Driving the extreme 15% climb to Col d’Anglas in the Pyrenees
Col d’Anglas is a high mountain pass reaching an elevation of 2,453m (8,047ft) above sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of south-western France. Situated in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park, the route is a brutal high-altitude track used primarily for chairlift maintenance and logistical access to the upper sectors of the Gourette resort.
| 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 |
How challenging is the road to Col d’Anglas?
The 7.1 km (4.4 miles) climb to Col d’Anglas is technically one of the steepest motorized transits in the Pyrenees. Starting from the Gourette resort, the track gains 1,092 meters of elevation with a staggering average gradient of 15.38%. Logistically, the roadbed consists of loose stones and shale that become increasingly rocky and unstable in the upper sections. Driving this route requires a low-range 4x4 vehicle with excellent torque management, as the 22 sharp hairpin turns demand precise steering on a surface where traction is constantly compromised by the steep incline.
What are the driving conditions on Col d’Anglas?
Technically, the Col d’Anglas track is a shelf road that offers zero room for error. The narrowness of the path, combined with the extreme 15% slope, means that momentum and gear selection are critical to avoid stalling or losing traction on the loose rocks. Logistically, 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. The final sector is particularly punishing for the vehicle's cooling system and tires, as the abrasive nature of the Pyrenean rock can cause significant sidewall damage if not managed correctly.
Is the road to Col d’Anglas open all year?
The road to Col d’Anglas is totally impassable for the majority of the year. Due to its location within the Pyrenees National Park and its service as a ski area access road, it is buried under snow from October until mid-summer. Even when the snow clears, the track remains a high-risk environment subject to rockfalls and erosion. Before attempting to drive to the 2,453m summit, it is essential to verify local access regulations with the Gourette resort authorities, as motorized transit is often restricted to maintenance vehicles and authorized personnel due to the environmental sensitivity of the Anglas sector.