Road trip guide: Conquering Portillo de Rio Seco in Sierra Nevada
Portillo de Rio Seco is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.100m (10,170ft) above sea level, located in the region of Andalusia, Spain. It’s one of the highest roads in Europe.
Where is Portillo de Rio Seco?
The pass, also known as Portillo de Rioseco, is located in the province of Granada, in the southern part of the country.
Is the road to Portillo de Rio Seco unpaved?
The road through the pass is totally unpaved. It’s called Camino de los Franceses (also known as Camino del Mulhacén). The road provides stunning views and climbs many mountain passes. It also provides views of several alpine lakes.
How long is the road through Portillo de Rio Seco?
The road through the pass is 23.3 km (14.47 miles) long and runs north-south from Veleta Peak to a small town called Capileira.
Is the road through Portillo de Rio Seco open?
Set high in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, the road is totally impassable in winters. Avalanches, heavy snowfalls, and landslides can occur anytime. To protect the wilderness of the national park, only bicycles are allowed on the road. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.
Pic: Ramón Carlos Válor López