
Where is Coll del Pal?
Spain, europe
4 km
1,726 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Girona, in northern Spain, ready for an adventure. You're headed to Coll del Pal, a seriously awesome mountain pass chilling at 1,726m (5,662ft) above sea level, nestled in the Pyrenees.
The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart! It starts off paved, lulling you into a false sense of security, then BAM! Gravel time. It's super narrow and some sections are brutally steep, so 4x4 is pretty much a must to reach the top.
Starting near Sant Martí de Surroca, it's about 4km (2.48 miles) of pure, unadulterated climbing. We're talking a whopping 447m elevation gain, which translates to some seriously intense gradients.
Word to the wise: winter is a no-go. This road is located in Pyrenees mountain range and becomes completely impassable due to snow and ice.
But hey, the views! Once you conquer those steep inclines and navigate the tricky terrain, you're rewarded with stunning panoramic vistas that'll make your jaw drop. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,726 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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