Is the road to Bola del Mundo paved?
Spain, europe
3.1 km
2,265 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, picture this: Bola del Mundo, or "Ball of the World," a seriously epic peak straddling Madrid and Segovia, Spain. You're talking 2,265 meters (7,431 feet) high!
The road? It's paved, but don't expect smooth asphalt. It's rough concrete, so hold on tight. Fully paved since '09, so that's something!
Starting from the well-known Puerto de Navacerrada, the climb is a mere 3.1 kilometers (just under 2 miles). Don't let the short distance fool you!
Heads up: summit access is usually good in the summer. Winter? Could be a different story. Snow can shut things down quick. Also, private vehicles may not always be allowed due to how narrow and steep things get.
Once you make it to the top, you'll find it's antenna city, broadcasting signals all over the place.
Now for the fun part: this climb is BRUTAL. We're talking gradients maxing out at 23%! The ascent from Puerto de Navacerrada gains a hefty 361 meters, averaging over 11% incline. There are ramps of 16% right at the start, and again after about a kilometer. Then BAM, the 23% kicker hits you just before the summit. Even grand tour winner Alberto Contador called it "very difficult, dangerous," and steeper than some insane climbs in the area! He admitted he rarely rides it, and he lives there! Get ready for an unforgettable workout with some killer views!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,265 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Lac de Céma?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Lac de Céma – we're talking a seriously stunning high-altitude lake at 2,745m (that's over 9,000 feet!) nestled way up in the French Alps, in the Savoie department. You'll find it in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, practically spitting distance from Italy. The road to get there? It's a quick jaunt, only about 900m (just over half a mile), leading you right to a parking area by La Cascade restaurant. And get this – it’s one of the highest roads in France. Heads up though, it's called Chemin du Pissaillas, and while it’s mostly paved, be prepared for some serious potholes from all that snow. Want to go even higher? There's a dirt track that heads west, climbing to a whopping 2,793m! Because it's so high up in the Graian Alps, this road is strictly a summer affair, usually open from May/June to October. Get ready for some insane scenery, though – this is one alpine drive you won't forget! Just imagine the views...
hardLes Marmotes: Driving the 25% Gradients of Vallter 2000
🇪🇸 Spain
# Les Marmotes: A Wild Ride to the Top of Catalonia Ready for one of Spain's most insane driving challenges? Les Marmotes sits at a jaw-dropping 2,502m (8,208ft) in the heart of the Pyrenees, nestled in Girona's Camprodon Valley. Getting there means tackling a gnarly service road that grinds through the Vallter 2000 ski resort—and trust us, this isn't your typical mountain pass. This brutally technical track snakes through the Ripollès region near the French border, climbing relentlessly to one of the highest hut bars in the entire Pyrenees. The payoff? Stunning panoramic views and a chance to literally stand at the source of the Ter River (Naixement del Río Ter) just meters from the summit. It's surreal. Here's the catch: this isn't actually a public road—it's a specialized maintenance track for the chairlift. That means it's technically off-limits to regular traffic and considered one of the country's toughest driving challenges. The ascent is relentless and technically demanding, so this is definitely one for experienced drivers only. Summer is your only window. Winter? Forget it. Even in warmer months, sudden thunderstorms and surprise snowfalls can slam the gates shut without warning. Plus, access can be restricted at any time since it's primarily used by resort maintenance vehicles. Always check local regulations before attempting this one—it's not a road you can just roll up and conquer on a whim.
moderateHow to reach the summit of Corral del Niño?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Carretera de la Esperanza, one of Spain's most scenic drives, smack-dab in the heart of Tenerife’s Teide National Park. Seriously, this road runs right along the island's spine, and you're often driving *above* the clouds – unreal! Your destination? The Corral del Niño viewpoint, perched at a seriously impressive elevation. This place is like a balcony overlooking the Canary Islands’ volcanic past, giving you the most dramatic views of the "Malpaís" (that's lava fields, for those not fluent in volcano-speak) and the ever-majestic Teide peak. This is high elevation driving, folks! Starting from the TF-21 junction, it's a steady climb of about 5.1 km to the viewpoint, gaining 265 meters in elevation. The road's paved and usually in great shape. The landscape here is otherworldly—think dark volcanic rock contrasting with the bright white domes of the nearby observatory. The parking lot at the top is a popular pit stop on the way to the Teide cable car. From here, you can check out the different layers of volcanic eruptions that have shaped Tenerife. Now, for the real talk: the wind. It is a *major* factor up here. Constant, strong gusts whip through the Corral del Niño pass year-round, which can be a bit dicey for motorcycles or high-sided vehicles. Don’t be surprised if it's calm down on the coast and blowing like crazy up here. Also, keep an eye on the temp gauge. Even in summer, it can get chilly at this altitude. And in winter, watch out for fog and ice, especially in the shady pine forest sections before you hit the open volcanic areas. This route is usually open year-round, but winter storms can shut it down due to snow or black ice on those steep curves. Bottom line: this drive demands respect, but the views are worth it! Get ready for some of the most incredible geological vistas in the Atlantic.
extremeDriving to Stausee Mattmark is an absolute must for road lovers
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Mattmark See: A Alpine Gem Worth the Drive Tucked away in Switzerland's Valais region near the Italian border, Mattmark See is a stunning high-altitude reservoir sitting pretty at 2,197m (7,208ft) above sea level. Nestled in the scenic Saas Valley, this is the kind of destination that makes the drive totally worth it. The road up? Absolutely pristine. Built between 1960 and 1965, the fully paved route is in fantastic condition and genuinely fun to tackle. Starting from the charming village of Saas-Almagell (1,673m), you've got a 7.3 km climb ahead with 524 meters of elevation gain. The average gradient sits at a manageable 7.2%, so nothing too brutal for the first stretch. But here's where it gets interesting: save the best for last. The final 2 km really turn up the heat, averaging around 10% gradient. And just when you think it can't get any steeper, the last half-kilometer before the dam hits a serious 14% gradient. It's gloriously steep and straight, making for an intense but incredibly rewarding finale. The payoff? A glacier looming above the finish line and one of those "I earned this view" moments that make mountain driving so addictive. If you're hunting for a short, punchy alpine climb with killer scenery, Mattmark See delivers in spades.