Montaña de La Altura has taxed the nerves of more than a few drivers

Montaña de La Altura has taxed the nerves of more than a few drivers

Spain, europe

Length

2.4 km

Elevation

229 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Tenerife's got a hidden gem called Montaña de la Altura de Paso Alto. Picture this: you're winding your way up an old military road, originally built for a WWII submarine base (that never even got used, by the way!).

This baby's only 2.4 km (1.5 miles) long, but don't let that fool you. The first 1.3km are paved, lulling you into a false sense of security, then BAM! It turns into a rugged, unpaved track for the final 1.1km push to the 229m (751ft) summit. Seriously, bring your 4x4, because this ain't no Sunday drive.

Speaking of the summit, it's now home to some rad communication facilities. Along the climb, you'll pass some military ruins and face some serious, heart-stopping dropoffs. Starting in La Alegria, you'll gain 193 meters of elevation, averaging a steep 8% gradient. The views are absolutely stunning, so long as you can peel your white knuckles off the steering wheel. Get ready for a wild ride!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
2.4 km
Max Elevation
229 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

How challenging is the road to Hohe Mut in Austria?extreme

How challenging is the road to Hohe Mut in Austria?

🇦🇹 Austria

Ready for an epic off-road adventure in the Austrian Tyrol? Buckle up, because Hohe Mut is calling! This legendary peak, topping out at 2,652m (8,700ft), is a 4x4 playground nestled in the Ötztal Alps. Prepare for mind-blowing views of glaciers and a sea of 3,000-meter peaks. Getting to the summit from Obergurgl is a real test. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a 4.6 km alpine sprint on a narrow, rocky, unpaved track. You'll need a high-clearance 4WD and some serious mountain driving chops to tackle the steep ramps and loose terrain. We're talking a relentless average gradient of 15.13%, but be warned: some sections are *way* steeper! Low-range gearing is your best friend here, both for crawling up and carefully descending. Keep an eye on your engine temp and tire traction; they'll both be working hard. This drive isn't for the faint of heart. Think sharp curves, tight squeezes, and zero guardrails. One slip, and it's game over. The weather up here is notoriously unpredictable, even in summer. Snowfields, ice patches, and landslides are all potential hazards. Plus, the high altitude can affect both your vehicle's performance and your focus. Mark your calendars, because Hohe Mut is a strictly seasonal affair, usually open from late June to September. Outside of that, it's ski season! Always check the weather and trail conditions before you go, as closures are common due to avalanches or bad weather. But oh, the reward! At the summit, you'll be treated to a 360-degree panorama of over 20 towering peaks and glittering glaciers. There's even a mountain refuge, the Hohe Mut Alm, for a well-deserved break. The real prize, though, is the bragging rights of conquering this challenging alpine road!

How is the road surface to Ulagansky Pass in Altai?extreme

How is the road surface to Ulagansky Pass in Altai?

🌍 Russia

Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ulaganskiy Pereval! This high-altitude pass punches through the Altai Mountains in the remote Altai Republic of Russia, clocking in at a cool 2,082 meters (6,830 feet) above sea level. Think of it as your gateway to the wild, wild east, especially if you're heading toward the legendary Chulyshman Valley. What makes this drive so special? Picture this: alpine scenery that'll knock your socks off and views stretching across the snow-capped North Chuya and Kurai ridges. Seriously stunning! This 51.7 km (32.12 miles) stretch runs north-south, linking Aktash (right off the main Chuya Highway) to Ulagan. Now, here's the thing: road conditions can be a bit of a wild card. One minute you're cruising on smooth asphalt, the next you're navigating rough and ready Siberian dirt. While it's fairly straight, there are definitely some steep sections that demand your full attention. A gradual climb takes you from wide-open steppes into dense taiga forest before you reach the rocky summit. Word to the wise: be prepared for anything! The surface can switch from pavement to gravel in the blink of an eye, and during spring or after heavy rains, those unpaved bits can get seriously muddy. If you're planning this trip, a vehicle with decent ground clearance is a must – those potholes and washboard sections are no joke. But trust me, conquering Ulagansky Pass is SO worth it. At the summit, you're rewarded with mind-blowing views. And don't miss Ozero Kidelyu near the top – a picturesque high-mountain lake reflecting the surrounding forests and snowy peaks. It's considered a sacred spot, so keep an eye out for the colorful "kyira" ribbons tied to the trees. Plus, conquering this pass makes you ready for the Katu-Yaryk Pass. Ulaganskiy Pereval is an essential first step for any serious Siberian road trip.

Where is Ouninpohjantie?hard

Where is Ouninpohjantie?

🌍 Finland

Okay, picture this: Finland. Middle of nowhere. And a ribbon of road called Ouninpohjantie. Rally legend Mikko Hirvonen called it "the best road in the world," and honestly, he's not wrong! This epic stretch winds for about 17.4 km (that's just over 10 miles) between Velu and Mutanen, straddling Central Finland and Pirkanmaa. It’s all unpaved, adding to the raw, untamed feel. Expect some seriously steep sections and places where it gets pretty narrow, but most cars can handle it. So, why the hype? This isn't just any backroad—it's a legendary stage in Rally Finland (aka the 1000 Lakes Rally). They say it’s the fastest, toughest stage, and a highlight of the entire World Rally Championship. Think crazy speeds (over 200 km/h!), massive jumps, and blind crests that test every driver's skill and nerve. Driving it is wild. The surface is surprisingly firm, with bend after bend and crest after crest. There are famous spots like the "Yellow House Jump" where cars literally fly. And the scenery? Forget about it! Lakes pop up through the trees, and you're surrounded by classic Finnish countryside. Beyond rally, Ouninpohjantie has seeped into Finnish culture, even showing up in video games. It’s a driving experience you won't soon forget.

Where is Col de Puymorens?moderate

Where is Col de Puymorens?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, buckle up, because Col de Puymorens is calling your name! Nestled high in the French Pyrénées-Orientales at a cool 1,920 meters (that's 6,299 feet!), this mountain pass is a must-do for any road trip aficionado. You'll find it in the Occitania region, practically spitting distance from the Spanish border and the sparkling Mediterranean. The N320, the smooth paved road to the top, winds its way for 10.7 kilometers (or 6.64 miles for my American friends) between the N20 and N22. Be warned, though - it's a popular route, even for the big rigs! Expect some huffing and puffing with gradients reaching up to 7.7% in places. Cycling fans might recognize it from the Tour de France! This beauty is usually open year-round, but hey, it's the Pyrenees! Winter can bring some gnarly weather and temporary closures, so keep an eye on the forecast. A tunnel was built way back in '94 to help bypass it, but where's the fun in that? Get ready for some serious mountain views!