Where is Puerto de la Ragua?

Where is Puerto de la Ragua?

Spain, europe

Length

29.1 km

Elevation

2,046 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Andalusia, Spain, and decide to take on Puerto de la Ragua. This mountain pass sits way up high at 2,046 meters, right on the border between Granada and Almería provinces.

The road winds for about 29 kilometers from La Calahorra to Laroles, following the A-337. Now, the pavement isn't exactly perfect, but trust me, the views are worth it. You're in the heart of the Sierra Nevada National Park, so you can imagine the scenery!

Heads up: this road can get a bit wild, especially on the north side in winter. We're talking steep sections (up to 9.1%!), narrow stretches (sometimes less than five meters wide), and plenty of sharp turns with serious drop-offs. Some spots don't even have guardrails! But hey, at least you won't be stuck in traffic – only about 200 cars a day use this route.

The panoramic views are insane. From the top, you can scope out the plains of Marquesado, Sierra de Baza, and even as far as Sierra de Cazorla to the north. Look south, and you'll see the Sierra de Gador, the Mediterranean Sea, and on a clear day, even Africa! There's a huge parking lot at the summit, plus places to chill, hike, and even a spot for cross-country skiing. Seriously, this drive is an adventure for the senses!

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Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
29.1 km
Max Elevation
2,046 m
Difficulty
hard

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