Is the road to Roque de los Muchachos paved?
Spain, europe
3.8 km
2,423 m
hard
Year-round
Hey stargazers and thrill-seekers! Let me tell you about Roque de los Muchachos, a mountain peak on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain. Reaching a staggering 2,423m (7,949ft), this road is no joke!
The road to the top, Carretera al Roque de los Muchachos, is fully paved, but don't think it's a walk in the park. Think hairpin turns and bends for days! Fog, clouds, and even snow can roll in, making the drive pretty intense. If you're not a fan of heights, brace yourself – the final stretch is narrow with some serious drop-offs.
This 3.8km (2.36 miles) climb gains 277 meters in elevation, averaging a 7.28% gradient that spikes to 12% in spots! The last stretch is only open during the day, and the road is closed to the public at night.
So, why brave this crazy road? At the summit sits the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (ORM), one of the world's largest telescope arrays, making this one of the best stargazing spots on the planet. Plus, the views are unreal! On a clear day, you can spot Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Gomera. Trust me, this drive is totally worth it for the insane scenery alone!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,423 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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