Why is it called Picon Blanco?
Spain, europe
4.8 km
1,512 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in northern Spain, driving towards Picón Blanco – that's "White Peak" in English, named for its snowy winters. You'll find it chilling in the Cantabrian Mountains, right near the border with Cantabria.
This isn't just any mountain; it's crowned with the remains of an old military base, abandoned since '99. Spooky, right?
Now, there are two ways to tackle this beast. First, there's a proper paved road from Espinosa de los Monteros. It's only about 8 km long, but don't let that fool you. You're climbing 740 meters with an average gradient of 9.25%, with some sections spiking to over 20%! It's a leg-burner, even for pro cyclists – the Vuelta a Burgos and the Spanish Vuelta have both finished stages here.
Then, for the real adventurers, there's a rugged, 4.8 km unpaved track leading from the west, but seriously, you'll want a 4x4 for that one, and definitely not in winter.
Whichever route you choose, the views are gonna be epic, and the bragging rights even better! Just be prepared for a tough climb.
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,512 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Pico Cervín?
🇪🇸 Spain
Deep in the Ribagorza county of Huesca, Spain, lies Pico Cervín (or Tozal de la Rasa, as the locals call it), a mountain peak that's a real beast for off-roaders. This summit in the Aragon region isn't just any climb; it's a relentless ascent over seriously rugged terrain. Nestled in the Cervín mountain range, this natural lookout gives you world-class panoramic views over the central Pyrenees, including views you won't forget. Perched up high, it's also a key spot for communication towers. Forget smooth tarmac – this road is unpaved. It's steep and the surface is a mix of loose gravel and hard-packed mountain soil. It’s maintained for the towers up top, but that doesn’t make it easy. The track's narrow, with exposed edges, so if heights aren't your thing, steer clear! Starting from the A-1605 road, the journey to the summit is just under 10 kilometers (around 6 miles). But don't let the distance fool you; you'll gain over 800 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of over 9%! There are hardly any flat spots to give your engine a break, so make sure that cooling system is in top shape. Traction is a constant battle, especially on the steeper sections where you need smooth throttle control. Heads up: this road is often impassable in winter after heavy snow. Even at 1,620 meters, snow and ice can stick around in the shady spots for weeks. Wet conditions can turn the dirt into a muddy trap, so the best time to tackle this route is late spring, summer, or early autumn. Always check the local weather for the Huesca Pyrenees, and pack recovery gear, because you’re pretty isolated up in the Cervín range.
extremeWhere is Gole del Saggitario?
🇮🇹 Italy
Get ready for a wild ride through the Sagittarius Gorges in Abruzzo, Italy! This road, snaking through the Apennines, is a total stunner, but don't let the views distract you. We're talking Strada Regionale 479 (SR479), a fully paved 15.9 km (9.87 miles) of pure adrenaline, connecting Anversa degli Abruzzi and Scanno. Built way back in the late 1800s, this road is a feat of engineering, clinging to the sides of the gorge, following the river's every twist and turn. It squeezes through super narrow spots where it feels like there's barely room for anything but the river and your car! The road winds and winds and is full of cars and even trucks, so go slow. One of the coolest parts is Galleria Foce Giardino, a short, one-lane tunnel perched high above the gorge. It’s only 94m long, but it's a highlight of the route. It is an amazing drive, but be prepared for a challenging and unforgettable experience!
extremeForcella Zovo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forcella Zovo: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Nestled in the heart of Belluno province in Veneto, Forcella Zovo sits at a breathtaking 1,604 meters (5,262 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's an exhilarating mountain pass that demands respect and attention. The road itself is paved, which is a bonus, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's an easy cruise. You'll encounter stretches of loose gravel that'll keep you on your toes, and some seriously steep sections that max out around 20% gradient. The real kicker? This road is *incredibly* narrow. We're talking white-knuckle tight in places, so patience and careful maneuvering are essential. If you're into mountain driving and don't mind a bit of adrenaline with your scenery, Forcella Zovo is absolutely worth the challenge. Just take it slow, stay focused, and prepare yourself for one of those roads you'll be talking about for years to come.
extremeWhere is Menador?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Alps in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, heading for the Menador Pass. This baby sits at a cool 1,269m (4,163ft) above sea level, and trust me, it's not for the faint of heart! This old military road, built way back in 1911, winds its paved way for 6.4km (4 miles) from Lochere to Malga Laghetto. They call it Strada Provinciale SP 133 di Monterovere, or Strada dell’Alpini, or even Kaiserjägerstrasse-Monterovere road! The views are killer – think sparkling Lake Caldonazzo, Levico Lake, and majestic Monte Panarotta. But don't get too distracted, because the road is seriously steep in sections, super narrow, and those hairpin turns come at you fast! Plus, there are a couple of small tunnels thrown in for good measure. Definitely not a beginner's drive, and knowing how to reverse is a must. Speed limit's 30 km/h, so take it slow and enjoy the ride. Usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – snow can close it down. Also, big rigs beware: vehicles over 2.50m height and width aren't allowed.