Driving the ZA-103 Road to Laguna de los Peces in Sanabria
Located in the northeastern corner of the province of Zamora, in northern Spain, Laguna de los Peces (Lake of Fishes) is a stunning glacier lake sitting at an elevation of 1,725m (5,659ft) above sea level. This high-altitude destination in the Montes de León mountain range is a terminal point for drivers seeking some of the most dramatic landscapes within the Sanabria Lake Natural Park.
| Road facts: Laguna de los Peces | |
|---|---|
| Location | Zamora, Spain (Sanabria) |
| Elevation | 1,725 m (5,659 ft) |
| Length | 16.8 km (10.4 miles) |
| Max Gradient | 9% |
| Road Number | ZA-103 |
Where is Laguna de los Peces?
The lake is nestled within the high plateaus of the Sanabria Lake Natural Park. To reach it, drivers must take the ZA-103 road, which winds up from the valley floor. The route offers several strategic viewpoints that provide spectacular vistas of the glacier-carved terrain and the massive Lake Sanabria below. As the road gains altitude, the forest thins out, exposing the car to the strong winds typical of the Leonés mountain range. The summit features a large parking lot, which serves as the end of the paved road and the starting point for various high-mountain hiking trails.
Is the road to Laguna de los Peces paved?
The road to the parking lot is totally paved but can be a bumpy ride. The asphalt on the ZA-103 is subject to extreme temperature fluctuations, leading to a surface that is often cracked or uneven. While it is accessible for all types of vehicles in good weather, the drive requires caution. The paved road ends strictly at the small parking area at 1,725m. Beyond this point, a gravel road continues down toward the lake shore at 1,696m (5,564ft), but this final unpaved section is closed to private motorized vehicles to protect the fragile glacier ecosystem.
How long is the road to Laguna de los Peces?
Starting from Vigo de Sanabria, the ascent is 16.8 km (10.4 miles) long. Over this distance, you will tackle an elevation gain of 699 meters. The average gradient is 4.2%, but this figure is deceptive; the climb is quite irregular, with several ramps hitting 9% that will test your vehicle’s engine. The road is very exposed to the elements, and during the summer months and sunny weekends, the parking lot at the top can become crowded, making the drive significantly busier than during the weekdays.
Is the road to Laguna de los Peces open in winter?
Due to its high elevation and northern exposure, the road is virtually inaccessible in the winter. Large amounts of snow and frequent ice patches on the ZA-103 make it extremely dangerous, and the road is often closed by the authorities when the snowplows cannot keep up with the drifts. In the shoulder seasons, the weather can change instantly; what starts as a sunny drive in the valley can turn into a technical blizzard near the summit. Always ensure your vehicle is equipped for high-mountain conditions and check the local Sanabria weather reports before attempting the climb.