Collado La Magdalena
Spain, europe
N/A
2,183 m
hard
Year-round
# Collado La Magdalena: A High-Alpine Adventure
Ready for an adrenaline rush? Collado La Magdalena sits at a thrilling 2,183m (7,162ft) in the heart of Aragón's northeastern mountains, and the route up—called Pista de Las Blancas—is definitely not for the faint of heart.
This is a proper alpine challenge, complete with gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumpy sections that'll keep you on your toes. You'll need serious 4x4 credentials and genuine confidence with heights to tackle this one. We're talking gradients that hit 18% in places, plus switchbacks, tight turns, and narrow passages that'll test even seasoned off-roaders. The road twists relentlessly—up, down, left, right—keeping you engaged every single meter.
The good news? The scenery is absolutely stunning. You'll be treated to panoramic views across the Aragón river valley and the Aísa-Borau valley as you climb higher. The trail tops out at the Refugio Militar López Huici, a mountain hut where a barrier marks the official end of the road.
Fair warning: this route is only passable from June to October (weather dependent), and afternoon thunderstorms can transform conditions in minutes. You'll also need to grab a permit from the Town Hall in Borau before you head out—vehicles aren't allowed up here year-round.
If you've got the skills, the vehicle, and the nerve, this is genuinely one of Spain's most rewarding mountain drives.
Where is it?
Collado La Magdalena is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.9050, -2.5308
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,183 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.9050, -2.5308
Related Roads in europe
hardIs Col du Grand Ballon paved?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Grand Est region of France, specifically the Haut-Rhin department, and you decide to tackle the Col du Grand Ballon. This fully paved pass, also known as D431G and part of the famous Route des Crêtes, sits pretty at 1,343m (4,406ft) above sea level in the Vosges Mountains. The road has an interesting story, originally built during WWI to move troops quickly, hugging the western side of the mountain to avoid those pesky German artillery shells. The whole shebang runs for 28.7 km (17.83 miles) between Cernay in the south and the Le Markstein ski resort up north. Once you hit the top, you're rewarded with a parking lot, hotel, restaurants, and some seriously epic views. The road’s in great shape, though it can get a bit busy. But hold on tight, because this isn't a casual Sunday drive! Some sections of the climb get pretty steep, with gradients hitting up to 10.7%. Expect lots of hairpin turns, constant changes in gradient, and the occasional cobblestone corner that can get a little slick when wet. Oh, and did I mention the Tour de France has raced here? Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateGardena Pass in the Dolomites is an absolute must for road lovers
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Gardena Tucked away in South Tyrol's Bolzano province, Passo Gardena sits pretty at 2,123 meters (6,965 feet) above sea level. This legendary alpine pass—also known as Grödnerjoch or Jëuf de Frea—has been drawing adventurers since a road first opened here in 1960 (though a military driveway existed way back in 1915). The 15-kilometer stretch of Strada Statale 243 connects Plan De Gralba to Colfosco, linking Val Gardena with Val Badia. Fair warning: this isn't a gentle cruise. You'll tackle some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 11% on the southern slopes—and yes, the Giro d'Italia knows this road well. Every inch of the route is paved, which is good news for your tires but doesn't make those hairpins any less intense. The pass sits right in the heart of the Dolomites, so you're looking at proper winter weather with significant snowfall and occasional closures come cold season. Rockslides are also a consideration in these parts. Here's where it gets magical: the views are absolutely stunning. Sasslong towers majestically in the background, and you're riding alongside the Sella massif through the kind of picture-perfect Dolomite landscape you've only seen in magazines. The eastern descent through those lush meadows? Genuinely one of the best downhill runs you'll ever experience. Summer's peak season (July-August especially) brings the crowds—tourists, motorcyclists, and cyclists all converging on this sensational route. The pass even has a hotel with a restaurant at the summit, plus shops for souvenirs and supplies. It's the kind of place that lives up to the hype.
moderateWhere is Huta Pass?
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, road trip lovers, let me tell you about Pasul Huta, a sweet mountain pass nestled in northwestern Romania near the Ukrainian border. You might also hear it called Cireș Pass, Fărgău Pass, or even Sâmbra Oilor! This gem sits right on the border between Maramureș and Satu Mare counties, chilling in the Oaș Mountains of the Eastern Carpathians. Ready for a scenic drive? Hop on DN19 (that's National Road 19) and get ready for some curves! The whole route is paved, so no need for a monster truck. The pass stretches for about 18.9 km (or almost 12 miles) between Teceu Mic and Huta-Certeze. The highest point is 581m (1,906ft) above sea level, so expect some stunning views as you climb!
moderateTransfagarasan: From a Bloody History to One of the Best Highways in the World
🇷🇴 Romania
Romania's Transfagarasan Highway! This road is a wild ride through the heart of the country, snaking through the majestic Fagaras Mountains. Think of it as a roughly 90-kilometer (56-mile) thrill, where you'll probably average around 40 km/h (25 mph) because you'll be too busy gawking at the scenery. Picture this: stunning peaks, dramatic valleys, and hairpin turns galore as you traverse between Romania's tallest mountains, Moldoveanu and Negoiu. Built in the early 70s, it was meant as a strategic military route, so expect some serious engineering! Keep your eyes peeled, though – this road has some serious elevation changes and tight curves, so stay sharp. It's usually open from late spring to early autumn, so plan accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable driving experience, surrounded by some of the most breathtaking views in Eastern Europe!