What’s Bardenas Reales?
Spain, europe
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moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you HAVE to check out the Bardenas Reales in northern Spain! It's this crazy, unique desert landscape that feels totally out of place in Europe.
Think semi-desert badlands with bizarre clay and sandstone formations sculpted by wind and water. Seriously, the erosion is unreal! You'll see these crazy structures called "cabezos" that stick out like something from another planet.
You can totally drive through it! One popular route is the Carcastillo-Figarol road (El Paso), which then hooks up with the track that runs alongside the military shooting range. Yep, you read that right. Another option is the earth track that starts near the petrol station on the edge of Carcastillo and circles the firing range.
Just be warned: the area is pretty remote, and vegetation is super sparse. Most of the streams are dry too. Even though it looks barren, it's actually got a surprising amount of natural diversity!
Oh, and did I mention they filmed parts of "The World Is Not Enough" here? Talk about an epic backdrop! You can easily spend a whole day cruising around on the many tracks, but definitely bring water and supplies. It’s wild out there!
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col du Négron?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Drôme region of France, headed for Col du Négron. This mountain pass sits pretty at 1,242 meters (that's 4,074 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. The road, known as RD18, is fully paved and stretches for about 14.7 kilometers (or 9.13 miles) between Col de la Pigiere and Revest-du-Bion. Now, a heads up, this isn't a perfectly smooth ride. The road surface has seen better days, and there are some steep sections to tackle. Coming from Revest-du-Bion, it's an 11.18 km climb, gaining 319 meters in elevation. The average grade is around 2.85%, with max slopes hitting 5%. Get ready for 5 hairpin turns! Keep an eye out for rock slides and note the weight limit of 15 tons. Despite the challenges, the views are totally worth it!
easyHow to Get by Car to the Abandoned Terskol Ice Base?
🌍 Russia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ready to tackle one of Europe's highest and wildest roads? Head to the heart of Russia, near the Georgian border, in the regions of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay–Cherkessia, and aim for the abandoned Terskol Ice Base. We're talking a staggering 3,675m (12,057ft) above sea level! The area is drop-dead gorgeous, with the Terskol Glacier calling all hikers and climbers. Keep an eye out for memorials to WWII soldiers and spooky abandoned buildings – this place has history etched into its landscape. Starting from Terskol (already at a lofty 2,166m), brace yourself for a 11.9 km climb. In that relatively short distance, you'll gain a whopping 1,509 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of almost 13%, with some seriously butt-clenching sections hitting 18%! Nestled in the western Caucasus, this track is strictly for summer thrill-seekers (July-August). It's completely unpaved, so a 4x4 with high clearance is non-negotiable. Trust me, this road will test your skills and your ride. The scenery is incredible, with stunning waterfalls cascading down the mountainside, but the steepness and rugged terrain mean you should definitely NOT be a beginner. And seriously, don't go it alone. It's easy to lose the path, so hook up with a guide through the local tourist office. Let's get those tires dirty!
hardCol de Plantara
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're heading to the Drôme region in southeastern France? Sweet! You absolutely HAVE to check out Col de Plantara. This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,002 meters (that's about 3,287 feet). The road, known as the D627, is paved, but be warned – it's a bit of a rollercoaster! Think narrow, steep stretches that will definitely keep you on your toes. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? And get this – you'll even pass by the Fort de la Grande Maye. The scenery is killer, so keep your eyes peeled (but on the road mostly, haha). It’s a must-do if you’re in the area!
moderatePalandöken Geçidi is an absolute must for road lovers
🇹🇷 Turkey
Hey, fellow adventurers! Ever heard of Palandöken Geçidi? This stunner of a mountain pass sits way up high in Turkey's Erzurum province, clocking in at a breathtaking 2,897 meters (that's 9,504 feet!). Winding through the Palandöken Mountains, this fully paved road – they call it provincial road 25-26 – stretches for about 59 kilometers (36 miles). You'll cruise from Erzurum, the province's capital, down to Taşkesen, heading north to south. Fair warning: this eastern Turkey gem can get seriously snowy, so closures are pretty common. But if you catch it right, you're in for some seriously amazing scenery on one of the country's highest paved roads! Just be prepared for some potential delays and pack your sense of adventure!