Where is Collado de Carihuela?

Where is Collado de Carihuela?

Spain, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got the inside scoop on a seriously stunning (and challenging) route in southern Spain. We're talking about the Collado de Carihuela, a high mountain pass nestled in the Sierra Nevada range. This baby clocks in at seriously high elevation, making it one of Europe's highest roads!

The road, known as the Camino de los Franceses, stretches quite a few miles, leading to a cute little town. Now, here's the catch: you can't just hop in your car and cruise. To protect the precious landscape, it's closed to motor vehicles. But don't fret! You can still hike or bike your way up.

At the summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views, a cozy mountain hut called the Refugio Vivac de la Carihuela, and a charming little chapel, the Ermita de la Virgen de las Nieves. Get ready to be wowed!

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Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Difficulty
hard

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