
Pas de Llevata
Spain, europe
N/A
2,445 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Pas de Llevata in Catalonia, Spain is calling your name, sitting pretty at a whopping 2,445m (8,021ft). We're talking about one of Spain's highest routes here!
Now, don't expect smooth sailing. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking rocky, gravelly terrain. Yep, it's actually a chairlift access trail for the Boi Taull resort! Think seriously steep slopes covered in loose stones that get even more intense as you climb. This peak connects Sarroca de Bellera and la Vall de Boí, offering killer views.
Heads up: You've only got a tiny window (late August) to tackle this beast. And be prepared for wind – seriously strong winds that seem to be constant. Nestled in the Vall Fosca valley, winter here means seriously brutal cold. Oh, and did I mention the road is a super steep ski-station service road? Some parts clock in at a crazy 30% gradient!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,445 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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