Driving the curvy road to Alto de La Nava Grande in the Sierra de Guadarrama
Spain, europe
1.5 km
1,963 m
hard
Year-round
# Alto de La Nava Grande: Spain's Hidden High-altitude Challenge
Perched at 1,963m (6,440ft) in Madrid's stunning Sierra de Guadarrama, Alto de La Nava Grande is seriously one of the most rewarding unpaved climbs you'll find in central Spain. Nestled within the Regional Park Cuenca Alta del Manzanares, this peak basically acts as a natural viewing platform over the Lozoya Valley and Santillana reservoir—the views are absolutely worth the effort.
Starting from Manzanares el Real, you're looking at a 20.8km climb with 1,114m of elevation gain. The first stretch treats you fairly well with relatively decent road conditions, but things get spicy pretty fast once you cross the Puente del Francés around the halfway point. From there, it's all about tackling "las famosas zetas de La Pedriza"—12 seriously tight hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes.
The final 1.5km? That's where it really tests your skills. Loose rocks and steep gradients mean you'll definitely need a solid high-clearance 4x4 to make it through. This isn't one of those casual drives.
Beyond the technical challenge, there's real history here. Those stone trenches and old military positions scattered around the summit are remnants from the Spanish Civil War, when these heights were critical strategic points.
One heads-up: vehicle access is often restricted due to the park's environmental protection rules, and it's primarily meant for authorized forest vehicles, mountain bikers, and hikers. Always check local regulations in Manzanares el Real before you go—it'll save you a frustrating trip!
Where is it?
Driving the curvy road to Alto de La Nava Grande in the Sierra de Guadarrama is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.1467, -1.1154
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,963 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 39.1467, -1.1154
Related Roads in europe
extremeMonte San Lorenzo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Monte San Lorenzo: Spain's Heart-Pounding Mountain Challenge Perched at 2,137 meters (7,011 feet) in La Rioja's stunning Sierra de la Demanda range, Monte San Lorenzo is calling—but only for the brave. This gravel track starts from the Valdezcaray mountain resort and basically serves as a chairlift access road that'll test every ounce of your driving confidence. Let's be real: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The road has earned its terrifying reputation fair and square. Vertigo sufferers should absolutely sit this one out—we're talking hundreds of meters of sheer, unguarded drops that'll make your palms sweat. Landslide worries? Yeah, those are legitimate concerns here. The real villain? Unpredictable winter weather. Snowstorms and blizzards can strike out of nowhere, turning an already challenging route into a white-knuckle nightmare. Conditions deteriorate fast in wet or dark weather (and sometimes both), leaving virtually zero room for mistakes. That's why the road gets completely closed from November through March most years—Mother Nature doesn't mess around up here. If you're seriously considering this drive, pick your timing carefully. Summer months offer your best shot, and honestly? Even then, treat it with serious respect. This is pure adrenaline-junkie territory, where one wrong move has real consequences. But for those with genuine skills and nerves of steel, it's an unforgettable Spanish mountain adventure.
hardRoad D93
🇫🇷 France
Road D93 is challenging drive in the heart of the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. The average gradient is 6.82% with 18 hairpin turns along the way. Located in the Isère valley, the road is asphalted in pretty bad conditions (patched) as it suffers the harsh meteorological conditions of the area every winter. It’s 12.2 km long. Open to traffic throughout the year, may be closed for short periods in winter when the weather is bad. The area enjoys an exceptional environment. The road links the villages of La Léchère les Bains (N90 Road) at 489m above the sea level, and Nâves, at 1322masl, via 18 hairpin turns. This route is not recommended if your passengers are prone to car sickness. It’s pretty steep. The elevation gain is 833 meters. The average gradient is 6.82%. Taking on the Twists and Turns of Défilé de l'Inzecca Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhat’s at the summit of Mauria Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through northern Italy, right on the border of Veneto and Friuli, heading up Mauria Pass. We're talking serious altitude here! At the very top, you'll find a cool wrought iron cross – a memorial to local heroes from WWII. It's a somber, but powerful spot, with a parking area and a restaurant nearby for a quick bite. Just south of the pass is where the Tagliamento River kicks off its journey! The road itself is the SS52, and while paved, it can get a little tight in places. It’s not crazy steep, but be prepared to hug those curves! From Pelos di Cadore, it's about 10.6 km to the top, climbing with an average grade of 4.5%. From Forni di Sopra, it's about 10.8 km and climbing with an average gradient of 4.4%. It's a stunning drive, so take your time, enjoy the views, and maybe grab a bite at the summit!
hardWhy is it called Commerson Crater?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're heading to Réunion Island? Awesome! You absolutely HAVE to check out Cratère Commerson. This volcanic crater sits way up high – think serious altitude – on the island's volcanic slopes. The road to get there, Route Forestière 5 du Volcan (also known as Volcano Road, fittingly!), is a real adventure. It’s unpaved, and a pretty steep climb that ends at Col des Ves, a mountain pass. The whole stretch is roughly a good few miles of winding road. Word to the wise: the sun up there can be intense, so sunscreen is your best friend. But hey, this is a volcanic landscape! Be prepared for the weather to change on a dime. Rain is common, especially during storms, and fog can roll in fast, so keep an eye on the forecast, and pack accordingly.