
A wild steep road to Alto de Hazallanas in Andalusia
Spain, europe
16.3 km
1,679 m
hard
Year-round
# Alto de Hazallanas: Spain's Steep Alpine Challenge
Tucked away in Granada's stunning Sierra Nevada National Park, Alto de Hazallanas sits pretty at 1,679 meters (5,508 feet), and getting there is definitely not for the faint of heart. The climb from Pinos Geril–Güéjar Sierra stretches a solid 16.3 km with a relentless 890-meter elevation gain, averaging out to a 5.4% gradient that doesn't sound too bad until you hit those crazy hairpins.
Here's where it gets interesting: those tight switchbacks regularly hit 20% gradients or steeper, and you'll be grinding through double-digit percentages for what feels like forever. The good news? All three routes up—the GR-3200, A-395, and A-4025—are beautifully paved and well-maintained. Traffic is refreshingly light, so you won't be battling other drivers while you're battling the climb.
The pass has earned serious cycling credibility too, having featured in Spain's prestigious Vuelta a España race. If you're tackling this from behind the wheel, expect a proper challenge with sweeping mountain vistas and that incredible sense of accomplishment when you finally summit. Just take it steady on those hairpins—the views are worth savoring anyway.
Where is it?
A wild steep road to Alto de Hazallanas in Andalusia is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 38.8358, -2.8400
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 16.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,679 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 38.8358, -2.8400
Related Roads in europe
extremeIs Skinakas Mountain worth a visit?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: you're in Crete, ready for an adventure, and you hear about Skinakas Mountain. This peak soars to 1,752 meters (5,748 feet) – rumor has it, it's the highest paved road on the island! The road winds up Psiloritis mountain, part of the Idi range. At the very top sits the Skinakas Observatory. Even if you're not a stargazer, the views alone are worth the trek. On a clear day, they say you can spot both seas surrounding Crete. Just be warned: even in summer, the wind can be fierce and chilly up there! The road? Well, it's paved, but hold on tight. It’s super narrow and seriously steep, with gradients hitting 16.4% in sections! Definitely take it slow and be aware of the crumbling edges – this road is showing its age. Leave the bus at home, it will not make it. Starting from Anogia, the road stretches for about 16.8 km (10.43 miles), climbing a whopping 950 meters. That averages out to a 5.65% gradient, so get ready for some hairpin turns. Built in 1984, this road offers killer scenery, charming villages, and an unforgettable driving experience. Just keep an eye out for snow in the winter months!
hardThyon 2000
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Thyon 2000: A High-Alpine Adventure in Valais Nestled high in the Swiss Alps at a breathtaking 2,095 meters (6,873 feet), Thyon 2000 is a fantastic ski station tucked away in Valais. The drive up is a real treat for anyone who loves mountain roads with personality. The road itself is fully paved, which is great news—but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. This route has some genuinely steep pitches that'll get your heart racing, with gradients hitting up to 14.3%. Your brakes will definitely earn their keep on the way down! The scenery surrounding the ascent is absolutely stunning, with classic Alpine vistas unfolding as you climb. Just come prepared for the elevation gain and those technical sections, and you'll have an unforgettable mountain driving experience. The views from the top make every hairpin turn worth it.
moderateWhere is Coll de Jou?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk Coll de Jou! Nestled way up in the Pyrenees, in Catalonia, Spain, this mountain pass is a real treat for the senses. Picture this: you're winding your way up, up, up to 1,637 meters (that's 5,370 feet!). The road itself? Well, it's a bit of an adventure. Think mostly paved, with some cool concrete sections thrown in to keep things interesting. It's a bit of a climb, and yeah, some spots are steeper than others, hitting a maximum gradient of 16.0% – get ready for those ramps! It’s fairly narrow, so maybe leave the RV at home for this one. Clocking in at 14.7 kilometers (or 9.13 miles) stretching from Bruguera to Ogassa, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. And what awaits you at the top? A parking spot with incredible views and a mountain refuge – Refugi De Sant Jordi. The refuge is not maintained, but it consists of two rooms, one with a fireplace. So, pack a picnic, charge your camera, and get ready to be blown away by the scenery!
moderateA paved road to the summit of Feldberg Pass
🇩🇪 Germany
# Feldbergpass Nestled in the heart of Baden-Württemberg's stunning Black Forest region, Feldbergpass is a 16.2 km (10.06 miles) scenic drive that connects Todtnau to Bundesstraße 500, running west to east through some seriously beautiful southwestern German landscape. This fully paved mountain pass sits at 1,235m (4,051ft) elevation and follows Federal Highway B 317—a road with impressive historical credentials. Built back in the 1920s and paved between 1932-34, it's held up remarkably well. The asphalt is in great condition overall, though fair warning: you'll encounter some genuinely steep sections with grades reaching up to 10% that'll definitely keep your attention. The real highlight? Head north from the pass and you can tackle a separate paved road that climbs all the way up to Feldberg peak itself. It's the perfect add-on if you've got time and want to maximize your mountain experience. Whether you're after dramatic elevation gain, Alpine views, or just a solid day of driving through the Black Forest, Feldbergpass absolutely delivers.