
Where is Port de Cabús?
Andorra, europe
25 km
2,308 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits at Port de Cabús! Straddling the border between Andorra and Spain, this epic mountain pass climbs to a whopping 2,308 meters (that's 7,572 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Pyrenees, linking La Massana in Andorra with the Pallars Sobirà region of Spain.
What makes this spot so cool? Well, aside from bragging rights for conquering one of the highest roads around, the summit boasts a huge parking area and some quirky art – keep an eye out for "The Storm," a giant teacup sculpture! No need to worry about border patrol here. Heads up, this was once a sneaky smuggling route!
Planning your trip? Aim for June to October. Winter brings heavy snow, making the road impassable. From La Massana, Andorra, it's a 17.8 km (11 miles) paved climb (CG4). Don't underestimate it – some sections are seriously steep, hitting almost 12%! The last stretch is paved but without barriers, so take it slow.
The Spanish side (Carretera de Tor) is a different beast entirely: 7.5 km (4.66 miles) of unpaved, rugged terrain. A 4x4 is your best friend here, especially with those 9 hairpin turns. The gradient is equally intense, maxing out around 12%. Word to the wise: avoid it after storms. Remember, this is a protected natural area, so convoys are limited to 4 vehicles.
The views? Absolutely stunning. The challenge? Totally worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Andorra
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 25 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,308 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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