Is the road to Puerto del Tremedal paved?
Spain, europe
20.2 km
1,642 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through central Spain, Ávila province to be exact, in the heart of Castile and León. You're headed up Puerto del Tremedal, a mountain pass that tops out at 1,642m (5,387ft). Trust me, it's a classic climb, especially if you're into cycling!
This pass is nestled in the western Sierra de Gredos mountains, giving you killer views over the Tormes valley. The landscape is all raw granite and windswept broom—totally dramatic. Fair warning though, this spot gets hit hard by winter weather. Think snow, ice, the whole nine yards, so check conditions before you go. They sometimes close it down!
The road itself? Paved, but keep your eyes peeled! It's pretty narrow and twisty in places. The whole route stretches for about 20.2 km (12.55 miles), winding its way from north to southeast between a few small villages. Any car can handle it, but black ice is a real possibility in the shadier bends during fall and winter.
Cyclists LOVE this climb, and for good reason. It’s been a feature in major pro races. Starting in Becedas, you'll gain 543 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 5.7%. Don't let that average fool you, though – there are some seriously steep sections, some hitting a whopping 13.6%! Throw in some wind at the summit, and you've got a real challenge on your hands. The descent towards La Carrera is a blast, with hairpin turns and clear views over the Ávila plateau. Highly recommended!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 20.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,642 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhy is it called Rosi Mittermeier Tunnel?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Austrian Tyrol, heading up, up, UP into the Ötztal Valley. You're on the Panoramic Glacier Road (or Ötztal Glacier Road if you're feeling German), a 15km stretch of pure alpine bliss. Then, BAM! You hit the Rosi Mittermeier Tunnel, named after the legendary ski racer. This isn't just any tunnel; at 2,830m (9,285ft) high, it's said to be the highest road tunnel in Europe! It's a 1.729m paved tube connecting the Rettenbach and Tiefenbach Glaciers, both rocking huge car parks. Built back in '82, it's designed for two lanes each way, so even buses and trucks (up to 38 tons) can handle the 11% incline. But hey, a word of warning: this is serious mountain territory. The weather can flip on a dime, so be prepared for anything, especially snow. Snow chains are a smart move, and keep an eye out for potential road closures due to avalanche risk. Steel tracks may be required throughout the year. But trust me, the views are worth it!
moderateA classic road trip to Sierra Nevada in Granada
🇪🇸 Spain
Sierra Nevada is a ski resort sitting pretty at 2,385m (7,824ft) above sea level in Granada, Spain — and it's seriously high up there. It's one of the country's loftiest roads, nestled in the Andalusia region in the southeastern corner of Spain. Want to go even higher? This place is your launchpad to Pico del Veleta, Europe's highest paved road. Tucked away in the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains, the route up to the resort is the fully paved A-395. Fair warning though: winters here are no joke. The mountain dishes out some seriously harsh weather, and weekends plus holiday seasons bring crowds that make the drive even trickier. Fun fact — this climb's so legendary it's been featured in the Spanish Vuelta cycling race. Starting from Alto de Hazallanas on the GR-3200, you're looking at a 12km ascent that'll gain you 724 meters of elevation. The average gradient sits around 6.03%, but heads a few notches steeper with some sections pushing 14%, 15%, even 17%. So buckle up — it's an exhilarating ride through one of Spain's most spectacular mountain roads.
moderateIs Congosto de Baldellou paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Hey adventurers! Ever dreamt of cruising through a real-life movie set? Then you HAVE to check out Congosto de Baldellou in Huesca, Aragon, Spain. Seriously, this canyon road is one of Spain's best-kept secrets. We're talking about a smooth, paved ribbon of road (it's the A-2218, if you're mapping it) carving its way through the stunning gorges etched out by the Pedriza River. Think dramatic scenery, epic views, and that feeling of pure, unadulterated freedom. You'll be winding through the Congosto de Camporrels and Congosto del Regué – names that just scream "adventure," right? This little slice of heaven is about 6 km (roughly 4 miles) long, connecting Camporrélls and Baldellou. It's a quickie – only about 10-12 minutes if you don't stop (but trust me, you'll WANT to stop for photos!). A word of warning: the road can get a bit narrow in places, and rockslides are a possibility. Rainy days? Take it slow, the surface can be slippery.
extremeBella Vista Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Bella Vista Tucked away in Italy's stunning South Tyrol region, Rifugio Bella Vista sits at a seriously impressive 2,887 meters (9,471 feet) above sea level. Getting there? That's half the adventure—and then some. The road up is definitely not your typical mountain drive. We're talking gravel, rocks, and plenty of challenging terrain that demands respect. It's actually a chairlift access trail, and yeah, you'll absolutely need a 4WD vehicle for this one. The slope is relentlessly steep, littered with loose stones that get progressively gnarlier and rockier the higher you climb. Expect your vehicle to work hard. The summer window is your best bet—typically from early June through early October, weather gods permitting. But even during the "good" season, don't underestimate this place. The extreme altitude and unpredictable mountain weather keep things interesting year-round. And fair warning: the wind up here is seriously no joke, howling through pretty much every season. If you make it up here, you'll be driving one of Italy's highest accessible roads. That's bragging rights right there. Just come prepared, respect the conditions, and make sure your vehicle is up to the challenge.