Campos de Hernán Perea, an adventure track you will never forget
Spain, europe
44 km
1,757 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Andalusia, Spain, itching for an adventure. Head to Jaén province and prepare to be wowed by Campos de Hernán Perea, supposedly the biggest high plateau in the whole country!
Tucked away in the Sierra de Segura, smack-dab in Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park, lies this totally untamed, unpaved road to the karst plateau—call it JV-7045, GR 144, or JF-7091, depending on the map. You'll even spot a couple of mountain refuges along the way (Refugio Cañada Humosa and Refugio Forestal Monterilla), perfect for a pit stop.
Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road gets pretty gnarly in spots, so a 4x4 is definitely your best friend. But trust me, the views are worth it! Think abandoned forest houses, ancient pine trees standing solo, and landscapes that'll make your jaw drop. The whole shebang is about 44 km (27.34 miles), starting in Don Domingo (near Santiago-Pontones) and ending at JF-7091.
Get ready for some altitude! You'll climb to a whopping 1,757m (5,764ft) above sea level. You can usually tackle this road year-round, but keep an eye on the weather forecast. Winter can get intense, with heavy snow turning the whole place into a winter wonderland… or a potential arctic nightmare!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 44 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,757 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving the Scenic F337 Road Through Lunar-like Fields
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're headed to Iceland's Southern Region and craving an off-the-beaten-path experience, you HAVE to check out the F337, also known as Hlöðuvallavegur. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! Nestled in the Icelandic interior, near the stunning Þingvellir National Park, this 28.9 km (17.95-mile) beauty runs from Road 37 up to Road F338. Think lunar landscapes, a rough lava field at the foot of Mt Hlodufell, and some seriously epic views. Word to the wise: This is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking high clearance is a MUST. The road is entirely unpaved, and you'll be navigating some seriously rugged terrain, with big stones and sandy spots aplenty. Seriously, leave your little rental car at home. Get ready for a climb! This road is STEEP. We're talking 500 vertical meters in just 4 km, with an average grade of 15%! It tops out at a whopping 681m (2,234ft) above sea level, making it one of Iceland's highest roads. Heads up: it's usually closed from late October to late June/early July due to snow. And be prepared to be totally alone out there. This track is remote, traffic is minimal, and cell service can be spotty. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you go! But trust us, the views are SO worth it!
moderateDriving the wooden Šćepan Polje bridge
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the M18, right where Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina shake hands. Suddenly, bam! You're face-to-face with the Šćepan Polje bridge – and trust me, it’s a stunner. This isn't your average overpass; it's a 66-meter wooden beauty that gracefully leaps over the Tara River. Seriously, with the Drina River carving out the border right there, the views are epic. Get ready for a seriously memorable border crossing!
moderateWhere is Llanberis Pass?
🇬🇧 Wales
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Llanberis Pass in stunning Snowdonia, Wales! Nestled right in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, this isn't just a drive, it's an experience. Picture this: you're cruising on the A4086, a completely paved road snaking between the Glyderau and Snowdon ranges. Built way back in the 1830s, this 17.05km (10.6 miles) stretch connects Llanberis, chilling by Llyn Padarn lake, to Capel Curig. Give yourself about 20-30 minutes for a non-stop run, but trust me, you'll want to pull over. The views from the top are killer! Plus, the summit’s got everything you need: a bar, café, hostel, and parking. Just be ready for some steep climbs – we're talking gradients hitting over 10%! The Tour of Britain even tackles these hills, so you know it's legit. Llanberis Pass: history, tranquility, and views that will blow your mind!
extremeAn Old Military Road to the Summit of Mont Malamot in the Cottian Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Mont Malamot: A Mountain Adventure in the French Alps Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Mont Malamot rises to a dramatic 2,885 m (9,465 ft) and commands some seriously impressive views of the northern Cottian Alps. Spoiler alert: this isn't your typical Sunday drive—the road to the summit is permanently off-limits to cars, so you'll need to lace up your hiking boots or grab a mountain bike. The route starts from the paved D1006 Road just south of Col du Mont-Cenis and stretches 10.9 km (6.77 miles) to the top, climbing a seriously brutal 1,018 m with an average gradient of 9.33%. Fair warning: the final push features gradients that exceed 20%, so bring your A-game. Here's what you're working with: the old military road (Strada militare Bivio Varisello-Giaset-Malamot) kicks off in decent shape behind a wooden barrier, complete with original stone walls and functioning drainage systems. But don't get too comfortable—the middle section turns into a real beast, pummeled by rainwater and winter frost into something approaching impassable conditions. The upper stretches are narrow, rocky, and relentlessly steep. At the summit sits Fort Malamot, a fascinating military fortress built by Italian forces back in 1889. This two-story stronghold once housed around 200 troops and was further enhanced between 1932-1940 as part of France's famous Alpine Wall fortifications. Plan your visit between July and August only—snow and weather make this route completely impassable from September through June. It's one of France's most extreme mountain roads, and honestly, that's part of its wild appeal.