
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鈥攊t'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鈥攖his 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
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