How to drive the unpaved road to Col d’Anglas in the Pyrenees?
Col d’Anglas is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,453m (8,047ft) above sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department.
| Road facts: Col d’Anglas (Gourette) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France |
| Elevation | 2,453 m (8,047 ft) |
| Average Gradient | 15.38% |
| Length from Gourette | 7.1 km (4.4 miles) |
| Surface | Unpaved / Loose Rock |
Where is Col d’Anglas?
The peak is located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, in the south-western part of France. The track climbs through the high alpine terrain of the Gourette ski resort, sitting right on the edge of the Pyrenees National Park boundary.
Is the road to Col d’Anglas unpaved?
The road to the summit is used primarily for chairlift maintenance and access to the upper sectors of the Gourette resort. The track consists of loose slate, heavy gravel, and mountain shale that becomes more unstable on the higher switchbacks. The surface provides very poor traction.
How long is the road to Col d’Anglas?
Starting from the Gourette resort, the road to the summit is 7.1 km (4.4 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1092 m and the average gradient is 15.38%. A 4x4 vehicle is required.
Can I drive to Col d’Anglas?
Driving up here is restricted. Motorized access is regulated by the Gourette resort and local forestry services. The track is generally blocked to public traffic and kept exclusively for maintenance crews, heavy machinery, and authorized mountain rescue teams.
Is the road to Col d’Anglas open in winter?
Set high in the Pyrenees, this trail is only accessible within a very narrow time-frame in late summer, usually around the end of August, once the high-altitude snowfields have retreated. Even when the snow clears, the track remains subject to rockfalls and erosion.