Norway. Is the road to Flistjønnskaret paved? Set high in the southeastern part of the country, the road to the summit is fully paved. It’s narrow in parts and very steep, hitting a 13.0% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. The road is not suitable for long vehicles How long is the road to Flistjønnskaret? The pass is 25.5 km (15.84 miles) long, running north-south from Road 37, near Tveitolia to Tuddal. At the summit there’s a small lake known as Flisetjønn. Driving the scenic road to Ornesvingen viewpoint Driving the road to Nordkapp, the northernmost point on the European mainland 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.
hardMali Karaman
🌍 Serbia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Mali Karaman in southwestern Serbia's Raška District is calling your name. We're talking a killer gravel road that claws its way up to a staggering 1,915 meters (that's 6,282 feet!). Nestled in the Kopaonik mountains, this baby is bumpy – seriously bumpy. Heads up: winter here is NO joke. Expect heavy snow, and closures are common when things get icy. So, prep your ride (4x4 is a MUST!) and your nerves for a steep, steep climb. But trust me, the views are SO worth the white-knuckle drive!
hardA narrow road to Col de l’Espaul in the Mercantour
🇫🇷 France
# Col de l'Espaul Nestled in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes in southeastern France, Col de l'Espaul is a seriously steep mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,752 meters (5,748 feet) above sea level. This one's tucked away in the stunning Mercantour Massif, right within Mercantour National Park—so you know the views are going to be incredible. The route up, called Route de la Colle, is a gloriously narrow and twisty affair that'll get your adrenaline pumping. We're talking some gnarly 10% gradient sections that demand respect, especially if you're driving something a bit larger. Fair warning: the asphalt is looking a little rough around the edges—the road got paved back when they developed a golf course at the summit, so it's seen better days. But that's half the charm, right? The whole drive is mercifully short at just 2.9 kilometers (1.80 miles), starting from Rue Saint-Jean in Péone. Once you make it to the top, you'll find a huge parking lot where you can catch your breath, stretch your legs, and soak in those panoramic Alpine views. Definitely worth the white-knuckle drive up.
extremeHow Challenging is the Road to Hellisheiði Eystri?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on Hellisheiði Eystri, a mountain pass nestled in Northeast Iceland! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a seriously steep climb, reaching a dizzying 644 meters (that's over 2,100 feet!). The road itself, known as Hlíðarvegur (Road 917), is mostly unpaved and stretches for about 70 kilometers (44 miles) from Vopnafjörður (on Road 85) heading south. Be prepared for 15 hairpin turns that will test your driving skills, and some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting 15%! This road earns its reputation as the steepest mountain road in Iceland! While passable in good conditions, those in a front-wheel-drive motorhome might find it a bit dicey, especially if it's wet. And heads up: being one of the highest roads in Iceland, it's usually one of the first to close when the snow starts falling. But hey, the views are totally worth it! At the summit, you'll find an old weather station and panoramic vistas of Héraðsflói Bay. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the coastal cliffs at Drangsnes, and the abandoned farm Krummsholt, a Viking ruin site! There are a few small parking spots up top, perfect for snapping some photos and soaking it all in. Just be warned, there are some serious drop-offs, so maybe not for those with a fear of heights!