Where does the road to Peña del Altar start?

Okay, picture this: you're in Andalusia, Spain, ready for some seriously epic views. Head to the Sierra de la Pandera mountain range in Jaén province, specifically to the parking lot of the old military installations. That's where the adventure *almost* begins!

From there, a short but intense gravel track winds its way up to Peña del Altar, a mountain refuge perched at a whopping 1,791 meters (5,875 feet). Sadly, this last stretch is closed to private vehicles – bummer, I know! It's a service road, mainly for hikers and authorized personnel, keeping the area pristine.

Now, if you *did* have permission to drive (lucky you!), you'd be facing a seriously steep, unpaved climb. We're talking 4x4 territory with high ground clearance. And watch out for thunderstorms – that dry gravel turns into a slick, treacherous mess in no time.

Heads up: this route is usually snowed in from October to June, depending on the winter. Even in summer, it's not for the faint of heart – think exposed views and dramatic drops along the ridge.

But don't let that deter you from visiting the start of the track at Alto de la Pandera! Even without driving the full route, the views from the area around the refuge are jaw-dropping, giving you a unique panorama of the Jaén landscape. It's a must-see for any backcountry lover exploring Andalusia.