Cerro Almirez: Driving the 31 hairpins of Almeria’s high Sierra Nevada
Reaching a staggering elevation of 2,350m (7,709ft) above sea level, Cerro Almirez is a prominent high mountain peak located in the province of Almería, Andalusia. Situated within the protected boundaries of the Sierra Nevada National Park, it represents one of the highest roads in the country, offering a raw, high-altitude experience in the easternmost part of the range.
| Road facts: Cerro Almirez | |
|---|---|
| Location | Almería, Andalusia, Spain |
| Elevation | 2,350 m (7,709 ft) |
| Length | 23.2 km (14.4 miles) |
| Hairpin Turns | 31 |
| Road Surface | Unpaved / 4x4 Only |
Where is Cerro Almirez?
The peak is located in the southeastern part of Spain, dominating the skyline above the Alpujarra Almeriense. Unlike the more famous western peaks near Granada, Cerro Almirez offers a much more secluded and wild environment. The summit provides an unparalleled 360-degree vantage point, where the high-altitude desert of Almería meets the snow-capped ridges of the main Sierra Nevada massif, with views often extending to the Mediterranean Sea on clear days.
Is the road to Cerro Almirez unpaved?
Yes, the road to the summit is totally unpaved and ranks as one of the most technical forest tracks in southern Spain. It is a strictly 4x4 only route. The track is exceptionally steep and narrow, carved into the slate and shale slopes of the mountain. In many sections, the road is impassable for two cars at the same time, meaning drivers must be prepared to reverse long distances to find a passing point. The surface is loose and rocky, demanding high ground clearance and low-range gearing to manage the vertical gain without losing traction.
How long is the road to Cerro Almirez?
Starting from the white village of Paterna del Río, the road to the summit is 23.2 km (14.4 miles) long. This is an epic endurance climb that takes you from the Mediterranean shrubland into the high Alpine tundra. The drive is famous among overlanders for its 31 hairpin turns, which snake relentlessly up the mountainside. Each turn requires careful maneuvering due to the tight radius and the loose debris on the track. The journey is slow, often taking several hours to complete, and requires a full tank of fuel and mechanical self-sufficiency, as the area is extremely remote.
Is the road to Cerro Almirez open in winter?
Due to its extreme elevation, the road is usually impassable from October to June. Heavy snowfalls and ice accumulation are common at 2,350 meters, turning the narrow track into a life-threatening mud and ice slide. Even in the summer months, the weather can be unpredictable; sudden mountain storms can cause flash erosion on the track, making the steep 23km descent even more technical than the climb. Always carry emergency supplies, including water and warm clothing, as temperatures at the summit are significantly lower than in the valley below.
Pic: http://www.juntadeandalucia.es/medioambiente/servtc5/ventana/paginas/transnevada/etapaCuatroVeranoTransnevada.jsp