Where is Alto de La Nava Grande?
Spain, europe
1.5 km
1,963 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Alto de La Nava Grande, a hidden gem tucked away in the Sierra de Guadarrama near Madrid. Locals just call it Alto de La Nava, and trust me, it lives up to the hype. It's a 20.8km climb from Manzanares el Real, gaining 1,114m in elevation — so buckle up!
This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking unpaved roads, the kind with gravel and loose rocks. The first part is pretty chill, but things get real after you pass the bridge. Get ready for "las famosas zetas de La Pedriza" — a wild series of 12 hairpin turns that'll test your skills. The last 1.5km? You'll probably want a high-clearance 4x4 for that rocky, steep section.
When you finally make it to the top at 1,963m (6,440ft), you'll find a survey marker and mind-blowing 360-degree views over the Lozoya Valley and the Santillana reservoir. History buffs, take note: these heights were once part of the Spanish Civil War defense lines, and you can still spot old trenches nearby.
A word of warning: vehicle access can be restricted to authorized forest vehicles, mountain bikers, and hikers only. So, check with the local authorities in Manzanares el Real before you go!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,963 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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