Where is Alto de Carrascoy?
Spain, europe
9.5 km
1,062 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Alto de Carrascoy in the Murcia region of Spain is a beast of a climb! Nestled in the stunning Sierra de Carrascoy y El Valle Regional Park in southeastern Spain, this peak tops out at 1,062m (3,484ft).
The road, also known as Pico de La Maza, is a 9.5km (5.9 miles) dead-end paved route that kicks off from the RM-603 road near Casas Nuevas de la Costera. Don't let the "paved" part fool you, though—the tarmac can be pretty rough in spots! Over that distance, you'll be battling a whopping 891 meters of elevation gain.
And when I say "battle," I mean it. The average gradient is a leg-burning 9.37%, but don't be fooled; the first 6km average almost 12%, with sections maxing out at a lung-busting 18%! Just when you think you've conquered it, the last couple of kilometers tease you with a false flat and even a bit of descent. The summit is crowned with antennas and a communications tower, so enjoy the views as your reward for all that hard work!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,062 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Karlsbader Hütte?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: You're heading to the Karlsbader Hütte, nestled high in the Austrian Alps near the border with… well, let's just say a neighboring country! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a mix of paved and unpaved road that throws you straight into mountain adventure. It's a lung-buster, no joke! Some sections crank up to a ridiculously steep gradient – think "immense" is the only word for it. The whole route climbs, winding up, up, up for . You'll gain a whopping in elevation, averaging out to a pretty serious gradient the whole way. Now, here's the catch: Forget driving. The road is unpaved in parts and closed to cars and motorcycles, which means you're hoofing it or biking. But trust me, the views from the Karlsbader Hütte, chilling next to the crystal-clear Laserzsee lake in the heart of the , are worth every drop of sweat. Just remember, winter's a no-go – this beauty is snowed in.
extremeForte del Monte Scale
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ever dreamed of exploring a legit, old-school fortress high in the Italian Alps? Forte del Monte Scale is calling your name! Perched way up at 2,213 meters (that's over 7,200 feet!), this spot in Lombardy is not for the faint of heart. Built way back in the early 1900s, getting here is half the battle. Forget your car – this 1.9km route is a rugged mix of gravel and rock, seriously steep in sections, and totally closed to vehicles. The final stretch is a narrow path you'll have to hike. The views? Epic. The challenge? Real. Keep an eye on the weather because this area can throw anything at you: avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and icy patches are all part of the experience. Basically, if you're afraid of heights or the ground moving beneath you, maybe sit this one out. But if you're up for an unforgettable trek to a historic spot with breathtaking scenery, Forte del Monte Scale awaits!
hardWhere is Col du Joly?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Rhône-Alpes region of France, right on the border of Haute-Savoie and Savoie. You're headed for Col du Joly, a mountain pass that tops out at a cool 1,989m (6,525ft). The road? Well, the south side's mostly paved, but the north gets a little more adventurous with a well-maintained unpaved section. Think Beaufort (Beaufort-sur-Doron) on one side, Les Contamines-Montjoie on the other, connecting south to north. It can get a bit narrow in places, and there's usually a bit of traffic heading up to Chez Gaston restaurant at the summit – a popular spot for hikers starting the Tour du Mont Blanc. Now, this isn't a Sunday drive – some sections get pretty steep, hitting gradients of up to 10.9%! But trust me, it's worth it. Once you reach the top, you're rewarded with one of the most incredible, up-close-and-personal views of Mont Blanc. Seriously breathtaking!
moderateMirador de la Curva del Queso, a 5 stars road in the Canary Islands
🇪🇸 Spain
# Mirador de la Curva del Queso: A Scenic Drive Through La Gomera If you're looking for a road trip that'll make your jaw drop, head to La Gomera in the Canary Islands and tackle the GM-1. This stunning route winds through the western side of the island, connecting the capital to the charming northern town of Hermiga, and it's an absolute game-changer. What makes the GM-1 so special? Those incredible hairpin turns. Seriously, every single curve reveals a fresh perspective of the sprawling valley below. You'll drive past dramatic cliff faces, pass through quaint little settlements, and feel genuinely immersed in nature. The scenery is nothing short of breathtaking. The road itself sits beautifully on the west side of Valle Gran Rey (the Valley of the Great King)—a region that was once treasured for its remote, untouched character. Nowadays, you can experience that same sense of adventure on expertly maintained pavement as the road gracefully curves down into the valley, hugging the island's rugged coastline while climbing deep into the mountains. The Mirador de la Curva del Queso observation deck marks the perfect spot to pause and soak it all in. It's the kind of drive where every kilometer gives you something new to marvel at, making it an unforgettable adventure through one of Spain's most captivating islands.