Is the road to Abra del Colorado paved?
Argentina, south-america
88.3 km
2,629 m
hard
Year-round
Cruising through San Juan Province in Argentina? You absolutely HAVE to experience Abra del Colorado! This high mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,629m (8,625ft) and is a must-see.
Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, the landscape is seriously unreal. Think dry, desert vibes with reddish soil that gives the area its "Colorado" nickname. The views? Epic panoramic shots of the towering Andean peaks. It's a vital route connecting the valleys of Iglesia and Calingasta to the provincial capital.
The Ruta Nacional 149 (RN149) is your path to adventure. The entire 88.3 km (54.86 miles) is fully paved and in awesome condition. You'll be cruising smoothly from north to south, connecting to RP436. Just a heads up: the mountain environment can throw some curveballs. Keep an eye out for sudden wind gusts — the notorious Zonda wind — that can be a bit wild.
Why is this spot a cycling hotspot? Abra del Colorado is a legendary stage in the Vuelta a San Juan, a major race on the UCI World Tour. Even if you're not a pro cyclist, the climb is manageable, with gradients that rarely go above 5-6%. The real challenge? The length and the San Juan heat! The last 15 kilometers wind through a rocky canyon and it's super scenic. This climb is pure Argentinian Andes magic!
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 88.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,629 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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