19.5
PDI
7.5 mi
DISTANCE
2,888 ft
GAINED
7.3 %
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. Over 12.0 km (7.5 mi) the road gains 880 m (2,888 ft) at 7.3% on average. The steepest 100 yards reach 14.2%, the steepest half kilometer (0.3 mi) averages 12.1%, the steepest kilometer (0.6 mi) 11.2%, the steepest 2 km (1.2 mi) 10.9% and the steepest 5 km (3.1 mi) 9.8%.
The steepest 10 km (6.2 mi) average 8.2%, so the climb is steady and relentless rather than a single wall. Ride the easy opening kilometers at a deliberate pace: the final 5 km (3.1 mi) hold close to 10%.
Roadway: Asphalt the whole way. The upper half was paved first and the rest was surfaced before the 2019 Vuelta. The observatory's own access notes describe the route from Arcos de las Salinas as the one passable year-round, but at about 1,900 m (6,234 ft) snow or ice is possible in winter and early spring.
Traffic: The road is a dead end serving the observatory, so traffic is limited to staff, visitors and the occasional hiker or cyclist, with no through traffic at all.
Parking: Arcos de las Salinas is a small village at the foot of the climb on the A-1514, and the road starts at its edge. Leave the car in the village rather than on the climb road itself, since that road has a single access and is used by observatory vehicles.
Provisions: This is remote country with no villages above Arcos de las Salinas, so carry enough water and food for the full 12.0 km (7.5 mi) and the descent. Top up in the village before you start.
Gear: The final 5 km hold close to 10%, so a compact crankset with a generous cassette is the practical choice. The upper road is barren and exposed, so bring a wind layer even on a warm day in the valley.
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.
Arcos de las Salinas and nearby Camarena de la Sierra both offer rural lodging. The Sierra de Javalambre has Starlight dark-sky certification (awarded in 2017), and the Galáctica visitor center, about 10 km (6.2 mi) from the observatory, runs night sessions that must be booked in advance. Sarrión, the first black-truffle-producing town in Spain, is nearby (the truffle season runs November to March), and the area is known for Teruel ham (D.O.), goat cheese and lamb.
The area is about 45 minutes by car from Teruel on the A-23 and around two hours from Valencia, and there is no regular public transport, so a car is the practical way in. In winter snow can close forest roads, so check conditions before you go. At almost 1,950 m (6,398 ft) the finish can be far colder and windier than Arcos de las Salinas; check current conditions with our Weather tool before you head up.
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