JF-7038: a fabulous road if you are not scared of heights

JF-7038: a fabulous road if you are not scared of heights

Spain, europe

Length

42.6 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Spain, in the Jaén province of Andalusia. You veer off the JF-7016 and find yourself on the JF-7038, a totally amazing road snaking through the Segura valley.

This paved ribbon of asphalt is your ticket to some seriously stunning scenery. We're talking a narrow mountain road hugging the Segura River, with incredible views of the Embalse de Anchuricas-Miller reservoir. Spooky fact: beneath those waters lies the drowned village of Las Casicas, and you can still spot the old church! The whole adventure is about 42.6 km (26.47 miles) of pure bliss, ending at the A63 on the border with Albacete.

Nestled in the Sierra de Segura mountains, within the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, this road is no walk in the park. It's a bit of a challenge, especially along the reservoir where it gets super narrow. But trust me, the insane views more than make up for it. Imagine driving through tunnels of trees, with vistas that will blow your mind. You'll likely have the road almost entirely to yourself, as there's barely any traffic. You can hit this road year-round, but be warned: it might be closed temporarily in winter if the weather gets dicey.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
42.6 km
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

A Most Tricky Scenic Road to Samistal Plateauhard

A Most Tricky Scenic Road to Samistal Plateau

🇹🇷 Turkey

Okay, picture this: you're in Turkey, specifically in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize province, and you're craving some serious altitude. I'm talking 2,838m (9,311ft) high! Then get ready to rumble to the Samistal plateau. The route? Amlakit-Samistal Yolu. Forget smooth asphalt; this is an unpaved adventure through the heart of the Kaçkar Mountains. And when I say adventure, I mean it. This winding track is narrow, with some nerve-wracking drop-offs that will test your courage. Summer is your window of opportunity here. Otherwise, snow will make this road impassable. Starting near Yaylaköy, it’s a 21km climb to the plateau. You'll gain 937 meters along the way, with an average gradient of 4.46%. In other words: it's steep! But trust me, the views from the top are *absolutely* worth it.

Where is Col de la Bailletta?hard

Where is Col de la Bailletta?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Col de la Bailletta, nestled in the Savoie department of France, is calling your name. This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a whopping 2,852 meters (9,356 feet)! You'll find this beauty in the Rhône-Alpes region, specifically within the Bailletaz Nature Reserve. The journey begins near Lac du Chevril, just below Val d’Isere, where you'll veer off the main D902. The road is paved at first, all the way to Lac/Barrage du Saut (one of France's highest paved roads!). But after that, things get real as the road turns to gravel. From the D902, you're looking at a 9.4 km (5.84 miles) trek to the top. This old military road is mostly gravel and wide enough, but the higher you go, around the 2700 meter mark, the road becomes more of a hiking trail due to landslides. So, be warned: the final stretch is not suitable for vehicles. But trust me, the views are totally worth it! Just take your time and soak in the scenery. It's an experience you won't forget!

Driving the GU-194 road, the Spanish ‘Great Wall of China’hard

Driving the GU-194 road, the Spanish ‘Great Wall of China’

🇪🇸 Spain

# GU-194: Spain's Hidden Mountain Gem Nestled in the heart of Guadalajara province within Castile-La Mancha, you'll find GU-194—a jaw-dropping route through the Sierra de Ayllón mountains that locals have nicknamed *La Muralla China española* (Spain's Great Wall of China). Pretty cool, right? ## What Makes This Road Special? This 14.5km (9.0 miles) stretch runs west-east from Corralejo to El Espinar, cutting right through some seriously dramatic mountain terrain. Most drivers tackle it in 35-45 minutes, though that's without stopping—and you'll probably want to! ## The Road Itself It's paved (mostly), though you'll encounter some rougher concrete sections and loose gravel that'll keep you on your toes. The highlight? The iconic *Puente de la Muralla China* (Great Wall of China bridge) spans 50.82 meters across the Jaramillo River gorge. It's stunning. ## Not for the Faint-Hearted Here's the thing: this isn't a beginner's drive. You're looking at 10 hairpin turns, some ridiculously narrow sections where two cars literally can't pass, and gradients hitting up to 18%. Plus, the road's susceptible to rockslides, so stay sharp. The remote location means you won't see much traffic, which is both a blessing and a reality check—you're genuinely out there. **Pro tip:** Skip this in winter or heavy rain. Mother Nature doesn't play nice here.

The drive to Giau Pass offers the best views in the Dolomiteshard

The drive to Giau Pass offers the best views in the Dolomites

🇮🇹 Italy

# Passo di Giau: A Dolomite Dream Drive Nestled in the Belluno province of Italy's Veneto region, Passo di Giau sits at a breathtaking 2,238 meters (7,342 feet) and honestly lives up to the hype. This is legitimately one of the most stunning mountain passes you can drive in the Dolomites—and we're not exaggerating. The 20-kilometer (12.4-mile) stretch of Strada Provinciale 638 winds its way up from Selva di Cadore to Pocol, eventually leading toward Cortina d'Ampezzo. What makes this drive unforgettable? Fifty-five incredibly tight hairpin turns, three avalanche-protection tunnels, and gradients that max out at a gnarly 13%. The road's been completely paved since 1986, and it's open to everyone—cars, trucks, and coaches alike. Yeah, it's demanding. But that's exactly why the views are so insane. The summit area hosts a charming little hotel and the Chiesa di San Giovanni Gualberto church, plus you can spot the remnants of the old Venice-Austria border marker. If you're feeling adventurous, a gravel road branches north to Monte Ragusela, an even higher peak at 2,296 meters. Winter driving here requires snow tires or chains—avalanches occasionally block exposed sections—but the pass stays open year-round. Pro tip: tackle it early in the morning when traffic's light and the light's golden. Fun fact: this pass appeared in the 1985 film *Ladyhawke*, and it's been featured in the Giro d'Italia cycling race. Historic *and* cinematic? That's Passo di Giau.