The Unpaved Camino de los Franceses to Collado de Carihuela in Granada
Spain, europe
31 km
3,209 m
moderate
Year-round
# Collado de Carihuela: Spain's Alpine Adventure
Looking for one of Europe's most breathtaking mountain passes? Meet Collado de Carihuela, sitting pretty at 3,209m (10,528ft) in Granada's Sierra Nevada mountains. This isn't just any high-altitude route—it's one of the highest roads you can find in Europe, and it's absolutely spectacular.
Nestled in Andalusia in southern Spain, this pass has some seriously cool features at the summit. You'll find the Refugio Vivac de la Carihuela mountain refuge and a charming little chapel, the Ermita de la Virgen de las Nieves, offering both shelter and spiritual vibes high up in the peaks.
The route itself—known as Camino de los Franceses or Camino del Mulhacén—stretches for 31km (19 miles) between the Veleta peak and the quaint town of Capileira. Here's the thing though: it's completely unpaved, which means it's impassable during winter months when the snow rolls in. The drive rewards you with stunning alpine lakes scattered along the way.
Fair warning: to preserve the national park's pristine wilderness, this road is off-limits to motor vehicles. Only cyclists and hikers are welcome here, making it perfect for those seeking a genuine mountain experience away from the roar of engines. The raw, untamed beauty of the Sierra Nevada awaits.
Where is it?
The Unpaved Camino de los Franceses to Collado de Carihuela in Granada is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.5392, -3.0150
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 31 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,209 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 39.5392, -3.0150
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