Mirador del Rey

Mirador del Rey

Spain, europe

Length

3.2 km

Elevation

1,081 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're in northern Spain, deep in the Picos de Europa mountains, ready for an adventure. You're headed to Mirador del Rey – the King's Viewpoint! This natural balcony sits high at 1,081 meters (3,546 feet), offering insane views.

The road to get there is a fun little 3.2 km jaunt that kicks off from the CO-4, winding along the western edge of Lago de Enol. It's unpaved, with some tight and steep sections as it crosses the Enol plain, but don't worry, it's totally doable in any vehicle.

The journey is worth it: you're surrounded by the Covadonga National Park and when you reach the end, BAM! The Pome beech forest stretches out before you in all its glory. There's even a big parking lot up top, so no need to stress about finding a spot. Trust me, this viewpoint is an absolute must-see!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
3.2 km
Max Elevation
1,081 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Puerto de Ibañeta is a classic road trip in northern Spainhard

Puerto de Ibañeta is a classic road trip in northern Spain

🇪🇸 Spain

# Puerto de Ibañeta If you're looking for a seriously scenic mountain crossing in Spain, the Puerto de Ibañeta is your answer. Sitting pretty at 1,063m (3,487ft) in Navarra, this pass has been welcoming travelers since Roman times—talk about staying power! You might hear it called by a bunch of different names (Paso de Roncesvalles, Col de Roncevaux, and a few others), but they all lead to the same epic mountain experience. The pass itself stretches 16.4 km (10.19 miles) from Roncesvalles in the north down to Luzaide/Valcarlos in the south, carving its way between the Nive valley and the Irati valley. The main road up here is the N135, and here's the good news—it's completely paved and well-maintained. The not-so-good news? It's seriously steep in places, with gradients hitting up to 15%, so pack your driving patience. The road stays open pretty much year-round, which is impressive for a Pyrenean pass. Once you reach the summit, you'll spot the modern Ermita de San Salvador de Ibañeta church marking your arrival at the top. Want to push even higher? The NA-2033 branches off from here, a narrow paved mountain road that climbs another 6km to Ortzanzurieta at a breathtaking 1,570m (5,150ft). The whole area is pure Pyrenean magic—rugged, dramatic, and absolutely worth the drive.

How To Travel The Memorable Road to Cime de Caronhard

How To Travel The Memorable Road to Cime de Caron

🇫🇷 France

# Cime de Caron: One of Europe's Most Extreme Mountain Roads Want to experience one of Europe's most legendary high-altitude drives? Cime de Caron sits at a jaw-dropping 3,182m (10,439ft) in the Savoie department of southeastern France, near the Italian border. It's basically as high as roads get on this continent. This isn't your typical scenic mountain pass. Starting from Val Thorens ski resort, the 8km route climbs a brutal 835m through relentless terrain that'll test even the most experienced drivers. We're talking 10.43% average gradient with sections hitting a spine-tingling 30% steepness. Your vehicle? Must be 4x4. Non-negotiable. The track itself is completely unpaved—a chairlift service road that's painfully narrow, rocky, and slippery. You'll navigate ski piste sections at occasionally impossible angles that'll make your palms sweat. This is genuinely one of the toughest drives you can attempt, full stop. Perched in the Massif de la Vanoise range, this peak anchors the 3 Valleys—the world's largest ski area. The payoff? From the summit, you're rewarded with panoramic views stretching across a thousand peaks across France, Switzerland, and Italy. It's absolutely stunning. Fair warning: this road becomes completely impassable during winter months, so plan accordingly. But if you're craving an authentic, adrenaline-pumping alpine adventure, Cime de Caron delivers the real deal.

Pico Cogullahard

Pico Cogulla

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Wanna bag one of Spain's highest mountain roads? Then point your rig towards Pico Cogulla in the Aragonese Pyrenees! We're talking serious altitude here – 2,351 meters (that's 7,713 feet!). Located in the beautiful Benasque Valley, this isn't your Sunday drive. The road? More like a rugged, rocky, and bumpy trail – a service road, actually, used to maintain the local ski lifts. Think steep inclines (up to 30%!), loose stones, and a seriously rocky upper section. You'll want to tackle this baby late summer (think late August) for the best shot, because winter up here is brutal. And even then, be prepared for some wind – it's almost always howling! Oh, and don't be surprised if you catch a random snowy day, even in summer. The views are killer, though, if you dare to look!

Llano de los Infantesmoderate

Llano de los Infantes

🇪🇸 Spain

Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Llano de los Infantes! Picture this: you're in Tenerife, Canary Islands, and you're itching for some serious altitude. This plateau sits way up high at 2,315m (7,595ft) – that's some of the highest driving you can do in Spain! Tucked inside the stunning Teide National Park, this isn't your typical paved road. It's an off-road adventure! Now, here's the deal: private cars are a no-go (barrier and all), but the road itself is generally in decent shape. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to conquer this one. Word of warning: the weather here is a total wildcard and can get wild FAST. Plus, hold onto your hats – the wind is practically a permanent resident. But trust me, it's worth it! The views of El Teide and Guajara are absolutely epic. Get ready for a truly unforgettable ride!