La Polarda
Spain, europe
N/A
2,143 m
hard
Year-round
# La Polarda Summit Drive
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada National Park in Almería, this thrilling route takes you up to La Polarda's impressive 2,143m (7,030ft) peak in the heart of Andalusia's stunning southern landscape.
Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road to the summit is a rough-and-tumble affair—think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumpy sections that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. You'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle this beast, and honestly, it's really only accessible from July through September when conditions cooperate (October to June is a no-go zone).
This is absolutely a trail for seasoned off-road enthusiasts only. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, or if heights aren't your thing, you'd be wise to skip this one. The inclines are genuinely steep, and the exposure is real.
One more thing: mountain weather can turn on a dime. Thunderstorms can transform these rough tracks into serious four-wheel-drive challenges or render them completely impassable. Check conditions before you head out.
The payoff? A mountain refuge awaits at the summit, making for an unforgettable endpoint to an epic adventure through some seriously dramatic terrain.
Where is it?
La Polarda is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.3852, -3.2579
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,143 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 40.3852, -3.2579
Related Roads in europe
extremeRoad trip guide: Conquering Montagut
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a hidden gem for you: El Montagut, a seriously cool peak nestled in Catalonia's Tarragona province, Spain. We're talking 948 meters (that's over 3,100 feet!) of pure, scenic bliss in the Serra del Montmell range. The journey starts in Querol, and the first 4.4 kilometers are a smooth ride, but hold on tight! The last kilometer to the top? It's unpaved, baby! You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this final push. And get ready for a leg workout! This road is STEEP, with some sections clocking in at a whopping 13% gradient. Over just 5.4 kilometers, you'll climb 405 meters, averaging a 7.5% grade. Trust me, the views are worth every pant and groan. At the summit, you'll find the ruins of a castle that dates back to 990 and a rad lookout tower. Don't miss the Esglesia de Sant Jaume de Montagut nearby, a super old chapel that involves yet another brutally steep climb. So, pack your camera, your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience!
moderateA Wild, Defiant Unpaved Road to Hohsaas in the Swiss Pennine Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Hohsaas: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Hohsaas is calling—a jaw-dropping peak sitting at 3,146m (10,321ft) in the Valais region of Switzerland, just a stone's throw from the Italian border. This isn't just any mountain road; it's one of Europe's highest, and honestly, it's pretty epic. Starting from the charming village of Saas-Grund, you're looking at roughly 14km of pure alpine terrain that'll test both your vehicle and your nerves. The elevation gain? A hefty 1,553m with an average gradient of 11.09%—so yeah, it's steep. Fair warning: this entire route is unpaved, and it's technically a chairlift access trail, which means it's rustic and raw. But that's part of the appeal, right? The road is only accessible during summer months when the snow finally clears, making this a seasonal bucket-list experience. Once you reach the summit, you'll find the cozy Berghütte Hohsaas mountain cabin—the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the incredible panoramic views of the Swiss Pennine Alps. If you're after an unforgettable high-altitude driving experience in one of the world's most scenic mountain ranges, Hohsaas absolutely delivers. Just come prepared for a serious climb.
hardWhere is Vrgorac?
🌍 Bosnia
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in Bosnia and Herzegovina, nestled within Sutjeska National Park in Republika Srpska, lies Vrgorac peak. This beauty tops out at a cool 1,247 meters (4,091 feet). Forget your smooth highways, though. Getting to the top is an adventure in itself! We're talking about 45.6 km (28.33 miles) of mostly unpaved road, known as R433, stretching from the R436 near Kalinovik to the M6.1 by Kifino Selo. A 4x4 is pretty much essential. Expect narrow stretches, seriously steep climbs, hairpin turns galore, and conditions that get extra tricky after it rains. But trust me, the views are worth it! Think breathtaking mountain vistas and a seriously remote, wild vibe. Plus, you'll have the chance to check out the Medieval Tombstones of Morine and the charming Crkva sv. Ane i sv. Joakima church along the way. It's a journey for those who like their road trips with a side of epic scenery and a whole lot of off-road fun!
hardA brutally steep (28%) climb to Winnats Pass in England
🇬🇧 England
Winnats Pass! Picture this: you're cruising through the High Peak district of Derbyshire, England, and suddenly you're surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. This mountain pass climbs to 416m (1,364ft), and believe me, you feel every meter! Located just west of Castleton, at the edge of the Hope Valley, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The name "Winnats Pass" comes from the swirling winds ("wind gates") that whip through the natural amphitheater. The road is paved, but don't let that fool you. It's only 9.33km (5.8 miles) from Hope to Sparrowpit, but the average grade is over 10%, with sections hitting a whopping 28%! It’s a favorite for motorcyclists exploring the Peak District. Prepare for a challenging drive. The road is narrow, steep, and can get a bit crowded. Watch out for rock slides! Because of the slope and width, buses, coaches, and vehicles over 7.5 tons aren’t allowed. Open year-round (weather permitting, of course – winter can be tricky!), Winnats Pass isn't just a scenic drive. Local legend says a young couple was murdered here in the 1750s. Spooky! The climb is intense, with a 1.6km (0.99 miles) stretch gaining 188 meters at an average gradient of 11.7%. It was tough enough to be a regular feature in the Tour of the Peak cycle race.