Is the road to Bola del Mundo paved?
Spain, europe
3.1 km
2,265 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, picture this: Bola del Mundo, or "Ball of the World," a seriously epic peak straddling Madrid and Segovia, Spain. You're talking 2,265 meters (7,431 feet) high!
The road? It's paved, but don't expect smooth asphalt. It's rough concrete, so hold on tight. Fully paved since '09, so that's something!
Starting from the well-known Puerto de Navacerrada, the climb is a mere 3.1 kilometers (just under 2 miles). Don't let the short distance fool you!
Heads up: summit access is usually good in the summer. Winter? Could be a different story. Snow can shut things down quick. Also, private vehicles may not always be allowed due to how narrow and steep things get.
Once you make it to the top, you'll find it's antenna city, broadcasting signals all over the place.
Now for the fun part: this climb is BRUTAL. We're talking gradients maxing out at 23%! The ascent from Puerto de Navacerrada gains a hefty 361 meters, averaging over 11% incline. There are ramps of 16% right at the start, and again after about a kilometer. Then BAM, the 23% kicker hits you just before the summit. Even grand tour winner Alberto Contador called it "very difficult, dangerous," and steeper than some insane climbs in the area! He admitted he rarely rides it, and he lives there! Get ready for an unforgettable workout with some killer views!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,265 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeIs the Road to Colla d’Onzo Paved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up, because Colla d’Onzo in Liguria, Italy is not for the faint of heart! This mountain pass punches its way up to 843m (2,765ft) in the Province of Savona and clocks in at a relatively short 7.9 km (4.90 miles) running from Nasino to Capitolo-Costa. Think you can handle it? Well, the average gradient is over 10%, but some sections hit a staggering 20%! Oh, and did I mention the road is crazy narrow? Forget meeting another car—unless you're a pro at reversing! Throw in some unpaved bits and the fact that it’s basically a no-go after rain, and you've got yourself an adventure. Low-riding sports cars should definitely sit this one out. But hey, if you're looking for a proper white-knuckle drive with some stunning northwestern Italian scenery, this is your spot!
easyHow Long is P79 Road?
🌍 Latvia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Vidzeme region of northeastern Latvia, right? You're on the P79, a little gem stretching about 38 kilometers (or 23.6 miles for my fellow Americans) from the sweet little town of Ērgļi – nestled on the Ogre river – all the way up to Koknese, a seriously historic spot on the Daugava River. Now, heads up, this isn't your typical smooth highway. It's paved near the towns, but a good chunk of it is unpaved, adding a bit of off-the-beaten-path charm. Word on the street is it’s pretty vital for the local Koknese businesses. Also, be warned that after a good downpour, things can get a little dicey! So, drive carefully and enjoy the scenery.
hardThe breathtaking road to Dzhanka Saddle
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're hunting for an off-the-grid adventure in Bulgaria, Dzhanka Saddle is calling your name. Nestled high in the Rila Mountains, this bad boy tops out at 2,346 meters (that's 7,696 feet!), making it one of Bulgaria's highest roads. You'll find it straddling the line between Sofia and Blagoevgrad provinces, deep within the Rila National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for the fire lookout tower at the summit! Now, here's the thing: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. We're talking completely unpaved, seriously steep (up to 18% gradient!), and definitely a 4x4-only situation. In fact, it's closed to private vehicles. The climb stretches for 7.6 km, and you'll gain 438 meters in elevation along the way. Get ready for an average gradient of 5.76% that will definitely test your mettle! Winter? Forget about it – this pass is impassable. But if you're up for the challenge, the views are supposed to be epic!
hardFlorea
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Florea Peak in Argeș County, Romania is calling your name! This bad boy tops out at 1,931m (6,335ft), making it one of the highest drives in the country. But hold on tight, it's not for the faint of heart. We're talking a bumpy gravel road to the summit. Expect a steep climb, and if you're afraid of heights, maybe sit this one out! Snow is a real possibility in winter, so access can be totally blocked. After it rains, things get slippery and loose gravel can catch you off guard. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's practically mandatory. But if you're prepared, the views are epic!