Piedra Negra Refuge, a Most Tricky Scenic Drive
Spain, europe
N/A
2,059 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in sunny southern Spain, in the Almería province of Andalucia, itching for a bit of adventure. Well, I've got just the thing! Head into the Sierra Nevada National Park, and get ready for a bumpy ride up to Refugio Vivac Piedra Negra.
This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking a proper unpaved track that climbs to a cool 2,059 meters (that's 6,755 feet!). A 4x4 is a must, trust me on this one. The views? Absolutely epic. Think snow-capped peaks of Mulhacén and Veleta stretching out before you.
Best time to go is late spring to early fall – those mountain roads can get seriously snowy otherwise. And what awaits you at the top? A basic mountain cabin, a welcome sight after that drive, offering shelter from the elements. It's all about the journey and the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,059 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateA classic road trip to Radstadter Tauern Pass
🇦🇹 Austria
# Radstädter Tauern Pass Nestled in Austria's Salzburg state, the Radstädter Tauern Pass sits at a impressive 1,740m (5,708ft) and connects the towns of Mauterndorf to Radstadt across 38.5 km (23.92 miles) of pure Alpine driving. Named after the charming town of Radstadt, this route has some serious history – we're talking pre-Roman times when the Taurisci first carved a path here, followed by Emperor Claudius himself completing the first proper road about 2,000 years ago. Today's route follows the Katschberg Straße (B 99), a fully paved highway that's actually pretty well-maintained with a solid surface. Don't let that fool you though – you'll encounter some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 15% as you wind through the mountains. It's definitely a thrilling drive with plenty of switchbacks to keep you engaged. The pass stays open year-round, but winter can throw curveballs with snow and icy conditions that occasionally force temporary closures. Summer's your sweet spot for hassle-free driving through these stunning Central Alps. Add some cultural flavor to your trip: part of the 1965 Beatles film "Help!" was actually shot right here! The area's home to Obertauern, a popular winter sports resort with plenty of hotels if you want to make a longer stay of it. Whether you're chasing mountain scenery or Alpine adventures, this pass delivers on both fronts.
extremeWhere is Mont Malamot?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Mont Malamot, a killer peak way up in the French Alps (Savoie department, to be exact) hitting almost 9,500 feet. You'll find it in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. What's up there? Fort Malamot, an old military fortress built way back in 1889 by the Italians, big enough for 200 troops! They even beefed it up later as part of the Alpine Wall. The road? Forget smooth tarmac. It's a rugged, unpaved military road called Strada militare Bivio Varisello-Giaset-Malamot. You can't even drive it anymore - there's a barrier a few kilometers in. Beyond that, it's still holding up pretty well, at least in some spots. Stone walls and drainage are still there. But be warned: the middle section is a mess, basically wrecked by weather. Cyclists, you’re gonna have a tough time! It's crazy narrow, super steep (we’re talking over 20% gradients!), and covered in rocks. So, how long is this epic climb? From the D1006 paved road, it's about 6.7 miles to the top. That's over 3,300 feet of elevation gain, averaging out to a 9.33% grade. Killer! Heads up: being in the northern Cottian Alps, this road is a no-go from September to June. It's one of the highest roads in France, so expect snow and ice!
extremeWhere is the Chluse Gorge?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Let's talk about the Chluse Gorge in the Swiss Alps, a wild ride carved right into the mountains of the canton of Bern. This isn't just a road; it's a time capsule leading into the Gasterntal Valley, a gorgeous UNESCO site. Picture this: a roughly 7-mile (11.4 km) stretch of mostly unpaved road that snakes along the Kander River, connecting Gasterntal to Kandersteg. Built way back in 1912, the road is an engineering marvel with arched bridges, tunnels, and half-galleries still in their original form! Here's the catch (and part of the thrill): this gorge is so narrow that traffic is regulated. Cars get a 20-minute window to drive in each direction every hour, with a 10-minute buffer in between. You'll definitely feel the pressure navigating this route, especially when you're hugging the cliff face. Expect the drive to take about 30-45 minutes if you don't stop to soak it all in. Open usually from mid-May to mid-October, prepare for hairpin turns and seriously stunning views. It's a white-knuckle experience with incredible scenery, so make sure you're up for the challenge!
hardRefugi de la Pleta del Prat
🇪🇸 Spain
Refugi de la Pleta del Prat is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 1.720m (5,643ft) above the sea level, located in the comarca of the Pallars Sobirà in Catalonia, Spain. Located in the Alt Pirineu Natural Park, near the French border, the road to the refuge is asphalted but pretty narrow (especially the last 3km). Its many twists, turns and narrows can pose a challenge to even the most experienced drivers. This route is not recommended if your passengers are prone to car sickness. Expect a road pretty steep. Starting from Tavascan, the ascent is 10.2 km long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 592 meters. The average gradient is 5.80%. South the refuge, a ski-station service road climbs up to 2.198m (7,211ft) above the sea level, to the Tavascan station chairlift. The slope is very steep, consists of loose stones and becomes even steeper and rocky in the upper part. This trail can be done only a very narrow time-frame in the summer (end of August). The wind is usually quite strong at mountain areas. High winds blow here all year long. Pic: Pensat en 360, Barcelona Cerro de Los Murciélagos Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.