Where is Pico Tres Mares?

Where is Pico Tres Mares?

Spain, europe

Length

1.3 km

Elevation

2,139 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so picture this: you're in northern Spain, right on the border of Cantabria and Castile and León, surrounded by the stunning Cantabrian Mountains. You're headed to Pico Tres Mares – that's "Peak of Three Seas," named because three major rivers start here.

Now, the road... well, "road" is a generous term. It's more like a super-rough, unpaved trail that climbs steeply to the top. Forget about it in winter – totally impassable. You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle, and 4x4 is your best bet.

The fun starts from the parking lot at Collado Fuente del Chivo, where the paved CA-916 ends (cyclists might recognize it from the Vuelta a España). From there, it's a short but intense 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) to the summit. Don't be fooled by the distance – you're gaining 148 meters of elevation, making for a butt-busting average grade of over 11%! But trust me, the views are *totally* worth it.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
1.3 km
Max Elevation
2,139 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Where is Uzungol Yaylalari?easy

Where is Uzungol Yaylalari?

🇹🇷 Turkey

Okay, picture this: Uzungöl Yaylaları, way up in Turkey's Trabzon Province, scraping the sky at over 2,000 meters! You'll find it tucked away near Uzungöl Lake, right in the heart of the Black Sea region. Keep an eye out for a charming little mosque near the top. The road itself? Well, it's mostly unpaved, but surprisingly well-kept. Don't let that fool you, though – it's still an adventure! Think hairpin turns, seriously steep sections, and maybe even a waterfall crossing or two. Trust me, a 4x4 is your best friend here. This epic 28.8 km (17.89 miles) route winds its way east to west, linking Eskice (Rize Province) and Yaylaönü (Trabzon Province). Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!

Puerto de Ibañeta is a classic road trip in northern Spainhard

Puerto de Ibañeta is a classic road trip in northern Spain

🇪🇸 Spain

# Puerto de Ibañeta If you're looking for a seriously scenic mountain crossing in Spain, the Puerto de Ibañeta is your answer. Sitting pretty at 1,063m (3,487ft) in Navarra, this pass has been welcoming travelers since Roman times—talk about staying power! You might hear it called by a bunch of different names (Paso de Roncesvalles, Col de Roncevaux, and a few others), but they all lead to the same epic mountain experience. The pass itself stretches 16.4 km (10.19 miles) from Roncesvalles in the north down to Luzaide/Valcarlos in the south, carving its way between the Nive valley and the Irati valley. The main road up here is the N135, and here's the good news—it's completely paved and well-maintained. The not-so-good news? It's seriously steep in places, with gradients hitting up to 15%, so pack your driving patience. The road stays open pretty much year-round, which is impressive for a Pyrenean pass. Once you reach the summit, you'll spot the modern Ermita de San Salvador de Ibañeta church marking your arrival at the top. Want to push even higher? The NA-2033 branches off from here, a narrow paved mountain road that climbs another 6km to Ortzanzurieta at a breathtaking 1,570m (5,150ft). The whole area is pure Pyrenean magic—rugged, dramatic, and absolutely worth the drive.

Where is Pas d’Arpilles?extreme

Where is Pas d’Arpilles?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Okay, picture this: you're deep in the Swiss Alps, Canton Valais, heart pounding, ready to tackle Pas d’Arpilles. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a legit mountain peak experience, towering over the Rhône Valley. This isn't just a road; it's more like a gnarly 9.2 km (5.7 miles) chairlift service road, clawing its way up 903 meters. Yeah, you heard that right—that's an average gradient of nearly 10%, with some spots hitting 12%! You'll be wrestling your rig around 14 seriously tight hairpin turns, all while trying not to lose your breath (or your lunch). The road? Think super steep, unpaved, and scattered with loose rocks just begging to steal your traction. As you climb, it gets even wilder, squeezing through rocky limestone cliffs. This is serious off-roading, folks. No guardrails, constant loose debris – every turn is a gamble. But oh, the views! From the top, you're face-to-face with Swiss legends like the Matterhorn and Weisshorn. At 2,500 meters, you're totally isolated, exposed to the full force of the Alpine elements. Brace yourself for some intense winds! Timing is everything. This beast is usually only accessible in late August. Even then, be prepared for surprise snowstorms that can turn this track into an icy nightmare. Winter? Forget about it. The road's buried under meters of snow, becoming part of the ski slopes. Seriously, check the weather religiously and pack for anything – those summit winds can drop the temperature below freezing in a heartbeat. Your brakes and cooling system better be up to the challenge, because this climb is relentless!

Where is the D662 Road?moderate

Where is the D662 Road?

🇫🇷 France

Cruising through the Lot department of France? You HAVE to check out the D662! This paved beauty snakes for about 30 km (18 miles) between Saint-Géry and Cajarc, hugging the Lot River in the Occitania Region of southwestern France. Think manageable elevation changes and stunning views – it's a seriously pleasant ride. A heads up, though: you'll encounter some narrow sections and a few tunnels (max height 4.1 meters), so leave the RV at home! This route is perfect for smaller vehicles. Traffic is usually light, but because you're right on the edge of the Lot River, staying focused is key, especially on those curves. Trust me, the scenery is incredible, but keep your eyes on the road!