
Where Is Collada de la Gallina?
Spain, europe
14.4 km
1,912 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Collada de la Gallina is calling your name! Perched way up high at 1,912 meters (that's 6,272 feet!), this international mountain pass straddles the border between Spain and Andorra, promising views that'll make your jaw drop.
You'll find this beauty nestled in the eastern Pyrenees, linking Lleida in Catalonia, Spain, with Sant Julià de Lòria in Andorra.
Ready to drive? In Andorra, the road's all paved and typically open from April to November. This side is famous for its leg-burning climb – even the pros in the Vuelta a España have tackled it! Think 14.4 km (almost 9 miles) from Bixessarri to Fontaneda, a gazillion hairpin turns (33 to be exact!), and gradients that hit over 14.5%. The best part? You'll likely have the road mostly to yourself.
Now, for the Spanish side...get ready for a different vibe. It's a narrow, unpaved route to the top, so you'll need a 4x4 to handle this one. From Civís, it's a shorter 4.2 km (2.6 miles) with a respectable 385-meter climb at an average of 9.16%.
Whichever way you choose, Collada de la Gallina promises an unforgettable high-altitude experience. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,912 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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