How to drive the iconic Puerto del Tremedal in Ávila?

How to drive the iconic Puerto del Tremedal in Ávila?

Spain, europe

Length

20.2 km

Elevation

1,642 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Puerto del Tremedal: Spain's Hidden Cycling Gem

Puerto del Tremedal sits pretty at 1,642m (5,387ft) in Ávila province, right in the heart of Castile and León's Sierra de Gredos mountains. If you're into cycling or just love a good mountain drive, this pass is basically legendary status.

Tucked away in the western Sierra de Gredos, this road feels like you're standing on top of the world—seriously, the views over the Tormes valley are absolutely stunning. The landscape here is all dramatic granite and wind-swept broom, quintessential Central Spain vibes. Fair warning though: winter hits hard up here. Heavy snow and freezing temps can occasionally shut things down, so check conditions before you head up.

The good news? The entire 20.2 km (12.55 miles) route between Becedas and La Carrera is paved. The bad news? It's narrow and technical in places, so you'll want your wits about you—especially when autumn and winter bring black ice to those shaded curves. It's a peaceful escape from the main highways, beloved by both locals and touring cyclists from around the world.

Here's where it gets serious: this climb has earned its stripes on the Vuelta a España circuit, and for good reason. The 9.5 km ascent from Becedas pumps 543 meters of elevation gain at you, with an average gradient of 5.7%—but don't let that fool you. There are some brutal "wall" sections hitting 13.6% that'll test your mettle, plus relentless headwinds at the summit. The descent toward La Carrera is just as thrilling, packed with tight hairpins and killer views across the Ávila plateau. A proper challenge for anyone looking to prove something.

Where is it?

How to drive the iconic Puerto del Tremedal in Ávila? is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 42.2328, -3.1646

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
20.2 km
Max Elevation
1,642 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
42.2328, -3.1646

Related Roads in europe

Where is Lake Gruebu?moderate

Where is Lake Gruebu?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Tucked away in the Swiss Alps, near Zermatt in the canton of Valais, lies a hidden gem: Lake Gruebu. This alpine lake sits way up high at a dizzying elevation. Legend has it, the name "Gruebu" comes from an old word meaning "pit" or "hollow," which totally fits its secluded, basin-like setting. Getting there? Buckle up, it's an *experience*. Starting near Stalden at the Vispa bridge, the road climbs. The first few miles are smooth asphalt, but then the real fun begins. It turns into a narrow, bumpy gravel track that demands a 4x4 with some serious clearance. We're talking about tackling a steep ascent, gaining a ton of altitude, all in just over 10 miles! The average gradient is pretty intense, making it a true off-road challenge. Of course, as one of the highest roads in Switzerland, it's usually closed from October to June, depending on the snow. But trust me, if you're up for a challenging climb and breathtaking scenery, Lake Gruebu is worth the effort! Just be prepared for some stunning views and maybe a bit of white-knuckle driving.

Brenner Grenzkammstrasse is an old military road closed to vehicleshard

Brenner Grenzkammstrasse is an old military road closed to vehicles

🇮🇹 Italy

# Brennergrenzkammstraße Want to experience one of the Alps' most dramatic border routes? The Brennergrenzkammstraße is an unforgettable high-altitude trek straddling the Italy-Austria border near the legendary Brenner Pass. This raw, rugged path cuts through the heart of South Tyrol (Italy) and Tirol (Austria), offering adventure seekers an authentic taste of mountain exploration. Stretching 45km (28 miles) of pure unpaved terrain, this narrow, steep climb averages an 8-percent gradient that'll test your legs and determination. Fair warning: after rainfall, the surface turns treacherously slippery, and weather up here is absolutely unforgiving. Peak elevation reaches 2,247m (7,372ft), so prepare for serious alpine conditions and know that winter essentially closes this route entirely. Here's the cool part—this isn't just any mountain road. Originally carved out during World War I as a military supply route, the trail is dotted with historic fortifications and military structures that tell the story of its strategic past. It's a living museum of mountain warfare, with remnants of the era still scattered across the landscape. One thing to know: motor vehicles are off-limits here, making it exclusively a hiker's and trekker's domain. That means pristine solitude, zero traffic noise, and an intimate connection with some seriously spectacular alpine scenery. This is backcountry adventuring at its finest.

Is the road to Alto de Vaires paved?moderate

Is the road to Alto de Vaires paved?

🇵🇹 Portugal

Okay, picture this: Alto de Vaires, a mountain pass nestled in Portugal's Vila Real District. You're cruising along a fully paved road, snaking through the northern part of the country. Trust me, the views are insane! We're talking ridge-top driving at its finest. Just a heads up, things can get a little tight in spots, and there's this one seriously cool, narrow, long bridge that's a total highlight. The whole shebang runs for about 17.4 km (10.81 miles), heading north-south from the Spanish border near Calvos all the way to Covelães. Oh, and keep an eye out for Poço do Inferno Waterfall nearby – totally worth a detour!

Collado Ordeshard

Collado Ordes

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a wild ride in northern Spain, Collado Ordes in the Picos de Europa is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking a seriously steep climb up to 1,147 meters! Starting near Ceneya, the road throws you straight into a 4.8 km ascent with a crazy average gradient of 14.64%. And hold on tight, because you'll be navigating 31 hairpin turns as you gain 703 meters in elevation. Parts of this road are unpaved, with some concrete sections thrown in to help with traction on the really steep bits. Expect stunning views of the Sierra de Amieva range, but keep your eyes on the road — this is one thrilling ride!