The Road to Coll de Jou is a Chillout in the Pyrenees
Spain, europe
14.7 km
1,637 m
moderate
Year-round
Coll de Jou is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,637m (5,370ft) in the province of Girona, nestled in the heart of Catalonia's Pyrenees in northern Spain.
At the summit, you'll find free parking and Refugi De Sant Jordi, a mountain shelter that's seen better days—it's unmaintained with two separate rooms, one featuring a fireplace that's more decorative than functional (it leaks!).
The 14.7 km (9.13 miles) route runs west-east from Bruguera to Ogassa through the Serra Cavallera range, and it's a proper adventure. The road is fully paved with some concrete sections, but don't expect smooth sailing—this climb is steep and chunky, with a punishing 16.0% maximum gradient in places. The gradient keeps you guessing too, mixing steep ramps with gentler stretches throughout. Fair warning: it's narrow and twisty, so caravans need not apply.
But here's the payoff: you're climbing through some seriously gorgeous mountain scenery in one of Europe's most stunning ranges. Just take your time, enjoy the views, and maybe skip the mountain refuge unless you're desperate for a chat with the fireplace.
Where is it?
The Road to Coll de Jou is a Chillout in the Pyrenees is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.3315, -2.4332
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,637 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 40.3315, -2.4332
Related Roads in europe
hardGenova-Schlüterhütte Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in the Italian Dolomites, near San Pietro, ready for an adventure. You're heading up to Rifugio Genova-Schlüterhütte, a cozy mountain hut perched way up at 2,304 meters (7,559 feet!). The road? Well, it's not exactly a smooth ride. It's a 19.9 km unpaved route winding through the forest. Think steep climbs and tight squeezes! You'll gain a whopping 1,207 meters in elevation, so get ready for an average gradient of around 6%. This hut, built way back in 1898, is your reward for braving the road. It's open from June to October, and the views within the Puez-Geisler Nature Park in the Northern Dolomites are seriously epic. Just take it slow and steady, and you'll be enjoying that mountain air in no time!
hardPorte de Cristol is an awe-inspiring track in the Alps
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in the French Alps, you HAVE to check out Porte de Cristol, a beast of a mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,483 meters (that's over 8,000 feet!). We're talking Hautes-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, France. Fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. Forget the pavement – it's a rough, unpaved track all the way to the top, so you absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle this bad boy. Expect some seriously narrow and steep bits that'll test your driving skills. The views? Totally worth it. Picture postcard stuff everywhere you look. Just remember, this road's a summer fling only, so plan your trip accordingly! You'll find the start of the trail near Route de Thiéry, that balcony road leading to Col de la Madone. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
hardOrcieres Merlette is an iconic Tour de France climb
🇫🇷 France
# Station de Orcières Merlette Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, Orcières Merlette is a ski resort perched at 1,823 meters (5,980 feet) in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The drive up to the station is a proper alpine adventure. The D76 road climbs steeply from the village of Orcières for just 5.8 km (3.60 miles), gaining 405 meters of elevation along the way. You're looking at an average gradient of about 7%, though it ramps up to 9% in the trickier sections. The whole route is paved, which is a relief, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a casual drive—there are 8 hairpin turns keeping things interesting as you snake your way upward. What makes this climb truly special is its Tour de France pedigree. The pros have tackled this road multiple times as a summit finish, which tells you everything you need to know about its character. Plus, the location is absolutely stunning: you're practically on the doorstep of Ecrins National Park, so the scenery is genuinely world-class as you climb. It's the kind of road that offers both challenge and beauty in equal measure.
hardAn Epic Climb to Col de Tramassel in the Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Tramassel Want to tackle one of the Pyrenees' sneakiest climbs? Col de Tramassel—also called Col de Burauou—sits pretty at 1,635 meters (5,364 feet) in France's Hautes-Pyrénées, nestled in the Occitanie region of the southwest. This short but seriously steep route kicks off from Hautacam ski resort and stretches just 1.3 kilometers (0.80 miles) to the summit. Don't let that distance fool you—you're looking at an average gradient of 8.15%, with some ramps hitting a brutal 12% grade. You'll climb 106 meters of elevation in that tiny stretch, so bring your climbing legs. The good news? The entire road is paved, and the three wide hairpin turns make navigating the steepness a bit more manageable than you'd expect. Once you summit, you'll find a generous car park, a restaurant, and access to the ski station facilities—perfect for catching your breath and grabbing some food. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, the summit also serves as the launching point for the unpaved and notoriously challenging Col de Moulata. But that's a story for another day.