
Where is Collado El Gavilan?
Spain, europe
16.6 km
1,517 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Collado El Gavilán! This awesome mountain pass sits way up high in the Teruel province of Spain, clocking in at a cool 1,517 meters (that's almost 5,000 feet!).
You'll find this beauty in Aragon, that northeastern corner of Spain known for its rugged landscapes. The road you'll be tackling is the TE-V-6006, a paved beauty that stretches for about 16.6 kilometers (or just over 10 miles) between Camarena de la Sierra and La Puebla de Valverde. Be warned, there are some seriously steep sections, pushing up to a 10.7% grade!
Perched high in the Sierra de Javalambre mountains, this route usually stays open year-round. Get ready for some incredible scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 16.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,517 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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