Where is Los Machucos?
Spain, europe
14.1 km
880 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Los Machucos in Cantabria, Spain is a LEG BURNER! This insane mountain pass climbs to 880m (2,887ft) and trust me, you'll feel every. single. meter.
We're talking northern Spain, east of... well, you'll figure it out when you see it looming. The Vuelta a España bike race has tackled this beast, so you KNOW it's hardcore.
The road *is* paved, mostly, but those super steep sections are concrete. Think grippy, but also relentlessly unforgiving. Built in the early 2000s, you can usually access it year-round, but watch out for winter closures. Those Cantabrian Mountains can get nasty!
Clocking in at 14.1km (8.76 miles) between San Roque de Riomiera and Bustablado, it's a decent haul, but those gradients...whew!
And the reward? Besides bragging rights? A giant metal cow sculpture called Monumento a la Vaca Pasiega! Perched high in the Cantabrian Mountains, it's the perfect quirky photo op after you’ve conquered this climb. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery as you grind your way up!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 880 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardNeuschwanstein Castle – Fussen
🇩🇪 Germany
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Black Forest High Road, a total dream for any road trip lover! This isn't just any drive; it's a 60km stretch of pure, unadulterated German beauty. You'll find it snaking through the heart of the Black Forest, connecting Freudenstadt and Baden-Baden. Now, it's not all smooth sailing – there are a few tight curves and steep inclines to keep you on your toes. Nothing too crazy, but definitely enough to add some thrill to the ride! But trust me, the views are worth every hairpin turn. You're talking panoramic vistas of rolling hills, dense forests, and charming villages that look like they're straight out of a storybook. And the elevation? You'll climb to almost 1,000 meters above sea level, giving you an even more breathtaking perspective. Just be sure to keep an eye out for cyclists and the occasional patch of fog – safety first, folks!
moderateCollado del Puerto
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk about Collado del Puerto! Nestled high in the Sierra Nevada National Park in Granada, Andalucia, Spain, this peak sits pretty at 2,205 meters (that's 7,234 feet!). Heads up: the road to the top is unpaved, so you'll want to tackle this one from late spring to early fall, unless you're cool with snow. A 4x4 is definitely your best bet. Starting in the charming town of Lanteira, the climb stretches 9.5 kilometers, gaining 431 meters in elevation. We're talking an average gradient of 4.53%, so get ready for a steady climb! Expect incredible views and some challenging terrain. It's a must-do for any adventure traveler.
moderateThe iconic road to Col de la Bonette in the French Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Bonette: France's Ultimate Alpine Adventure Ready for an adrenaline-pumping Alpine experience? Head to Col de la Bonette, perched at a jaw-dropping 2,715m (8,907ft) in southeast France's stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Straddling the border between Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments within the gorgeous Mercantour National Park, this legendary pass connects the Ubaye Valley and Tinée Valley—and it's absolutely unmissable if you're chasing mountain thrills. What makes this route so special? The entire D64 (part of the famous Route des Grandes Alpes) is completely paved, making it accessible year-round—well, technically. You'll find yourself driving on a beautifully maintained, wide road that's seriously steep and packed with incredible sensations. It's the kind of drive that makes your heart race in the best possible way. The scenery? Phenomenal. Nestled beside Cime de la Bonette and running parallel to Col d'Allos and Col de la Cayolle, you're surrounded by some of Europe's most dramatic Alpine landscapes. Fair warning though: while a sign at the base claims this is "Europe's highest road," that's not quite accurate—but it's certainly among the highest in the country. **Plan your visit wisely:** The road typically closes from late October through June or early July due to heavy snow, so aim for summer driving. History buffs will appreciate that what started as a humble mule track in the 1800s became a fully completed road in 1960, and it's even graced the Tour de France circuit. Cyclists, take note: the 24km ascent from Jausiers gains 1,589m (average 6.6% gradient with sections hitting 11%), while the Saint Etienne de Tinée route stretches 25.8km with 1,652m elevation gain (6.4% average, peaking at 15%). Helpful kilometer markers dot both sides of the road, showing elevation and distance milestones.
moderateA curvy paved mountain road to Col de la Savoliere
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Savolière Nestled in the Haute-Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de la Savolière sits pretty at 1,421 meters (4,662 feet) above sea level in the Rhône-Alpes region. This fully paved mountain pass is a fun ride for anyone looking to tackle some Alpine terrain. The D308 stretches a solid 20.8 kilometers (12.92 miles) from the D328 road near Miesbury to the D907, offering some genuinely gnarly sections along the way. Fair warning: the gradients get serious here, with maximum slopes hitting 10.6%—so if you're planning to drive this one, pack your patience and maybe some lower gears. The pass typically stays open year-round, which is pretty sweet if you're planning an off-season adventure. Just keep in mind that winter can throw some curveballs your way, with occasional closures popping up when conditions get sketchy. Best to check conditions before you head up!