Coll de Fades: Driving the 31 Hairpins of Camí Erta-Sas
At an elevation of 1,505m (4,937ft) above sea level, Coll de Fades is a high mountain pass in the province of Lleida, Catalonia. The pass is a key transit point on the rugged unpaved track that connects the remote villages of the Pallars Jussà and Alta Ribagorça regions in the Pyrenees.
| Road facts: Coll de Fades (Lleida) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lleida, Spain |
| Elevation | 1,505 m (4,937 ft) |
| Length | 17.7 km (11 miles) |
| Hairpins | 31 |
| Surface | Unpaved / Loose Gravel |
How is the road through Coll de Fades?
The road through the pass, known as Camí Erta-Sas, is 17.7 km (11 miles) long, running west-east from the paved LV-5212 road towards Sentís. This is a technical mountain track featuring 31 sharp hairpin turns. As seen on the ground, the track is a primitive gravel path that cuts through barren, rocky ridges. The surface is composed of loose grey gravel and stones, which requires constant throttle control to maintain traction on the steeper inclines. The route also crosses Coll de Sant Pere (1,450m) and Coll de Peranera (1,469m), making it a sustained high-altitude traverse.
What vehicle is required for Camí Erta-Sas?
A high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is mandatory for this route. The combination of 31 tight hairpins and a loose, stony surface makes it unsuitable for standard cars or low-profile SUVs. In many sections, the track narrows significantly with no safety barriers, and the limestone and shale debris can easily damage the underbody of a vehicle without sufficient clearance. Traction is particularly low on the hairpin apexes where the gravel tends to accumulate.
Why is it called Coll de Fades?
The name translates to "Pass of the Fairies." According to local tradition, the pass is named after the fairies (fades in Catalan) said to inhabit this isolated part of the Pyrenees. While the name belongs to folklore, the driving conditions are purely technical; the route is exposed to high winds and rapid weather shifts, and the lack of vegetation on the higher sections offers no protection from the elements. This pass should not be confused with a paved road of the same name in neighboring Aragon.
Driving hazards and logistics
The primary hazards are the shifting gravel and the total lack of passing space. Drivers must be prepared to reverse on steep slopes if they encounter oncoming traffic. There are no services, fuel, or water between the LV-5212 and Sentís. During winter, the road is impassable due to snow and ice, and in early spring, the melting snow creates deep, muddy ruts that can swallow tires. It is best to tackle this 17.7 km stretch during the dry summer months with a full tank of gas and a reliable spare tire.
Pic: Carmina Haro