How to drive the 4x4 road to Coll de Laquell in the Pyrenees?
Coll de Laquell is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,162m (7,093ft) above sea level, located in the province of Lleida, Catalonia. Situated in northern Spain, very close to the border with Andorra, this pass is a hidden gem for off-roaders in the Pyrenees.
The pass is tucked away within the Serra de Trescul mountain range, a wild area characterized by high-altitude pastures and dramatic rocky peaks. Driving here offers a raw experience of the Pyrenees, far from the paved tourist routes. The environment is typical of the high mountains: quiet, remote, and subject to rapid weather changes that can make the drive even more challenging.
| Road facts: Coll de Laquell | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lleida, Catalonia (Spain) |
| Elevation | 2,162m (7,093ft) |
| Length | 8.9 km (5.53 miles) |
| Mountain Range | Serra de Trescul |
| Surface | Unpaved / Gravel |
Is the road to Coll de Laquell difficult to drive?
The road to the summit is totally unpaved and requires a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle. The track is rocky and can become quite slippery after rain. Due to the high altitude, the pass is usually impassable during the winter months, as heavy snow covers the Serra de Trescul. Even in late spring, you might find snow patches blocking the way. The drive is a continuous climb through a high-alpine landscape where you should be prepared for isolation.
How many hairpin turns are on the road to Coll de Laquell?
The drive is technically demanding and features 15 sharp hairpin turns that wind up the mountain flank. These curves require careful maneuvering, especially on the loose gravel sections. The road through the pass is 8.9 km (5.53 miles) long, running in a south-north direction from Coll d'Ares toward the Camí de Coll de Conflent. This route is part of a network of old mountain tracks often used by shepherds and now by adventure seekers looking for the best vistas of the Catalan Pyrenees.