Where is Collado de Carihuela?
Spain, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
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!
Related Roads in europe
hardVal Thorens: One of the Longest and Biggest Climbs in France
🇫🇷 France
Val Thorens is a ski resort perched at a seriously impressive 2,300m (7,545ft) above sea level in the Savoie department of southeastern France. You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, deep in the Tarentaise Valley, and it's the gateway to one of Europe's most legendary drives—the road to Orelle. The D117 is absolutely wild. This narrow, paved route climbs all the way up to 3,007m (9,865ft), making it one of the highest roads on the continent. What makes it truly thrilling? Tight hairpin turns, a bumpy surface, and—here's the kicker—zero guard rails in some sections. It's the kind of road that gets your adrenaline pumping. Val Thorens holds the title of Europe's highest ski resort, and it's been a star of the Tour de France for good reason. The climbing route starting from Moutiers (old-school name: Tarentaise) is genuinely epic: 36.5km (22.68 miles) of pure alpine challenge featuring 20 hairpin turns. You're looking at a 1,807-meter elevation gain with an average gradient of about 5%—definitely not a casual cruise. Whether you're a cyclist, road tripper, or thrill-seeker, this corner of the French Alps delivers some seriously unforgettable scenery and driving.
moderateThe unpaved road to Lake Frostastaðavatn
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to check out Lake Frostastaðavatn in the southern Icelandic Highlands. We're talking seriously stunning scenery at nearly 1,900 feet above sea level. Now, getting there is half the fun... and a little bit of a challenge. You'll be cruising on the legendary F208, also known as Fjallabaksleið nyrðri. Be warned: this is a gravel road, so expect a bumpy ride! Plus, Iceland's weather is no joke, especially in the highlands. Snow can shut this road down at any time, so always check conditions before you go. But trust me, the reward is worth it. Imagine this: vibrant, multicolored mountains reflected in the still waters of the lake, surrounded by dramatic lava fields. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you've landed on another planet. Just make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for a true Icelandic adventure!
hardPaion Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just found a killer off-road experience in the Italian Dolomites that you HAVE to add to your bucket list. We're talking about Rifugio Paion, a mountain hut perched way up high in Trentino's Val di Fiemme at over 7,200 feet! Getting there is not for the faint of heart, though. Picture this: a super steep, gravel track winding its way through the Alpe Cermis ski resort. You'll need a 4x4 for this one, trust me. Oh, and plan your trip carefully – this road is usually snowed in from October to June. But the reward is SO worth it! Once you conquer that climb, the views from the Rifugio Paion are absolutely mind-blowing. Seriously, a full 360 degrees of pure alpine glory! You can see iconic peaks like Marmolada, Pale di San Martino, Brenta, Cevedale, and even the Ortles group. Just imagine that panoramic shot for your Insta! Keep in mind, this is primarily a service road for the chairlift, so expect rugged conditions. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardColl de Baretja
🇪🇸 Spain
# Coll de Baretja: A Wild Alpine Adventure Sitting pretty at 1,753 meters (5,751 feet) on the Spanish-French border, Coll de Baretja is not your average mountain pass. Nestled in the stunning Aran Valley, this is pure, unapologetic alpine terrain that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Fair warning: the road up here is gravel and rock all the way, with plenty of bumpy, tippy sections that'll test your driving skills. You're looking at a seriously steep climb, so this definitely isn't the place to conquer your fear of heights. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 vehicle—there's no way around it. The window to drive this route is tight. October through June? Forget about it. Mother Nature pretty much shuts this place down, though occasionally a break in the weather might open a brief window. Even during the "open" season, thunderstorms can roll in without warning and transform the unpacked dirt into an impassable bog in minutes. This is hardcore stuff. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, save yourself the stress and pick a different route. But if you're an experienced off-roader with solid mountain driving credentials and nerves of steel? Coll de Baretja will reward you with an unforgettable ride through some of the Alps' most dramatic landscape.