Where is Pico de Urbión?
Spain, europe
19.9 km
2,168 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a trek for you that'll test your mettle and reward you with views for days. We're heading to Pico de Urbión, a mighty peak way up in the north of Soria, Spain, reaching a dizzying 2,168 meters (7,112 feet)!
You'll find this gem in the Castile and León region, not far from the mysterious Laguna Negra de Urbión. Think dramatic landscapes and seriously epic scenery.
So, how do you get to the top? Start in El Quintanarejo, off the SO-830, and get ready for a 19.9km (12.36 miles) climb. Here's the thing: you NEED a 4x4 for this one, especially beyond the Refugio El Muchachón mountain hut.
The entire road is unpaved and seriously steep in sections, and be warned — there are some super narrow spots and major drop-offs.
Keep in mind that winter can throw a wrench in your plans, thanks to heavy snowfall in the Picos de Urbión range.
But if you time it right, this drive is SO worth it. The views are insane, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and not one, but TWO incredible glacial lagoons: Laguna de Mojón Alto and Laguna Helada. Trust me, your Instagram will thank you!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,168 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in the Italian Alps, near the French border, ready for an off-road adventure. This is the Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia, an old military road that's been closed to cars for ages, but that just adds to the thrill, right? We're talking 10.7 km (6.64 miles) of pure, unpaved ruggedness, climbing to a lung-busting 2,605 m (8,546 ft) with some seriously steep sections—prepare for an average gradient of 15%! The road kicks off from the Strada del Colle delle Finestre and winds its way up, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Keep an eye out for old military constructions along the way, remnants of a bygone era. Just remember, this road was deemed "un-useful" and abandoned a while back, so be prepared for a challenging but unforgettable ride!
moderateWhere is Station du Mont-Dore?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're headed to Station du Mont-Dore, a killer ski resort nestled high in the Puy-de-Dôme department of France. This gem sits in the Auvergne region, smack-dab in central France, right at the foot of the Puy de Sancy. Forget your typical ski resort vibe; this place is all about dramatic volcanic landscapes, a real playground for skiers and snowboarders. Now, about the road: it's all paved, smooth sailing on the D996 for about 7.6 kilometers. But don't get too comfy! You'll be climbing 540 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of 7.1%. Yep, it's a bit of a leg burner, even for your car! This road is so epic it was even a final stage for the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré cycling race. Word to the wise: this area gets serious snowfall. You're high up in the Massif Central, practically at the doorstep of the Limousin region. Snow is a regular thing in winter, so be prepared to channel your inner rally driver (safely, of course!) if you're hitting the slopes during peak season. The views, though? Totally worth it.
hardScoiattoli Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Northern Italy, smack-dab in the Dolomites, headed for Rifugio Scoiattoli – a mountain hut perched way up at 7,404 feet! The drive up is a real adventure, a mere 1 kilometer but totally worth it. Forget paved roads, you're on a narrow, unpaved ski-station service road, so a 4x4 is a must! The views over the 5 Torri area? Absolutely breathtaking! You're not just driving; you're cruising through history. This whole area was a WWI battleground, and you can practically feel it. Plus, you're right next to the Great War Open Museum! Trust me, the incredible views from up there? You won't regret the trek!
moderateWhere is Puerto de Santa Ines?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Puerto de Santa Inés in Soria, Spain, is calling your name! This baby climbs to a cool 1,755 meters (5,757 feet) in the Iberian System, offering seriously stunning views from the Castile and León region. The SO-830 is your chariot on this adventure. It's paved, so no worries there, but be ready for some steep climbs – we're talking gradients up to 12%! The whole shebang stretches 27.5 kilometers (17 miles) from Montenegro de Cameros to Vinuesa, and trust me, you'll want to take your time to soak it all in. Heads up: you might encounter some winter closures, but mostly, this road is open year-round. Oh, and did I mention there's a ski resort at the top? Talk about a scenic pit stop! Get ready for breathtaking scenery and an unforgettable drive.