Puerto de Piqueras
Spain, europe
N/A
1,710 m
hard
Year-round
# Puerto de Piqueras: Spain's Thrilling Alpine Challenge
Perched at 1,710 meters (5,610 feet) in La Rioja, northern Spain, Puerto de Piqueras is a mountain pass that'll definitely get your heart racing. The road up is completely paved, but don't let that fool you—it's incredibly steep with what feels like an endless parade of hairpin turns that keep you on your toes the entire way up. There's actually a tunnel that bypasses the climb now, but where's the fun in that if you're after an adrenaline rush?
Here's the catch: this pass sits high enough that winter snowfall isn't just possible—it's pretty much guaranteed. When the snow rolls in, the road can shut down completely until crews clear it out. So if you're planning a visit, definitely check conditions before heading up. The dramatic elevation and winding asphalt make this one of those drives you'll remember for ages, especially if you catch it on a clear day when the views are absolutely stunning.
Where is it?
Puerto de Piqueras is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.5686, -3.8308
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,710 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.5686, -3.8308
Related Roads in europe
hardLago di Lucendo
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Lago di Lucendo: A High-Alpine Adventure Ready for a serious adrenaline rush? Head to Lago di Lucendo, a stunning high-mountain reservoir perched at a breathtaking 2,184 meters (7,165 feet) in the Swiss Alps. Tucked away in the municipality of Airolo in Ticino, this hidden gem is definitely not for the faint of heart. The road up is pure adventure—think narrow, gravel paths that twist and turn steeply upward with plenty of bumpy sections to keep you on your toes. If you're easily rattled by heights, you might want to reconsider. Winter? Forget about it. Snow and ice make this route completely impassable during the colder months, so plan your visit for warmer seasons only. But here's the payoff: you'll be rewarded with a reservoir that's been anchoring this alpine landscape since 1947, surrounded by some of the most dramatic mountain scenery Switzerland has to offer. It's the kind of drive that'll make for unforgettable stories and equally impressive photos.
hardGuide to the Mines de Bentaillou
🇫🇷 France
Anciennes mines du Bentaillou is a zinc and silver-bearing abandoned mine at an elevation of 1.875m (6,151ft) above the sea level, located in the Ariège department in southwestern France, near the Spanish border. Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, within the Biros valley, the road to the summit is unpaved and very steep, with narrow parts and 35 sharp hairpin turns. 4x4 vehicle required. The final part is totally closed to private vehicles. It’s an old mine trail following numerous remnants of France's mining heritage. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season. Starting from Parking du Bocard d'Eylie, the ascent is 10 km long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 930 meters. The average gradient is 9.3%. Pic: thierry llansades Puy de Dome is an iconic Tour de France climb An iconic road to Col du Grand Ballon in the Vosges Mountains 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.
moderateLac de l’Ouillette
🇫🇷 France
# Lac de l'Ouillette Tucked away in the French Alps near the Italian border, Lac de l'Ouillette sits pretty at a whopping 2,521 meters (8,270 feet) above sea level in Savoie. This stunning high-altitude lake is totally worth the drive—if you time it right. Here's the real talk: the road up is gravel and rocky, with some seriously bumpy stretches that'll definitely test your suspension. Your best bet? Visit between July and September when the road is actually passable. Winter and spring? Forget about it—snow and bad weather make it a no-go zone from October through June. The good news? If you've got a high-clearance 2WD vehicle and take it slow, you'll be fine. It's a maintained route, so as long as the weather cooperates and you're not in a hurry, you can navigate the washboard ruts and dips without drama. Beyond just the adrenaline rush of the drive, this place is an angler's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned fishing enthusiast or just looking for a family-friendly activity, the trout fishing here is absolutely stellar. So pack your gear, time your visit wisely, and prepare for some seriously epic Alpine scenery combined with a challenging road that'll make you feel like you've really earned that mountain lake experience.
moderateWhere is F347 Located?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Ready for an Icelandic adventure? Then get your high-clearance 4x4 prepped for F347, aka Kerlingarfjallavegur! This is a true F-road experience in Iceland's central highlands south of Svartárbotnar, heading towards the impressive Kerlingarfjöll Mountain. Forget pavement – this is rough, rocky terrain that demands respect. Oh, and did I mention it’s one of Iceland’s highest roads? You'll need to ford two unbridged streams. One's usually shallow, but the other can be pretty deep, so experience is a must. Never attempt a crossing alone or when it's raining! River levels can rise FAST thanks to rain or melting snow. Seriously, keep an eye on the weather, and remember that rental car insurance usually *doesn't* cover water damage. Open only during the summer (late June to early September), this route is definitely not for small cars, but if you’re prepared, the scenery is totally worth it!