
Where is Pico Veleta-IRAM Observatory?
Spain, europe
2.4 km
2,856 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about the road to Observatorio del Pico Veleta in sunny Andalusia, Spain! This isn't just any drive; it's a climb up to 2,856 meters (9,370 feet!) in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
You'll find the observatory, run by IRAM, chilling in Granada province with its super cool 30m telescope. The road itself? It's all paved, a ribbon of asphalt called Camino del Iram, built back in 1980. Heads up: it's usually off-limits to private cars.
Starting from Estación de esquí Sierra Nevada, it's a quick 2.4km (1.49 miles) push to the top. Don't let the short distance fool you - you'll gain 197 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 8.20%. Get ready for some views!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,856 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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