18.8
PDI
13.4 mi
DISTANCE
3,615 ft
GAINED
5 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Coll de la Creueta climbs 21.5 km (13.4 mi) from La Pobla de Lillet to the pass at 1918 m (6,294 ft), gaining 1102 m (3,615 ft) at a 5.0% average. It's the southern approach to one of Catalonia's great mountain passes, which sits on the ridge between the Berguedà and the Ripollès and divides the waters of the Llobregat and the Ter. The Volta a Catalunya and the Vuelta a España have both crossed it several times.
It's a long, steady climb rather than a steep one. The opening 6 km (3.7 mi) are irregular, with a couple of near-flat stretches, then the road settles into a consistent 5-7% for about 12 km (7.5 mi) before easing over the last 3 km (1.9 mi). The steepest kilometer averages 9.1%, and the steepest 5 km average 6.7%. The Berguedà slope lies inside the CadÃ-Moixeró Natural Park, and the upper road opens up views toward Pedraforca and the Puigllançada.
What sets it apart is what you pass. Within the first few kilometers you ride by the Jardins Artigas, gardens Antoni Gaudà designed in La Pobla de Lillet, and the old Asland cement works at Clot del Moro, now the Museu del Ciment; around km 10 the road skirts the mountain village of Castellar de n'Hug, just below the springs where the Llobregat river is born.
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. Coll de la Creueta climbs 21.5 km (13.4 mi) from 852 m (2,795 ft) in La Pobla de Lillet to 1918 m (6,294 ft) at the pass, gaining 1102 m (3,615 ft) at a 5.0% average. The first 6 km (3.7 mi) are irregular - kilometers of 4-6% broken up by two near-flat stretches, around km 3 and km 6 - so the overall average undersells the climbing that follows.
From about km 6 to km 18, the road holds a steady 4.5-7%, peaking at 7.0% around km 12. Over the whole climb, the steepest kilometer averages 9.1%, the steepest 2 km 7.4%, the steepest 5 km 6.7% and the steepest 10 km 6.1%; the steepest mile averages 7.6%, and the steepest 100 yards reach 11.4%. The final 3 km (1.9 mi) ease to about 3-4% on the approach to the pass.
Roadway: The BV-4031 is paved the entire way, and riders describe the asphalt on this southern approach as good. The pass sits at 1918 m (6,294 ft), so the upper road can see snow and ice outside summer - most riders tackle it between June and September, and it's worth checking Catalonia's road information before an early- or late-season ride.
Traffic: Generally light - this is a mountain road rather than a main route. Castellar de n'Hug, the Museu del Ciment and the Llobregat springs do draw visitors, though, so expect more cars below the village on weekends and holidays.
Parking: Park in La Pobla de Lillet near the start, which also puts you close to the Jardins Artigas and the Tren del Ciment if you're making a day of it. For a support car, Castellar de n'Hug, about halfway up, is the natural meeting point.
Provisions: Castellar de n'Hug, about halfway up, is the place to stop for food and drinks - the Berguedà tourist board suggests it as the refreshment stop on its Creueta road loop. Fill bottles in La Pobla de Lillet before you start, and don't count on services at the pass itself.
Gear: This is an endurance climb more than a steep one. A standard compact crankset is plenty for the 5-7% grades, but 21.5 km (13.4 mi) and more than 1100 m (3,609 ft) of climbing take time, so pace the long middle section. The pass is over 1000 m (3,281 ft) higher than La Pobla de Lillet, so bring a layer for the long descent.
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.
La Pobla de Lillet is worth an hour before you set off. The Jardins Artigas, right beside the climb around km 2, were designed by Antoni Gaudà and given to the Artigas family in 1903 as thanks for their hospitality while he worked on the nearby Xalet del Catllaràs - a naturalistic garden of fountains, benches and bridges over the Llobregat. The Tren del Ciment, a heritage diesel train with four vintage carriages, runs 3.5 km (2.2 mi) in about 20 minutes from La Pobla de Lillet to the gardens and on to the Museu del Ciment on a seasonal timetable, so check before you go.
The Museu del Ciment occupies the old Asland factory at Clot del Moro, founded by Eusebi Güell as Catalonia's first Portland cement works and in operation until 1975; the stepped industrial complex is now listed as a Cultural Asset of National Interest. Higher up, Castellar de n'Hug (1395 m / 4,577 ft) has an 11th-century Romanesque church of Santa Maria and has hosted an international sheepdog contest on the last Sunday of August since 1961. The Fonts del Llobregat, where the river emerges from the limestone as a waterfall, are about a 20-minute walk from the village on a signed path.
For Bagà and the Coll de Pal, see our Coll de Pal page. See other climbs nearby, or build a custom route from here, with our Routes in the Area tool.
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