How to drive the unpaved road to Col d’Anglas in the Pyrenees?
Col d’Anglas is a high mountain pass 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 the country, within the Pyrenees National Park.
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. It is totally unpaved with loose stones and shale that become increasingly rocky and unstable in the upper sections.
How long is the road to Col d’Anglas?
Starting from 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?
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.
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 a high-risk environment subject to rockfalls and erosion.