Is the road to Roque de los Muchachos paved?
Spain, europe
3.8 km
2,423 m
hard
Year-round
Hey stargazers and thrill-seekers! Let me tell you about Roque de los Muchachos, a mountain peak on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, Spain. Reaching a staggering 2,423m (7,949ft), this road is no joke!
The road to the top, Carretera al Roque de los Muchachos, is fully paved, but don't think it's a walk in the park. Think hairpin turns and bends for days! Fog, clouds, and even snow can roll in, making the drive pretty intense. If you're not a fan of heights, brace yourself – the final stretch is narrow with some serious drop-offs.
This 3.8km (2.36 miles) climb gains 277 meters in elevation, averaging a 7.28% gradient that spikes to 12% in spots! The last stretch is only open during the day, and the road is closed to the public at night.
So, why brave this crazy road? At the summit sits the Roque de los Muchachos Observatory (ORM), one of the world's largest telescope arrays, making this one of the best stargazing spots on the planet. Plus, the views are unreal! On a clear day, you can spot Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Gomera. Trust me, this drive is totally worth it for the insane scenery alone!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,423 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to get by car to Lake Kapetan?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, picture this: Kapetanovo Lake, a shimmering gem nestled high in Montenegro's Morača region at a cool 1,678 meters (that's 5,505 feet for my American friends!). This glacial lake is stashed away in the Moracke Planine mountains, and let me tell you, the views are worth the trek. You'll even find a few spots to grab a bite or crash for the night. Getting there is an adventure in itself! The 47 km (29 miles) route kicks off from Nikšić, winding alongside the Gračanica River on smooth, paved roads. But hold on, because things get interesting after you veer off toward Dragovoljci. This is where that SUV comes in handy. Suddenly, it's a single-lane rollercoaster with hairpin turns that'll test your passing skills. Soon, the pavement gives way to a wilder ride – loose rocks, deep ruts, the whole shebang. A 4x4 is your best bet here, but a high-clearance 2WD SUV *might* make it if you're careful. A bit further along, the path mellows out, cruising through shady forests on gravel and dirt. Keep an eye out for those ruts and tight bends, especially if you're in a longer vehicle (over 5 meters). Then, BAM! The trees open up to stunning alpine meadows, with views stretching all the way to distant wind turbines. Eventually, sweet, sweet pavement returns, guiding you (albeit with a few potholes) up a steep final climb to the lake. Just be mindful – the last stretch is super narrow. And then, there it is! Kapetanovo Lake, a turquoise dream sprawled across the high plateau. Trust me, the off-road bumps and single-lane stress are instantly forgotten when you soak in this view. Oh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a gravel road nearby that climbs to Vojnovac peak at 2,069 meters (6,788 feet). Talk about a photo op!
hardA Hairy Road to Monte Stol in the Slovenian Coastal Region
🌍 Slovenia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever heard of Monte Stol in Slovenia's Littoral region? This bad boy sits at 1,385m (4,543ft) and is a must-see. You'll find it way out west near Italy, and you can't miss the transmitter sticking out the top. The road up? Buckle up, buttercup! It's 11.5 km (7.14 miles) of pure, unadulterated unpaved madness starting from Sedlo. We're talking 18 hairpin turns, super steep climbs, and some serious drop-offs that'll test your mettle. You'll be climbing 864m at an average gradient of 7.51%, so be sure your vehicle is ready for the challenge. Normally, the road is open year-round, but Mother Nature sometimes throws a winter tantrum and shuts things down. Keep an eye on the forecast! But oh, the views! Seriously stunning. At the summit, you'll find Planina Božca, a charming cattle farm. From there, you can soak in the Kanin, the Julian Alps, Krn, Matajur. On a clear day, you can even spot the Adriatic Sea and the Dolomites. Keep an eye out for a memorial to Joshua Goldstein on the way up, too. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience!
moderateHow to get to the summit of Kronplatz-Plan de Corones in South Tyrol?
🇮🇹 Italy
# Kronplatz-Plan de Corones: A Mountain Pass Adventure Nestled in South Tyrol's stunning Pusteria valley, Kronplatz-Plan de Corones sits pretty at 2,275m (7,464ft) and offers one seriously spectacular driving experience. This is the kind of road that'll have you gripping the wheel with a huge grin on your face. Here's what makes it special: the climb comes in two wildly different flavors. First up is the paved Strada Furcia section—a relatively civilized 7.6km (4.72 miles) that starts off gently before things get spicy. By the end of this asphalt stretch, you're staring down slopes up to 18%, so your brakes better be in top shape. Then it gets *really* fun. The second half? That's 5.3km (3.29 miles) of pure gravel mayhem. We're talking relentless hairpin turns, brutal grades between 21-24%, and scenery so breathtaking you'll want to pull over just to soak it all in. This isn't your Sunday cruise—it's proper mountain biking territory on four wheels. If you're thinking about tackling it from St. Vigil in Enneberg, you're looking at a 12.9km (8.01 miles) slog with 1,073 meters of elevation gain. That averages out to 8.3% gradient, which sounds reasonable until you hit those gravel sections and remember what "brutal" really means. Oh, and the Giro d'Italia has featured this beast, so you know you're dealing with serious mountain pass credentials.
moderateThings to Know Before Driving to Col des Anderets in the Western Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Col des Andérets: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Nestled high in the western Swiss Alps at 2,031m (6,663ft), Col des Andérets is a hidden gem in the Vaud canton that'll take your breath away—literally and figuratively. This scenic mountain pass sits in the charming municipality of Ormont-Dessus, and it's absolutely worth the drive. The 7.5 km (4.66 miles) route winds from Col du Pillon up to Col de Voré, mostly following smooth asphalt with just a few short gravel sections (around 400-600m) to keep things interesting. The steeper bits stick to proper asphalt, so you won't have to worry too much about your tires. Fair warning: this pass gets seriously snowed in during winter, so timing your visit for the warmer months is definitely recommended. But when conditions are good? Pure magic. The drive delivers jaw-dropping alpine scenery at every hairpin turn, and there's a quirky red pond near the summit that's become something of a local curiosity. Cap off your drive with stunning views of Lake Arnen and the surrounding peaks. It's the kind of road that reminds you why Switzerland is legendary for mountain driving.