Best mountain passes around Quirós are located in Asturias, Spain, a region characterized by its mountainous terrain and diverse natural landscapes. The area offers a variety of routes that traverse the Cantabrian Mountains, connecting different valleys and provinces. These passes provide access to high-altitude environments, often featuring forests, open vistas, and challenging ascents. The municipality of Quirós serves as a gateway to these routes, which are popular for cycling and hiking.
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more mountain passes around Quirós.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The pass is now paved and can be driven on by car.
1
0
During the mining era, this pass served as a discreet link between mines on either side, and minimal traces of old cart and mule traffic remain, though they don't coincide with the current road. From above, the wind is almost constant, and the view towards the Saliencia lakes has that air of a "natural viewpoint" before the term even existed. It's perfect to mark on Komoot as a key point on your route due to its spaciousness, its somewhat hidden history, and its character as a natural border.
1
0
Upon reaching the summit, you don't arrive at a village or a tourist center, but rather at a kind of natural balcony overlooking the Lena mountain passes, which gives a strange feeling, as if you've stepped onto an empty stage. And on clear days, the wind is louder among the mountain passes than any car, because traffic is minimal.
0
0
For decades, La Cubilla was practically a ghost town: a road built to connect mining valleys, used more by livestock farmers and scattered trucks than by travelers. This lack of traffic left a remarkably clean route, free of curves, absurd straights, and modern widenings: pure mountain design from another era. That's why many cyclists say it "looks more like an Alpine pass than a Cantabrian one," with those giant limestone walls silently accompanying you.
0
0
The La Cubilla mountain pass is located at an altitude of 1,683 meters, on the border between Asturias and León. Its rugged terrain and the beauty of its surroundings have earned it the title of stage finisher of the Vuelta a España, making it one of the most iconic climbs among cyclists.
0
0
Puerto de Ventana is a mountain pass located in the Cantabrian Mountains, between the Principality of Asturias and the province of León. It lies at an altitude of 1,587 meters and connects the municipality of San Emiliano in León with the Asturian municipality of Teverga. From the pass, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the San Emiliano Valley, known as Babia de Yuso.
2
0
Beautiful port with very very hard climbs on both sides.
1
0
Impressive views, both for Leonese lands and Asturian lands. The climbs on both slopes are very difficult, but spectacular, and are worth it.
0
0
The mountain passes around Quirós are excellent for both cycling and hiking. You'll find a variety of routes, from challenging road cycling ascents to scenic running trails. For detailed routes, you can explore options like Road Cycling Routes around Quirós or Running Trails around Quirós.
While many passes offer challenging terrain, the region also has more accessible options. For instance, the Ricabo Track is a gravel/paved road with minimal vehicle traffic, making it a safer and more relaxed option for families to enjoy the forest and views. For running, the 'Embalse de Valdemurio — circular' route is rated as easy.
Many passes offer stunning vistas. Ventana Pass, at 1,587 meters, provides breathtaking views of the San Emiliano Valley. The Ricabo Track is known for revealing a beautiful 'sea of clouds' at the top, with contrasting landscapes between Asturias and León. The Road from Puerto de La Cobertoria to Santa Marina also offers great views, including the Forcichave Viewpoint.
The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the weather is more stable and the passes are free of snow. This allows for optimal conditions for cycling, hiking, and enjoying the natural landscapes.
Absolutely. Passes like Alto del Cordal are known for their winding, narrow roads and demanding ramps, making them a favorite for experienced cyclists. La Cubilla Pass offers long ascents with significant positive gradients, popular with mountain biking enthusiasts as part of the TransCantábrica BTT route. The Puertos de Marabio also feature variants with steep slopes up to 21%.
Many passes, such as Alto del Cordal, serve as starting points for routes and offer good parking facilities. It's advisable to check specific highlight pages or local information for detailed parking options at your chosen starting point.
The region is characterized by diverse natural landscapes within the Cantabrian Mountains. You'll encounter lush greenery, dense forests, and open vistas. The contrast between the humid, lush Asturian side and the more arid Leonese side is particularly noticeable at passes like Ricabo Track and Ventana Pass.
Generally, no specific permits are required for hiking on established trails and mountain passes in the Quirós region. However, it's always good practice to respect local regulations, especially if venturing into protected natural areas. Always stay on marked paths.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural landscapes, the physical challenge offered by the ascents, and the impressive panoramic views. The sense of accomplishment after conquering a pass and the unique experience of riding through a 'sea of clouds' are often highlighted by the komoot community.
Yes, there are several loop routes available that incorporate the mountain passes. For example, the 'Puerto de La Cubilla – La Cubilla Pass loop from Torrebarrio' is a popular cycling option. For running, the 'Ricabo to Alto de Ventana Trail — circular via the GR 207' offers a scenic loop. You can find more options on guides like Cycling around Quirós.
The difficulty levels vary significantly. Some passes, like La Cubilla Pass, are considered long but not excessively hard, while others, such as Alto del Cordal, feature challenging ramps up to 12%. The Puertos de Marabio offer three distinct variants, with slopes ranging from an average of 4.69% to a maximum of 21%, catering to different skill levels.


See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides around Quirós: