Is Puerto de Escúllar paved?

Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Puerto de Escúllar, a hidden gem nestled in Granada, Andalusia, Spain! This high mountain pass clocks in at a lofty 2,036 meters (6,679 feet) above sea level, so be prepared for some seriously breathtaking views.

The road, also called Puerto de Padilla, is entirely paved (AL-5404 on the south side, GR-8101 to the north), though you might encounter some rough patches near the top — nothing your trusty steed can't handle! One minor letdown? There's no sign to mark the summit, and the flat terrain makes pinpointing the exact highest point a bit of a guessing game. But hey, at least you'll likely have the whole road to yourself!

Stretching for 57.5 kilometers (35.72 miles) between Caniles and Abla, this north-south route sits pretty on the southern edge of the Sierra de Baza mountain, just north of the Sierra Nevada National Park.

Fair warning: this pass is no walk in the park! It's tackled the Vuelta a España, so you know it's got some serious climbs, with gradients hitting a maximum of 10% in certain spots. Expect a steep drive. The road's usually open year-round, so you can add this adventure to your bucket list whenever you're ready to roll.