Col de Mahourat: Can you drive the 200m grassy track from the D132?
Col de Mahourat is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,740m (5,708ft) above sea level, located in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of France. Located near the Spanish border, the access is a 200-meter unpaved track that starts from the D132 road, the main route leading to Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin. It is a short, primitive path where the grass surface and the lack of grip are the main obstacles.
| Road facts: Col de Mahourat | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France |
| Elevation | 1,740 m (5,708 ft) |
| Length | 200 m (656 ft) |
| Surface | Unpaved / Grass |
Why is a 4x4 required for the 200m track to Col de Mahourat?
Although the distance is only 200 meters, the track is a steep ascent over a natural surface partly covered with grass. Standard tires will lose traction instantly on this terrain, especially if the ground is damp from mountain dew or rain. A 4x4 vehicle with all-terrain tires is necessary to ensure the wheels bite into the soil and to clear the uneven mounds of earth that characterize this high-altitude path near the Arette la Pierre Saint-Martin resort.
What are the hazards of driving on a grassy mountain road?
The primary danger on the Col de Mahourat track is the hidden terrain under the grass. Rocks, deep holes, and soft mud are often obscured, which can lead to underbody damage or the vehicle getting high-centered. The absence of safety barriers and the pitch of the slope mean that if the tires start to slide sideways on the wet grass, there is no way to regain control before the vehicle leaves the track. The edges are unstable and crumble easily under the weight of a car.
Is the Col de Mahourat road accessible in winter?
No. At 1,740 meters, this 200-meter sector is buried under heavy snow from November to May. The track is not maintained or plowed, making it impassable for any vehicle. During the spring thaw, the grass surface becomes a saturated bog; attempting the drive before the ground has fully dried will result in the car sinking and destroying the track bed. Sudden Pyrenean storms can also turn this short detour into a slippery trap in minutes.
What mechanical precautions should you take before leaving the D132?
Before leaving the paved D132, check your tire pressure; slightly lower pressure may help with traction on the grass, but sharp hidden stones can slice through thin sidewalls. Ensure your 4x4 system is fully operational before committing to the 200m climb. There are no recovery services at the pass, and a breakdown on this incline means the vehicle will be stuck on a steep, soft-surface slope where towing is extremely difficult.