The Road to Collado del Ampriu in the Pyrenees Has It All
Spain, europe
1 km
1,571 m
extreme
Year-round
Collado del Ampriu is a seriously stunning mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,261m (7,417ft) in Huesca, Spain. Nestled in the Ribagorza region of Aragón and tucked deep within the Benasque Valley in the Pyrenees, this spot is an absolute gem for mountain enthusiasts.
The paved road up is no joke—we're talking slopes that regularly exceed 12%. It's been a favorite challenge for the Vuelta a España riders, though they typically only tackle it up to the end of the paved section at 1,912m (6,272ft), where there's a handy parking lot. From there, a small gravel road (off-limits to regular cars) continues another kilometer or so to the actual summit.
Starting from Cerler at 1,571m, you're looking at a 9.6 km climb that'll gain you 690 meters of elevation. The average gradient sits around 7.1%, so it's definitely challenging but doable. Once you reach the top, you'll find yourself at the gateway to a bunch of unpaved roads that branch off to nearby peaks—most of them maintained for ski lift operations.
It's the kind of place where you feel like you're really conquering something special. The Pyrenees backdrop, the thin mountain air, those sweeping switchbacks—this pass delivers the goods for anyone brave enough to tackle it.
Where is it?
The Road to Collado del Ampriu in the Pyrenees Has It All is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.3660, -3.4219
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,571 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 40.3660, -3.4219
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhy was Strada delle 52 Gallerie built?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Italy, ready for an adventure, and someone tells you about the Strada delle 52 Gallerie – the Road of 52 Tunnels. This isn't just any hike; it's a historic military trail carved into the Pasubio mountains during World War I. Why build a road through solid rock? Well, this area, straddling Trentino-South Tyrol and Veneto, saw some serious action. They needed a supply route safe from enemy fire, and this incredible feat of engineering was the answer. Think steep cliffs, deep canyons, and rugged terrain – intense! The trail itself is about 5.3 km (3.29 miles) long, winding its way from Bocchetta di Campiglia. But here's the kicker: almost half of that distance is underground, snaking through 52 tunnels drilled straight through the mountain. These aren't just holes in the rock; they're numbered, named, and range from tiny to the monster #19 tunnel with a helical path, a whopping 318 meters long. Expect a serious workout as you hike. You'll be climbing, sometimes steeply, and the temperature can change dramatically from bottom to top. Bring a good headlamp – those tunnels get dark. The path can be uneven and slippery in spots. But trust me, the views are insane, and reaching the Refuge Achille Papa at the end for a well-deserved break is epic. This road is for hikers only now; cars are banned because, let's be honest, it's narrow, cliffy, and a bit too exciting for four-wheeled vehicles. In winter, forget about it – snow and ice make it way too dangerous. Is it worth it? Absolutely. It's a challenging but unforgettable trek through history and stunning scenery. Just be prepared, be careful, and get ready to be blown away!
hardLe Chalvet
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Le Chalvet is calling your name. This epic mountain peak sits way up high at 2,583m (that's 8,474ft!) in the Hautes-Alpes of France, practically spitting distance from Italy. Now, getting to the top isn't a Sunday drive. Think gravel, rocks, and a seriously bumpy ride – this is a chairlift access trail, after all! Best tackled when the weather's playing nice, usually July and August. Trust me, you'll want some serious 4x4 skills and a vehicle to match. Heights aren't your friend? Maybe skip this one. It's steep, like, really steep. And keep an eye on the sky; thunderstorms can turn this already challenging road into an absolute beast. But hey, if you're up for the adventure, the views overlooking the Hautes-Alpes in the Southern Alps are absolutely breathtaking. You won't regret it!
extremeWhere is Melidoni Beach in Greece?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: you're on the Greek island of Cythera (Kythira), craving a secluded paradise. Melidoni Beach is calling your name with its perfect sand, crystal-clear water, and views that’ll make your jaw drop. It's tucked away in a little bay, hugged by rocky cliffs on the southwest side of the island, not far from the island's capital, Chora. There's parking when you arrive, plus a bar slinging drinks with umbrellas and sunbeds. Now, let's talk about the road...it’s an adventure! Starting from Kasimatianika, the 5.1 km (3.16 miles) to Melidoni Beach climbs 378 meters in elevation. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a rough 'n' ready mix of concrete, gravel, and sand. It’s narrow – think one car at a time – and seriously steep in sections. A 4x4 is HIGHLY recommended. But hey, the views of the old Monastery of St. Kosmas on the way down are a pretty sweet reward! If you're not a fan of narrow roads and cliffside driving, maybe rethink this one. But if you're up for the challenge, Melidoni is waiting!
hardWhere is Golemo Ezero?
🌍 Macedonia
Golemo Ezero is a high mountain above sea level, located in the Republic of North Macedonia. It’s one of the highest roads in the country Where is Golemo Ezero? The lake is located south of , the third-highest mountain in North Macedonia, in the southwestern part of the country, within National Park Pelister . It’s situated in the original part of the , a left tributary of the river Why is Golemo Ezero famous? The lake (which means . At this depth, it ranks as the third deepest natural lake deepest mountain lake in the Republic of Macedonia. How long is the road to Golemo Ezero? The road to the lake is totally and pretty challenging, with . Starting from Trnovo, the road is long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is and the average gradient is impassable in winters How to get to Dimitar Ilievski-Murato mountain hut? Located on the shore of the lake, there is a mountain hut named after Dimitar Ilievski-Murato . He was a mountaineer who was born in . He was the first national of modern Republic of Macedonia ever to climb the highest peak of the world , Mount Everest. He reached the summit on , and after summiting he didn't return to any of the camps, and is officially . In the kitchen, you can prepare food while they . In the hut, there are Pic: Off-Road Macedonia How challenging is the 4x4 road to Piribeg in the Šar Mountains? How to get by car to Lake Bogovina in Polog? 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.