The Road to Pico Gallinero is a High Mountain Challenge in the Pyrenees

The Road to Pico Gallinero is a High Mountain Challenge in the Pyrenees

Spain, europe

Length

3.2 km

Elevation

2,613 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Pico Gallinero: Spain's Sky-High Adventure

Tucked away in the stunning Benasque Valley of Aragón, Pico Gallinero sits pretty at 2,613 meters (8,572 feet) in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees. This isn't just any mountain peak—it's home to one of the country's most extreme roads.

Ready for a real adventure? From Collado del Ampriu, you're looking at a punishing 3.2km (1.98 miles) of pure unpaved mountain terrain. The climb will test both you and your vehicle with 464 meters of elevation gain and a relentless 14.5% average gradient. This isn't a casual Sunday drive.

Here's the catch: this rugged trail is strictly 4x4 territory and completely off-limits to regular vehicles. It's primarily maintained for ski lift upkeep and lodge access, which means you're navigating some seriously challenging ground. And timing matters—the road only opens during summer months, so plan accordingly.

If you're craving that heart-pounding, high-altitude driving experience with some of Europe's most dramatic Pyrenean scenery, Pico Gallinero delivers. Just make sure you're properly equipped and mentally prepared for one of Spain's most unforgiving mountain routes.

Where is it?

The Road to Pico Gallinero is a High Mountain Challenge in the Pyrenees is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 41.0036, -2.8336

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
3.2 km
Max Elevation
2,613 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
41.0036, -2.8336

Related Roads in europe

The Storehaug Tunnel Old Road is said to be one of the scariest roads in Vestland Countyhard

The Storehaug Tunnel Old Road is said to be one of the scariest roads in Vestland County

🇳🇴 Norway

# Old RV13: Norway's Infamous Mountain Challenge Nestled in Vestland County near Vik, this notorious stretch of the old RV13 is not for the faint of heart. This brief 1.93 km (1.19 miles) detour sits at a jaw-dropping 980 m (3,215 ft) elevation, offering stunning views—if you can keep your eyes on the road. Here's where it gets sketchy: what was once a properly paved route has deteriorated significantly over the years thanks to Norway's brutal weather. Today, it's a muddy, slippery mess that transforms into a genuinely treacherous drive after rain. Add in those stomach-churning drop-offs, and you've got a recipe for white-knuckle driving at its finest. The road's reputation got so gnarly that authorities decided enough was enough. Back in 1981, they carved out the Storehaugtunnelen—a 1,044-meter tunnel that bypasses this sketchy section entirely. Smart move, honestly. The tunnel was built specifically to dodge all the hazards the old mountain road throws at you: the steep grades, the mud, and the landslide risk. So while this forgotten stretch of asphalt has definitely seen better days, it remains a wild testament to the raw power of Scandinavian nature. These days, most sensible drivers take the tunnel and call it a day.

How should you prepare for river crossings?moderate

How should you prepare for river crossings?

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, so you're thinking about hitting the F-roads, huh? These highland routes are how you get *into* Iceland, like, *really* into Iceland. Think rugged mountain tracks, mostly gravel, totally remote. Oh, and did I mention river crossings? Yeah, those are a thing. Here's the deal: these roads are summer-only and strictly 4x4 territory. Seriously, leave your rental hatchback at the hotel. You *need* a proper four-wheel drive, and even then, you need to know what you're doing. So, those river crossings... Let's break it down. First, scout that river! Get out of the car and wade in (if you can!). Is the water above your knees? Hard pass. Are there calm spots? Deeper than they look. Look for shallower, wider sections with ripples. If someone else goes for it, watch 'em and learn. Best practices? Avoid rivers after heavy rain or when those glaciers are melting. Water levels can change *fast*. Morning's safe crossing might be a raging torrent by afternoon. If you're solo or can't see well, don't push it. Glacial rivers? Get a guide, trust me. Always check the weather and road reports before you even *think* about driving. If you're going to send it, low gear, slow entry, steady speed (like 3 mph). Don't shift mid-crossing! Go *slightly* downstream, following the current. And for the love of Iceland, don't stop! Straight line is your friend, unless there's a clear track to follow. Engine stall? Don't restart! You've probably sucked water in. Stuck? Call 112. Don't be a lone wolf! A second vehicle is a lifesaver. Cell service can be spotty, so tell someone your route beforehand. Pack warm clothes, food, water, and a basic emergency kit. Happy (and safe) adventuring!

The Road Through Boca del Infierno in Huesca is One of the World's Top Driveseasy

The Road Through Boca del Infierno in Huesca is One of the World's Top Drives

🇪🇸 Spain

# Boca del Infierno (Mouth of Hell) Ready for one of Spain's most breathtaking canyon drives? Head to Huesca in the Aragon region, near the Navarre border, and you'll find yourself in the stunning Hecho Valley. This is where the Aragón river has carved out an absolutely jaw-dropping gorge that'll make your heart race. The 15-kilometer drive (locally known as carretera Selva de Oza) winds through a narrow canyon with towering vertical walls soaring over 200 meters high. You're basically driving on what used to be an ancient Roman route, now blasted through solid rock. Fair warning: some sections are barely wide enough for one car, so take it slow and hope you don't meet anyone coming the other way. Rock slides are a real hazard here, so stay alert. As you navigate through, you'll pass stone tunnels carved directly into the canyon walls—pretty wild stuff. The drive runs from Echo heading north toward Refugio De La Cantina, and the whole route is paved, thankfully. Nestled in the Pyrenees, this spectacular gorge features white-water rapids and incredible scenic passages around every turn. Watch out for ice cascades that can form on the road, especially in colder months. It's become hugely popular with motorcyclists, cyclists, and hikers who want to experience something truly special—think of it as Spain's answer to those famous balcony roads you see in France. This is the kind of drive that stays with you.

A scenic road to Faro de Cabo Vilán lighthouseextreme

A scenic road to Faro de Cabo Vilán lighthouse

🇪🇸 Spain

# Cabo Vilán Lighthouse: Spain's Windswept Coastal Drive Perched on Galicia's dramatic Costa da Morte (literally "Coast of Death") in northwestern Spain, Cabo Vilán lighthouse sits 125 meters above the churning Atlantic. Yeah, the name isn't just for show—this rocky coastline has claimed countless ships over the centuries, earning its ominous reputation through shipwrecks and treacherous waters. The drive itself is unforgettable. You'll navigate a rugged coastal track (with some concrete sections mixed in) that hugs the cliffside, offering jaw-dropping views that'll make your phone's camera work overtime. Just be ready for serious wind—and we're talking all year long. Weather changes can happen in a heartbeat out here, so don't even think about attempting this drive in poor visibility or after dark unless you really know what you're doing. The lighthouse itself is a piece of history. Built in 1896, it holds the honor of being Spain's oldest electric lighthouse, though a coal-fired beacon had been guiding (or failing to guide) ships since 1858. Those hundred-meter vertical drops to the ocean below are genuinely spectacular—and genuinely terrifying if you're not a fan of heights or strong gusts. Windy days? Maybe save this one for calmer conditions. Just a few kilometers away lies the sobering Cementerio de los Ingleses—a graveyard for 172 English sailors who washed ashore after a catastrophic 19th-century storm. Only three men survived. The track gets muddy and slippery after rain, so watch your footing and timing if you're exploring the area.