Where is Llanada del Mulhacen?

Where is Llanada del Mulhacen?

Spain, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

3,408 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventurers, let me tell you about Llanada del Mulhacen! This high-altitude plateau, chilling at over 11,000 feet in the Spanish Sierra Nevada, is a must-see, even though it's a bit of a challenge to reach.

You'll find it nestled in southern Spain, within the Sierra Nevada National Park, just east of Pico Veleta. Forget your dreams of a smooth drive, though. This track is entirely unpaved and dates back to the 19th century. Sadly, you can't drive it anymore. Back in the early 90's they closed it off to cars.

Since it's located in a protected area, the route is now off-limits to all vehicles, even bikes! But, if you're up for a hike, it's still worth the effort. Just remember, this is the Penibética mountain range, so watch out for snow and super strong winds, especially in winter.

Why bother, you ask? Because the views from the top are EPIC! You'll get a panoramic vista of almost all the high peaks of the range.

To get as close as possible, head to the Aparcamiento Hoya del Portillo parking lot. The road is paved up to that point. From there, it’s all about putting on those hiking boots and getting ready for an adventure!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
3,408 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Großglockner-Hochalpenstraßehard

Großglockner-Hochalpenstraße

🇦🇹 Austria

Austria's mountain roads are calling, and you NEED to answer! Picture this: hairpin turns clinging to cliffs, majestic peaks piercing the sky, and views that'll make your jaw drop. This country is a driver's dream, offering an unforgettable alpine adventure. Get ready to ascend beyond the ordinary on roads like the Großglockner-Hochalpenstraße (open May-Oct, maxes out at a breathtaking 2,504m with gradients up to 12%) slicing through Salzburg and Carinthia. For year-round thrills, hit the road that summits at 1,732m with gradients of 10%. Alternatively, there's the road topping 1,628m, another open all year! Or perhaps the one climbing to 2,042m (open May-Oct). The Goldeck Panorama Road (open May-Oct, peaks at 1,895m) is another must. Don't miss the Silvretta Hochalpenstraße (open June-Oct, hitting 2,032m), or the Kaunertal Glacier Road (open year-round, soaring to 2,750m). Then there’s the Timmelsjoch Alpine Road (open June-Oct, reaching 2,479m), Schlegeis Alpenstraße (open May-Oct, topping out at 1,806m) followed by the other year round route reaching 1,920m. The Pustertal High Alpine Road, open year-round, will get you up to 1,441m while the Zillertaler Höhenstraße (open May-Oct) delivers views from 2,020m. Expect winding paths, and pure alpine bliss! These routes offer an incredible chance to experience Austria's beauty from a whole new perspective. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – those views are distracting!

A wild road to San Lucio Passhard

A wild road to San Lucio Pass

🇮🇹 Italy

Passo San Lucio is a charming high mountain pass sitting at 1,541 m (5,056 ft) right on the Switzerland-Italy border. This gem connects Italy's Val Cavargna (in Como province) with Switzerland's Val Colla in Ticino, and the views? Absolutely stunning. The 4.1 km (2.54 mile) route runs east-west from Strada Provinciale 11 north of Val Rezzo up to Alpe Cottino mountain hut, and here's the thing – it's completely unpaved. You'll want a 4x4 for this adventure, though a high-clearance vehicle might cut it if conditions are perfect. The final stretch gets seriously steep, but honestly, the panoramic scenery makes every bump worth it. Right near the summit, you'll find a beautiful 14th-century church and a few cozy refuge huts – perfect spots to catch your breath and soak in the views. While the pass never gets outright terrifying or dangerously exposed, it definitely demands respect, especially on that nail-biting final section. One heads-up: the road officially closes to private vehicles, though it's totally doable if you're allowed access. And forget about winter visits – up here in the Lugano Prealps, snow makes this route pretty much impassable. Best tackled in the warmer months when you can really appreciate the epic alpine landscape.

Sant Mamethard

Sant Mamet

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Sant Mamet is calling your name. This bad boy peaks at 1,391m (4,564ft) in the Noguera region of Catalonia, Spain. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of shaking and bumping. If you're not comfortable off-roading, maybe sit this one out. Seriously, you'll need a 4x4! Up top, you'll find a chapel (also named Sant Mamet) and a small shelter to escape the weather. Be warned, the climb is STEEP and long, mostly winding through woods. But the views? Totally worth it! This drive is a thrill, with scenery that'll knock your socks off. On a clear day, you can see all of Lleida, the Pyrenees, the Cadi mountains, Port del Compte, Montserrat, and, of course, a killer view of the Montsec range right in front of you. Trust me, you'll want to snap a million photos on this unforgettable trip!

Driving the spectacular Russian Road to Vrsic Pass in the Julian Alpshard

Driving the spectacular Russian Road to Vrsic Pass in the Julian Alps

🌍 Slovenia

Okay, picture this: Slovenia, the land of stunning alpine scenery, and you're about to tackle the legendary Vršič Pass! This isn't just any road trip; it's a historical rollercoaster clinging to the edge of the Julian Alps at a whopping 1,632 meters (5,354 feet). This 43.4 km (27 mile) ribbon of tarmac connects Upper Carniola with the breathtaking Trenta Valley. Built by Russian prisoners of war back in 1915 (hence its local nickname, the "Russian Road"), this pass is a monument to both engineering and human history. Get ready for an adrenaline rush, because the entire route is paved but features 50 numbered hairpin turns – 24 on the Kranjska Gora side and 26 on the Trenta side. You'll be climbing and dipping, constantly adjusting your steering wheel as you carve through the mountains. Don't worry, the road is plenty wide enough for passing and in surprisingly good condition. Starting from Trenta, the ascent is 11.82 km long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 993 meters, with an average percentage of 8.4%. Allow around 1.5 hours for the drive, but honestly, you'll want to budget more time to soak in the views. There are plenty of parking spots to pull over, snap photos, and just breathe in that crisp mountain air. Traffic isn't usually too bad (most folks take the toll road), except maybe during peak season. Keep in mind that Vršič Pass is usually only open about seven months of the year. Winter arrives early at these altitudes, so snow can shut it down. As you navigate those hairpin bends, take a moment to remember the history beneath your tires. A small Russian Orthodox Chapel stands as a memorial to those who perished building this incredible route. You can also find remnants of WWI bunkers and a telpher cable-car line. Vršič Pass truly is a journey for the senses and the soul.