
Where is Coll de Triadó?
Spain, europe
11.5 km
2,172 m
hard
Year-round
Alright adventure-seekers, let's talk about Coll de Triadó, a mountain pass that's calling your name in the Lleida province of Spain!
Where exactly? Picture this: you're in Catalonia, way up north, specifically in La Torre de Cabdella. This is Spain at its most ruggedly beautiful.
Now, hold on tight because the road to the top – also known as Coll del Triador – is a wild one! We're talking entirely unpaved, seriously challenging, and boasting a crazy 30 hairpin turns. It's called Pista del Triador for a reason! Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically essential.
The stats? From Espui, you're looking at a 11.5km (7.14 miles) climb, gaining a hefty 922m in elevation. That's an average gradient of 8.01%, so get ready for some serious uphill action. The reward? Jaw-dropping views of Vall Fosca and Pallars Sobirà. Trust me, the scenery is worth every bump and jolt!
A heads up: being nestled in the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park means winter can throw a curveball. Expect occasional short-term closures due to snow and icy conditions. Keep an eye on the forecast before you go!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,172 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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