Coll de Josa
Spain, europe
N/A
1,633 m
hard
Year-round
# Coll de Josa: A Pyrenean Adventure Worth Taking
Tucked away in northwest Berguedà, Catalonia, Coll de Josa sits pretty at 1,633 meters (5,357 feet) above sea level on the southern slopes of the Cadí range in the Pyrenees. This isn't just any mountain pass—it's a thrilling drive that'll get your adrenaline pumping.
The C563 road leading up here is fully paved, which is a relief, but don't get too comfortable. You'll encounter some genuinely gnarly steep sections pushing up to 14.3% gradient that'll test your driving skills and your vehicle's nerves. The good news? This pass stays open year-round, though winter weather might occasionally force temporary closures when things get particularly gnarly.
This route connects the charming villages of Gósol and Josa de Cadí, making it perfect for a scenic loop if you're exploring the region. The real showstopper, though? Stunning views of Pedraforca peak that'll make you want to stop at every hairpin turn to snap photos. Whether you're chasing mountain vistas or looking for a driving challenge that delivers on both thrills and natural beauty, Coll de Josa deserves a spot on your Pyrenean road trip itinerary.
Where is it?
Coll de Josa is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.6054, -3.6622
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,633 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.6054, -3.6622
Related Roads in europe
hardA high mountain road from Zeyrek to Aşağı Özbağ
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the rugged landscapes of Eastern Anatolia, Turkey, specifically in the Erzurum Province. You're headed from Zeyrek to Aşağı Özbağ on a wild, unpaved road that climbs all the way up to a staggering 2,701 meters (that's 8,861 feet!). This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking a full-on 4x4 adventure through the İspir District. The whole route is about 30.3 km (18.82 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-roading, snaking its way south-north. Give yourself around 2 hours to soak it all in – without stops! Prepare for some serious hairpin action – we're talking 30 turns that'll have you grinning (or gripping the wheel!). And hold on tight, because this route isn't shy about steep climbs. You'll hit gradients of up to 21% in sections. Just a heads up: when winter rolls around, this place transforms into a snowy wonderland. So, make sure to be ready for slippery conditions if you're planning a trip then!
moderateWhen was the Klukhori Pass built?
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, picture this: you're in Abkhazia, a seriously gorgeous part of Georgia, staring up at the Klukhorskii Pass. This isn't just any road; it's one of Europe's highest, clocking in at a whopping 9,353 feet! You're close to the mind-blowing Oz.klukhor (Klukhor Lake), a sight for sore eyes. You're basically on the old SH10, aka the Sukhumi Military Road, a route that used to link Russia's Northern Caucasus to the Black Sea coast. Think ancient Alans and Byzantines used to trek this way! Back in the day, this was THE tourist route, number 43, super popular during the Soviet era. Built in the late 1800s during some seriously intense conflicts, this historical road winds for 209 miles through the Greater Caucasus, linking Cherkessk and Sukhumi. Heads up, though: tucked away in the northwestern part of the country, this road isn't exactly kept in tip-top shape these days, but for thousands of years, it bridged the North Caucasus and Asia Minor, even acting as a key bypass route for the Byzantine Empire to Central Asia. You'll cruise by the mountain resort of Teberda and the insanely beautiful Dombai fields. The Sukhumi Military Road is drop-dead gorgeous, and the area is known for tourism, so buckle up for stunning views, but remember that this is a historic, not-so-maintained route. Adventure awaits!
extremePik Terskol: a truly outstanding 4x4 adventure
🌍 Russia
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Caucasus Mountains, straddling the border between Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay–Cherkessia in Russia (practically next door to Georgia), you'll find Pik Terskol. This isn't just any mountain peak; it boasts a road that'll take you all the way up to 3,092 meters (10,144 feet)! That makes it one of the highest roads in Europe, folks. The road itself? Think rugged. We're talking a totally unpaved, dirt track that's usually snowed in from September to July. At the top, you'll find the Pik Terskol Observatory, perfectly positioned for stargazing thanks to incredibly clear skies. Now, a word of warning: This isn't a Sunday drive. The 7.8 km climb from Terskol (at 2,166m) is seriously steep, gaining a whopping 926 meters with gradients hitting up to 18%! It gets muddy and slick after rain, demanding a 4x4 and some serious off-road skills. Plus, watch out for avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides, especially with those sneaky patches of ice. Basically, respect the mountain, check the weather, and maybe avoid it altogether if you're not a fan of heights or hairy driving conditions! But if you're up for the challenge, the views are totally worth it!
moderateWhere is Col du Mont-Cenis?
🇫🇷 France
Col du Mont-Cenis – or Colle del Moncenisio if you're feeling Italian – is a breathtaking mountain pass chilling way up at 2,094m (6,870ft) in the French Alps, right on the border with Italy (well, almost - it's been all-French since 1947!). You'll find it nestled in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, alongside a stunning lake of the same name. The D1006 will take you right to the top on smooth, paved roads, whether you're coming from Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis in France or Susa in Italy. This climb isn't for the faint of heart; it’s been featured in both the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia! Get ready for some steep sections, peaking at almost 13% gradient, including a legendary set of five hairpin turns. Expect a consistent slope of around 7% on the wide, well-maintained road. Is it worth it? Absolutely! You’ll be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the snowy peaks of the Vanoise National Park. Heads up: this road is usually open from mid-May to the end of October on the French side, but the Italian side stays open year-round. It can get pretty crowded on weekends. Fun fact: some believe Hannibal may have crossed here with his elephants! It's been a crucial route for centuries, used by armies from Constantine I to Charlemagne. Napoleon even had the road improved in 1810! Plus, the lake area is perfect for exploring, especially if you're into mountain biking. There are tons of rough-stuff routes waiting to be discovered!