
The Brutal Climb to Peña Escrita in Granada with 27% Gradients
Spain, europe
12.7 km
1,175 m
hard
Year-round
# Peña Escrita: Spain's Brutal Mountain Challenge
Ready for one of the most punishing climbs in Spain? Peña Escrita, nestled in Granada's stunning Tejeda Mountains, is basically the southern Spain answer to the legendary Angliru—and it absolutely lives up to the hype.
This beast of a road climbs 1,175m (3,854ft) and pushes cyclists and drivers to their limits with gradients hitting a jaw-dropping 27%. The 12.7km (7.89 miles) route starts from the A-7 highway and gains a staggering 1,301m of elevation, averaging a brutal 10.24% gradient throughout.
What you're dealing with is a fully paved road (though fair warning: some sections are pretty rough), incredibly narrow lanes, and hairpin turns that'll test your nerves. The route winds relentlessly through the mountains as it climbs, with the final couple of kilometers offering slightly easier terrain after the punishing ramps below.
Here's the catch: the road is closed for most of the year, so timing is crucial for a visit. But if you make it to the summit? You'll discover the remains of a quirky former zoo, and the views are absolutely incredible. Plus, if you're into paragliding, the peak is a known launching spot for some serious aerial adventures.
This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's a legitimate test of endurance and skill. Bring your A-game.
Where is it?
The Brutal Climb to Peña Escrita in Granada with 27% Gradients is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.1035, -4.0940
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,175 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.1035, -4.0940
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Dikenli Dagi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Dikenli Dagi Pass in eastern Turkey is calling all 4x4 junkies. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious elevation here, kicking it with some of Europe's highest roads! Nestled east of Agri in the Anatolian wilderness, the road to the top is a rugged, unpaved beast. Forget your low riders; you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to conquer this rocky terrain. The road stretches for nearly , testing your off-road skills and your vehicle's suspension. Expect breathtaking scenery as you climb, but keep your eyes on the road! This route is definitely not for the faint of heart, but the views from the top? Totally worth it. Get ready for an epic journey!
moderateA memorable road trip to Vratnik Pass in the Balkan Mountains
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, buckle up road trippers, because Vratnik Pass in Bulgaria is calling your name! Nestled in the eastern Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) of Sliven Province, this mountain pass climbs to a cool 921m (3,021ft). The road, also known as Road 53, winds for about 23.2km (14.41 miles) between Stara Reka in the north and Byala to the south. Now, the pavement is there, but let's just say it's seen better days. Expect a bit of an "off-road" experience with plenty of potholes and some loose gravel thrown in for good measure. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Just take it slow and soak in the views – because trust me, the scenery in these parts is totally worth it!
moderateWhere is Hohneck?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're in France, cruising through the Grand Est region, specifically the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park. You're heading up to Hohneck, a peak sitting right on the border of the Vosges and Haut-Rhin departments, about 4,468 feet above sea level. What awaits you at the top? A huge parking lot and a cozy mountain refuge called Auberge du Sommet du Hohneck, perfect for a pit stop. This peak basically splits Alsace and Lorraine! And just a hop, skip, and a jump away (1.5km to the east) is Little Hohneck, clocking in at 4,225 feet. Plus, skiers and snowboarders, take note: La Bresse Hohneck is practically on top of the mountain. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! Get ready for some serious views from high up in the Vosges Mountains. On a clear day, you can see everything from the entire Vosges range to the Black Forest, the Jura, a good chunk of the Swiss Alps, and even the Alps far off in the distance! The road itself? Let's just say it adds a little *spice* to the adventure. It's paved, but it's seen better days. Think seven hairpin turns and some narrow sections, so keep your eyes peeled! The climb from the D430 (Route des Cretes) is a short but sweet 0.86 miles. In that short distance, you'll climb around 374 feet, giving you an average gradient of around 8%, which is pretty spicy! Get ready for a memorable drive with views that will knock your socks off!
extremeColl d'Espot
🇪🇸 Spain
# Coll d'Espot: Not for the Faint of Heart Ready for one seriously gnarly mountain adventure? Coll d'Espot (also called Creu de l'Eixol) sits pretty at 2,233 meters (7,326 feet) in Catalonia's stunning Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park in northern Spain. Here's the real talk: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. You're looking at a gravel and rocky path that gets genuinely rough and bumpy in spots. The 7.5% average gradient means business, and you'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. Winter? Forget about it—the road becomes completely impassable, so don't even think about attempting it during the colder months. The scenery is breathtaking, but so are the challenges. Narrow sections barely wide enough for two vehicles mean you might need to reverse for kilometers if you meet someone coming the other way. The real kicker? Hundreds of meters of sheer drop-offs with zero guardrails in many places. Yep, that's as exposed as it sounds. This is absolutely a road for experienced off-road drivers only. Muddy conditions make it even trickier, and if heights make you queasy or you're worried about landslides, do yourself a favor and skip this one. Same goes if you're not confident with reverse driving on narrow mountain roads. Only the truly adventurous and well-equipped need apply.