Where is La Negrita?
Spain, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure awaits on Tenerife's La Negrita, a seriously high peak sitting pretty in the Corona Forestal Natural Park! We're talking major elevation here, so brace yourself for some thin air and unbelievable views.
Picture this: you're high in the ridges, northeast of the famous Teide National Park. The reward? A panoramic masterpiece of the Orotava Valley and the Teide volcano itself.
Now, about the road… It’s about that authentic off-road experience, so buckle up! We're talking a totally unpaved, narrow track of volcanic soil and gravel. A high-clearance 4x4 is an absolute must – you'll need that traction and ground clearance. Heads up, though – access is super restricted with a wooden barrier, and private vehicles are generally a no-go without special permits from the Cabildo de Tenerife.
If you manage to snag access, you're in for a treat. The track (part of Carretera de la Esperanza) winds its way through high-altitude scrubland, showcasing the stunning Teide broom (Spartocytisus supranubius) as you leave the pine forest behind. Get ready for a bumpy, steep climb to Alto del Mirlo, and if heights aren't your thing, maybe think twice. But if you're a thrill-seeker, this is your kind of road!
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Los Portillinos?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, so you HAVE to check out Los Portillinos, a crazy-cool mountain pass sitting way up at 6,420 feet in northern Spain! You'll find it chilling in the Castilla y León region, specifically the northwestern part of the country. Locals also call it Alto de los Portillinos, and the road is paved, though it can get a little rough in spots. You'll be cruising through the gorgeous Fornela valley. It winds up through the Montes de León mountain range. Word to the wise: it's usually open all year, but winter can be a bit dicey with occasional closures. If you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a gravel road that branches off east towards a peak called Mustallar. The whole pass is only 6.8 km long, running between Peranzanes and Candín, and honestly? You'll probably have the road mostly to yourself! Soak in those views!
extremePort de la Creu de Perves
🇪🇸 Spain
# Port de la Creu de Perves Nestled in the Alta Ribagorça region of Lleida, Catalonia, the Port de la Creu de Perves sits at a respectable 1,335 meters (4,379 feet) and connects the charming villages of La Pobla de Segur and El Pont de Suert via the N-260 highway—better known as the Eje Pirenaico. Fair warning: this pass isn't for the faint of heart. The fully paved road throws 17 hairpin turns at you in rapid succession, demanding your full attention with constant ups, downs, and stomach-turning twists. If your passengers get queasy easily, maybe skip the heavy lunch beforehand. And seriously, don't even think about tackling this one at night or in fog unless you know it intimately—the visibility issues alone make it dicey. The climb from El Pont de Suert spans 14.3km with 572 meters of elevation gain (averaging 3.5%, with some brutal 9% sections), while the Senterada approach is slightly longer at 13.5km but steeper, gaining 608 meters at an average 4.5% grade. Both routes have hosted professional cyclists during the Volta a Catalunya and Vuelta a España races, so you know it's legit challenging terrain. Weather's a serious consideration here—snow and ice can transform this into a genuinely treacherous road, sometimes forcing closures altogether. But push through to the summit, and you'll find yourself on a gorgeous high plateau with sweeping views and a couple of stunning hilltowns dotting the landscape. Worth it? Absolutely, if you're ready for the ride.
hardWhere is Ovit Dagi Gecidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're cruising through Turkey, you HAVE to check out Ovit Dağı Geçidi! This high mountain pass, chilling at 2,690 meters (that's a whopping 8,825 feet!), is near İkizdere in the Rize Province, close to Erzurum. The road itself, known as D925 (Rize İspir Yolu), is paved and stretches for about 18.2 kilometers (11.3 miles). Don't get too comfy, though—you'll be tackling some seriously steep sections with gradients hitting 16%! The summit? There's this abandoned building, probably an old bar. Gives you the creeps! Normally, you can get through year-round, but Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Expect closures and restrictions between November and April due to gnarly winter conditions. And get this: you might even spot snow in the summer! Now, here’s the cool part: to avoid the crazy weather at the top, they built the Ovit Tüneli—a massive 14,346-meter (47,067 ft) long tunnel that opened in 2018. It's a game changer, making the trip between Rize and Erzurum way easier.
extremeHow long is Road F980 (Kollmúluvegur)?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're itching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Iceland, F980 (Kollmúluvegur) might just be your jam. This 25km (16 mile) beast of a road stretches from Highway 1 to Illikambur in southeast Iceland, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint of heart! Forget pavement, you're in for a seriously rough and rugged ride, surrounded by lunar landscapes that'll make you feel like you're on another planet. We're talking massive rocks, potholes galore, and enough ruts and boulders to keep you on your toes. This track is exclusively for high-clearance 4x4s and experienced drivers only. Seriously, leave the compact car at home – you'll regret it! Open only during the summer (late June to early September, usually), Kollmúluvegur promises solitude, but be warned: you're on your own out here. No crowds, limited cell service, and zero inhabitants nearby mean you shouldn't tackle this one solo. The real kicker? You'll need to ford the Skyndidalsá River. This isn't a gentle stream, folks, it's a deep, fast-flowing body of water that demands respect. River crossings are hazardous and experience is key. The water level can change rapidly depending on rain or warm weather. Make sure to check the depth before attempting a crossing, and remember, rental car insurance won't cover water damage! It can change quickly from relatively shallow (1 meter) to deep (2+ meters) in a short period. If you're prepared, this road will reward you with some seriously epic scenery and a true sense of adventure. Just be smart, be safe, and get ready for an unforgettable ride on one of Iceland's most extreme mountain roads!