35
PDI
22.3 mi
DISTANCE
6,508 ft
GAINED
5.1 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Jill and Bryant Robbins, Palmer, AK, USA
INTRO
Calar Alto climbs 35.9 km (22.3 mi) from the Tabernas Desert in Almería province, Andalucía, to the Observatorio de Calar Alto - the largest astronomical observatory in continental Europe - gaining 1,984 m (6,508 ft) at a 5.1% average grade (6.2% for the climb-only portion). On September 3, 2026, this exact climb hosted the highest-altitude stage finish of that year's Vuelta a España: 20-year-old Jakob Omrzel (Bahrain Victorious) soloed the final 12 km alone to win, becoming the youngest Slovenian rider ever to win a Grand Tour stage.
This was the fourth time the Vuelta has finished atop Calar Alto, after Roberto Heras (2004), Igor Antón (2006), and a third summit finish in 2017 - each edition also tackling the neighboring Alto de Velefique climb along the way, as the 2026 route did again. Calar Alto is the highest peak in the Sierra de los Filabres, and the observatory was sited here specifically because Almería is one of the driest, clearest-skied provinces in Europe.
The road runs alongside the busy A-92 for much of the way without ever joining it, climbing at a moderate, sustained pace through the stark, near-treeless desert terrain that also made this area a favorite filming location for spaghetti Westerns in the 1960s.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Calar Alto has a 5.1% average grade (6.2% for the climb-only portion), climbing 1,984 m (6,508 ft) over 35.9 km (22.3 mi) from 271 m (889 ft) to the 2,102 m (6,895 ft) summit near the observatory. About 36% of the climb sits in the 5-10% grade range, 11% in the 10-15% range, and roughly 3% touches 15-20% - the steepest kilometer averages 11.3%.
Roadway: Two-lane road in good condition that runs parallel to the busy A-92 for much of the climb, but never puts you onto it.
Traffic: Mild.
Parking: There isn't a lot of parking right at the start - try a spot on the shoulder about 750 m up from the start and ride back down (Map; Street View).
Provisions: Montellano Asador Restaurante, a grilled-meats spot on the A-92 at kilometer 14.8, is still open and well-reviewed as of 2026 (Google Map + Reviews). Otherwise there's nothing else on the route, so plan accordingly.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
On the right one kilometer from the start is the exit for Western Leone, an old movie set featuring Western style buildings (Map; Street View), however, it gets bad reviews (Google Map + Reviews). But, just 850 meters east of the start on N-340a is the hugely popular "Mini Hollywood" which gets very good reviews and seems like it would be fun to visit (Map; Street View; Google Map + Reviews).
While in the area be sure to ride the iconic and more peaceful Alto Velefique which essentially runs parallel to Calar Alto to the east.
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