Mirador de Ezaro in Galicia: The 28% Gradient Road that Challenges Cyclists
Spain, europe
10.8 km
268 m
moderate
Year-round
# Mirador de Ézaro: Spain's Most Brutal Climb
Ready for one of Spain's most insane uphill challenges? Mirador de Ézaro sits at 268 meters (879 feet) above sea level in A Coruña, Galicia, in the northwestern corner of Spain. This isn't just any viewpoint — it's the kind of place that makes professional cyclists weep.
The road up is called DP-2308, stretching 10.8 km (6.71 miles) from Buxantes to O Pindo. It's fully paved (with some concrete sections thrown in), but don't let that fool you. This climb hits a jaw-dropping 28% gradient in certain stretches, making it one of the steepest ascents in the entire history of the Vuelta cycling race — even more punishing than the legendary Angliru.
What makes this route truly wild? You're literally riding straight uphill over a massive rock formation. It's the kind of road that makes you question your life choices around every hairpin turn.
Reach the summit and you'll find parking and a lookout point that makes all that suffering worth it. The views are absolutely spectacular — you get incredible vistas of the sea stretching out below you. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast wanting to test yourself or just someone who loves jaw-dropping coastal scenery, this is one unforgettable drive (or ride).
Where is it?
Mirador de Ezaro in Galicia: The 28% Gradient Road that Challenges Cyclists is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.3749, -3.2155
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 268 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.3749, -3.2155
Related Roads in europe
hardTravelling through the Challenging Old N-320 Road in Castile-La Mancha
🇪🇸 Spain
# Antigua Carretera N-320: Spain's Hidden Canyon Classic Tucked away in Sacedón, Guadalajara, the Antigua Carretera N-320 is a stunningly scenic cliff road that's been around since the 1950s. Today it goes by CM-9222, and while a shiny new highway has stolen most of the traffic, this narrow, fully paved gem still attracts adventurous drivers willing to take on its moody personality. The 2.8-km stretch winds east to west through some of Spain's most dramatic canyon scenery, hugging the mountainside between the N-320 and CM-2009. Here's the thing though: despite warning signs at the entrance suggesting closure, cars and trucks (even Google Maps!) still brave it regularly. The road is legitimately narrow—carved right into the rock face—with the occasional pothole keeping you honest. The real test comes at a section locals call La Visera (literally "Peaked Cap"), where the road clings to the River Tajo near the Entrepeñas Dam. It's absolutely beautiful, but prepare for some white-knuckle moments. You'll encounter stretches too tight for two cars to pass comfortably, and you might find yourself reversing around blind corners on pavement that feels impossibly narrow. Fair warning: rock slides and landslides can shut this road down without notice. The mountain here has opinions about who gets to pass. But if you're after a genuinely thrilling, visually stunning drive through Spain's heartland, this old-school mountain road delivers in spades.
moderateThe steep narrow road to Lac des Gloriettes
🇫🇷 France
# Barrage des Gloriettes: A High-Alpine Adventure in the Pyrenees Nestled in the Hautes-Pyrénées of southwestern France, Barrage des Gloriettes is a stunning high mountain lake that's absolutely worth the drive—if you're ready for it. Perched at 1,673 meters (5,488 feet) above sea level, this reservoir sits right in the heart of the Pyrenees, that magnificent mountain range straddling the France-Spain border. The road to get there? It's a thrilling experience. The D922 is paved, but don't let that fool you—it's narrow enough to ban buses and trucks, which tells you something about what you're getting into. What awaits is a jaw-dropping 2.2-kilometer stretch of pure mountain magic, climbing 212 meters with an average gradient of 9.63%. Translation: hairpin turns galore, with virtually every bend offering new vistas of the Cirque d'Estaube unfolding beneath you. The surface is rough in places, and those hairpins are relentless—this isn't a leisurely cruise. But the payoff is spectacular scenery that'll have you itching to pull over at every turn. Just know that summer is peak season, so the parking lot gets packed with fellow adventure-seekers. Plan accordingly. One major caveat: this road is typically closed from November through June, so timing is everything. Hit it during the warmer months, and you've got yourself an unforgettable alpine experience.
hardAlpe di Rodengo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Alpe di Rodengo: A Heart-Pounding Alpine Adventure Tucked away in South Tyrol's stunning Lüsner mountains, the Alpe di Rodengo (also called Rodenecker Alm) sits at a seriously impressive 1,715 meters (5,626 feet) above sea level. Here's the thing about this pass: it's definitely not for the faint of heart. The road is paved, which is great, but it's narrow—like, uncomfortably narrow for squeezing two cars past each other. And the gradients? They're relentless, with some stretches hitting a brutal 15.5% grade that'll have your engine working overtime. If you're up for the challenge, you'll be rewarded with some genuinely spectacular Alpine scenery as you wind your way toward the summit. Just take it slow, watch your brakes, and maybe don't plan this one for a particularly wide vehicle!
hardEstanho de Vilac
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! I've got a hidden gem for you: Estanho de Vilac, a stunning high-altitude lake nestled in the Val d'Aran, up in the Spanish Pyrenees. We're talking Catalonia, way up north, surrounded by epic mountain views. So, here's the deal. You'll start in the charming town of Vilac, at 1,040m altitude, and embark on a 6.8km climb to the lake at 1,642m. That's over 600 meters of elevation gain! The average gradient sits at a hefty 8.85%, so get ready for a climb! Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. The road is gravel, rocky, and can get pretty dicey. A 4x4 is a MUST. Seriously, don't even think about it without one. Also, keep an eye on the weather, because up here, it can change on a dime. The road's technically open year-round, but winter can bring closures. For your own safety, only tackle this road when it's dry. But trust me, the views are worth it. The vistas over Vielha are simply breathtaking. It's an exhilarating, unforgettable drive. Get ready for an epic adventure!