Collado del Muñón: Driving the 10% unpaved climb from La Cueta
Located in the province of León, in the northwest of Spain, Collado del Muñón is a high mountain peak reaching an elevation of 1,768m (5,800ft) above sea level. Situated within the rugged Somiedo Natural Park in the Cantabrian Mountains, the road to the summit is a short but brutal test of traction and low-range gearing.
| Road facts: Collado del Muñón | |
|---|---|
| Location | León, Castile and León, Spain |
| Elevation | 1,768 m (5,800 ft) |
| Length | 3.1 km (1.9 miles) |
| Elevation Gain | 315 m |
| Average Gradient | 10.16% |
Where is Collado del Muñón?
The peak is nestled in the Cantabrian range, acting as a natural balcony over the high valleys of the province of León. The road to the summit starts from the remote and picturesque town of La Cueta, known for being the highest village in the Babia region. This geographic isolation ensures a wild driving experience where the presence of wildlife, such as eagles or even Cantabrian brown bears, is more common than meeting another vehicle. The summit offers a raw, 360-degree perspective of the limestone massifs that define the border between León and Asturias.
Is the road to Collado del Muñón unpaved?
The road to the summit is entirely unpaved and treacherous in parts. Because of the extreme incline and the loose nature of the rocks, a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is strongly required. This is not a track for regular SUVs; the surface demands high traction and precise throttle control. You should only travel on this road when it is dry, as the high-altitude soil turns into a thick, impassable mud when wet, making the descent as dangerous as the climb. The path is narrow and snakes along the mountainside with no safety barriers, so total concentration is mandatory.
How long is the road to Collado del Muñón?
Starting from La Cueta, the ascent is 3.1 km (1.9 miles) long. While the distance is short, it is exceptionally intense. Over these three kilometers, you will tackle an elevation gain of 315 meters, which results in a brutal average gradient of 10.16%. This relentless verticality means there are virtually no sections to rest the engine. In a 4x4, you will likely spend the entire climb in low-range gears to manage the 10% slope without spinning the tires on the loose limestone debris.
Is the road to Collado del Muñón open in winter?
The road is technically open to traffic throughout the year, but its high elevation means it may be closed for short periods in winter when the weather is bad. In the Cantabrian Mountains, weather conditions can change quickly and be harsh; a sunny morning in La Cueta can transform into a technical blizzard at the summit in minutes. Heavy snow and ice accumulation on a 10% unpaved grade make the road impassable even for well-equipped vehicles. Always check the local road conditions and weather forecast before departing, and ensure you carry recovery gear and warm clothing.
Pic: Isidro Fernández