19.3
PDI
12.8 mi
DISTANCE
3,630 ft
GAINED
5.4 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
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. The climb averages 5.4% over 20.5 km (12.8 mi), gaining 1106 m (3630 ft), and it is remarkably consistent. The steepest 500 m averages 9.5%, the steepest 1 km 7.6%, the steepest 2 km 6.7%, the steepest 5 km 6.0% and the steepest 10 km 5.7%.
The opening 6.5 km (4.0 mi) up to Mijares average 5.7%, and the first kilometer, at about 7.3%, is the steepest of the day. The remaining 14 km (8.7 mi) to the pass hold 5.3%, with almost every kilometer between 4.5% and 6%. The final 5 km (3.1 mi) average 5.5%, so there is no easing off before the top.
Roadway: The climb is paved throughout. It starts on the CL-501, climbs the AV-P-705 to Mijares and follows the AV-901 to the pass. The AV-901 is narrow and very twisty, with good asphalt but no center line and no shoulder, so hold your line through the many blind bends. The high section is snowbound for several months a year - check conditions before a winter or early spring ride.
Traffic: Traffic is light, mostly local cars crossing between the Tiétar and Alberche valleys. The road also features on motorcycle touring routes through Ávila, so expect some weekend motorbikes. The busiest stretch is the short start along the CL-501.
Parking: Mijares is a small mountain village, so if you'd rather skip the lower slopes, look for parking in the village and start from there. To ride the full climb, base yourself in one of the Tiétar valley villages along the CL-501. The pass itself has a large parking area, used by hikers heading out along the ridge to the Cabezo de Mijares.
Provisions: Mijares, about a third of the way up, is the only village on the route. Stock up in the Tiétar valley before you start, as there are no services above the village all the way to the pass.
Gear: The grade is steady rather than steep, so standard compact gearing is plenty for most riders.
Weather: The pass is more than 1100 m (3600 ft) above the start and far more exposed, so pack a wind layer for the long descent, especially outside summer. The Tiétar valley can be hot in July and August - start early.
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.
The Tiétar valley is Ávila's sheltered southern side of the Sierra de Gredos, with the CL-501 linking a string of villages such as Piedralaves and Casavieja that make good bases for a few days of climbing. Mijares itself is the gateway to the eastern Gredos high country.
At the top, the pass is the trailhead for the ridge walk along the Sierra del Cabezo to the Cabezo de Mijares at 2188 m (7178 ft), the highest point of eastern Gredos - allow about 4 to 5 hours from the pass to the summit. Over the top, the AV-901 drops to Burgohondo in the Alberche valley, about 18 km (11.2 mi) beyond the pass, the direction the 2021 Vuelta took on its way to the finish in El Barraco.
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