How to drive the iconic Puerto del Tremedal in Ávila?
Spain, europe
20.2 km
1,642 m
hard
Year-round
# Puerto del Tremedal: Spain's Hidden Cycling Gem
Puerto del Tremedal sits pretty at 1,642m (5,387ft) in Ávila province, right in the heart of Castile and León's Sierra de Gredos mountains. If you're into cycling or just love a good mountain drive, this pass is basically legendary status.
Tucked away in the western Sierra de Gredos, this road feels like you're standing on top of the world—seriously, the views over the Tormes valley are absolutely stunning. The landscape here is all dramatic granite and wind-swept broom, quintessential Central Spain vibes. Fair warning though: winter hits hard up here. Heavy snow and freezing temps can occasionally shut things down, so check conditions before you head up.
The good news? The entire 20.2 km (12.55 miles) route between Becedas and La Carrera is paved. The bad news? It's narrow and technical in places, so you'll want your wits about you—especially when autumn and winter bring black ice to those shaded curves. It's a peaceful escape from the main highways, beloved by both locals and touring cyclists from around the world.
Here's where it gets serious: this climb has earned its stripes on the Vuelta a España circuit, and for good reason. The 9.5 km ascent from Becedas pumps 543 meters of elevation gain at you, with an average gradient of 5.7%—but don't let that fool you. There are some brutal "wall" sections hitting 13.6% that'll test your mettle, plus relentless headwinds at the summit. The descent toward La Carrera is just as thrilling, packed with tight hairpins and killer views across the Ávila plateau. A proper challenge for anyone looking to prove something.
Where is it?
How to drive the iconic Puerto del Tremedal in Ávila? is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 42.2328, -3.1646
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 20.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,642 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.2328, -3.1646
Related Roads in europe
moderateA Wild Road to Cucurbata Mare
🇷🇴 Romania
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cucurbăta Mare (aka Bihor Peak), one of Romania's highest and wildest roads! Perched way up in the Bihor Mountains, right on the Alba/Bihor county line, this peak hits an altitude of 1,829 meters (that's a cool 6,000 feet!). The road to the top? Let's just say it's an *experience*. We're talking a full-on, unpaved, 10.7 km (6.64 miles) of rugged terrain that climbs a whopping 967 meters, averaging a gradient of over 9%. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. Once you conquer the climb, you're rewarded with insane 360-degree views. Picture this: the Apuseni Mountains sprawling out before you, the Arieș Valley shimmering in Alba County, and on those crystal-clear days in Bihor, you might even spot the town of Ștei way off in the distance. Heads up: this road is usually a no-go in winter. Even in summer, pack layers—it can get chilly up there! And FYI, you'll find a TV/telecom relay station at the summit. Trust us, the panoramic vistas make it all worthwhile.
hardCol de l’Alpet
🇫🇷 France
Col de l’Alpet is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.447m (8,028ft) above the sea level, located in the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France. The road to the summit, located in the French Cottian Alps, is rocky and gravel. It’s a chairlift access trail. The slope is very steep, consists of loose stones and becomes even steeper and rocky in the upper part. This trail can be done only a very narrow time-frame in the summer (end of August). The wind is usually quite strong at mountain areas. High winds blow here all year long. Even in summer you can confront with snowy days. Temperatures here in the winter are brutally cold. The road to the summit is a ski-station service road pretty steep, with some sections up to 30%. Driving the steep military track to Col de la Vallette in the Mercantour A challenging road to Col de Creu in the Pyrenees 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.
hardJabalcuz, an epic enthralling road
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Andalusia, Spain, awaits the epic climb to Jabalcuz peak, a sky-high perch at 1,610 meters. You'll find it nestled in the Montes de Jaén range. Now, getting to the top isn't a Sunday drive. The road throws some serious curveballs – think concrete sections mixing it up with rough, unpaved stretches. A 4x4? Yeah, you'll want one. There's a barrier at 895 meters, so buckle up for the real deal from there. Starting near Urbanización Jabalcuz/Bellavista, you've got about 9.7 kilometers to conquer. Don't let the distance fool you; this road packs an average 9% gradient, with some ramps punching up to a leg-burning 17%! But, oh, the views! Prepare to be wowed by panoramic vistas of Jaén city and the surrounding landscapes. At the summit, you'll even find an old, abandoned forest hut. Pro tip: Hit this drive during the day to soak it all in. Night drives? Maybe not the best idea.
hardDriving to Forcella Luson in the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forcella Luson: A Dolomite Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 2,383 meters (7,818 feet) in Italy's Trentino-South Tyrol region, Forcella Luson—also called Lüsner Scharte—is the real deal for mountain enthusiasts. This gem sits right in the heart of the Dolomites and serves up some seriously stunning alpine scenery. The route, known locally as Via Panoramica Dolomiti or Dolomiten Panoramaweg, starts from Strada Provinciale 29 and stretches 8.2 km (5.09 miles) to the summit. Fair warning: most of it's unpaved, and it gets properly steep as you climb. The final push toward the top features tight switchbacks and narrow passages that'll keep you focused—this isn't a lazy Sunday drive. Winter? Forget about it. The road typically closes when snow rolls in, so plan your visit for warmer months. Once you're up there, you'll find the charming Plosehütte (Rifugio Plose) mountain hut near the summit, perfect for a well-deserved break. Head north from the pass and you'll spot a gravel chairlift trail leading up to Monte Telegrafo (Plose). The payoff for all this effort? Panoramic views that'll make your jaw drop. The drive delivers pure Dolomite magic from start to finish.