The brutally steep (23%) paved road to Bola del Mundo
Spain, europe
3.1 km
2,265 m
hard
Year-round
# Bola del Mundo: Spain's Brutal Mountain Challenge
Tucked on the border between Madrid and Segovia provinces, Bola del Mundo (literally "Ball of the World") sits pretty at 2,265 meters elevation. But getting to this mountain peak? That's where things get gnarly.
The 3.1km road up from Puerto de Navacerrada might not sound long, but don't let that fool you. This fully paved route—roughed-up concrete that was laid down in 2009—is wickedly steep, regularly hitting grades of 23% that'll have your heart pounding. The average climb sits around 11.64%, but it's those brutal ramps that get you: expect a punishing 16% wall just 300 meters in, another nasty one around the 1km mark, and then the real killer—a jaw-dropping 23% segment just 500 meters from the finish. You'll gain 361 meters of elevation in that short stretch, which is no joke.
This isn't your casual Sunday drive. The road is typically closed to regular traffic due to its narrowness and extreme steepness, though it opens up during summer months. Winter? Forget about it—snow closures are common. The Vuelta a España caught on to this beast in 2010, and it's been humbling cyclists ever since.
Perched at the summit of the western Long Cuerda Larga range in the Sierra de Guadarrama, the peak is bristling with broadcast antennas. Even Alberto Contador, a legend who's won every Grand Tour, called it "very difficult and dangerous," saying it's so brutal he rarely attempts it despite living nearby.
Where is it?
The brutally steep (23%) paved road to Bola del Mundo is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 42.0677, -3.1407
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,265 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.0677, -3.1407
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere are Gorges du Loup?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising the Gorges du Loup (Wolf Gorge) in France is an absolute must if you're exploring the French Riviera! Just a quick 15-minute hop north of Grasse, this stunning river canyon, carved by the Loup river, is a total hidden gem. Hop onto the D6, also known as Route des Gorges du Loup, and get ready for a wild ride! This paved road is carved right into the rocks, so expect tunnels, hairpin turns, and blind curves galore. It's only about 5.7 km (3.54 miles) long, snaking north-south through the Audibergue mountains. The drive can be a bit tricky – best suited for confident drivers – and parking can be tight. But trust me, it's SO worth it! Picture this: cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear pools, and even a few spots for daredevil high jumps. And if you're craving even more epic views, the area's got some incredible high-altitude detours. From the Gorges, you can easily head towards Col de la Moutiere, a road with intimidating drop offs. Or, check out the Col de Vence climb, leading to the iconic 'White Ball' radar station for a killer 360-degree panorama. It's the perfect contrast to the deep limestone cliffs of the Loup valley.
extremeWhere is Gole del Saggitario?
🇮🇹 Italy
Get ready for a wild ride through the Sagittarius Gorges in Abruzzo, Italy! This road, snaking through the Apennines, is a total stunner, but don't let the views distract you. We're talking Strada Regionale 479 (SR479), a fully paved 15.9 km (9.87 miles) of pure adrenaline, connecting Anversa degli Abruzzi and Scanno. Built way back in the late 1800s, this road is a feat of engineering, clinging to the sides of the gorge, following the river's every twist and turn. It squeezes through super narrow spots where it feels like there's barely room for anything but the river and your car! The road winds and winds and is full of cars and even trucks, so go slow. One of the coolest parts is Galleria Foce Giardino, a short, one-lane tunnel perched high above the gorge. It’s only 94m long, but it's a highlight of the route. It is an amazing drive, but be prepared for a challenging and unforgettable experience!
hardCima Uomo
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Cima Uomo in the Italian Dolomites is calling your name. This peak hits an altitude of 2,480m (8,136ft), so be prepared for some serious views. Now, the road to the top? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think rocky, gravelly, and steep – we're talking up to 30% inclines in sections! It's technically a ski-station service road, so it's rough and ready. This isn't an all-year-round kinda thing, either; you're looking at a tiny window (late August) to even attempt this. Oh, and did I mention the wind? It's a constant companion up there, and even in summer, you could get hit with snow. Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold is an understatement. But hey, if you're after a challenging climb with insane scenery, Cima Uomo might just be your next unforgettable adventure!
hardWhere is Colle del Mulo?
🇮🇹 Italy
Colle del Mulo—or Mule Pass—is a seriously high point in the Italian Alps, clocking in at 2,523m (8,277ft)! You'll find it nestled in Piedmont's Cuneo province, practically kissing the French border. Okay, real talk: getting to the top is an *adventure*. Forget smooth asphalt; we're talking full-on unpaved, super-narrow roads with heart-stopping drop-offs and seriously steep climbs. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. And heads up, this isn't a year-round trip. Being high in the Hautes Alpes means heavy snow, so the road is usually closed from late October until late June or even July, depending on the year. Here's a cool piece of history: the southern side of the road is an old gravel military road built way back in the '30s and '40s. The northern side? Well, it's a bit of a relic! Construction was abandoned during the war in 1943, so you'll have to hike the last bit. Even with the challenging drive, the views from the top are totally worth it.