Top 4 Mountain Passes around Altura

The mountain passes around Altura are situated in the Sierra Calderona region, spanning the provinces of Castellón and Valencia in Spain. This area is known for its diverse mountainous terrain.

The mountain passes around Altura are particularly popular for cycling, offering dedicated cycle ways and challenging ascents. Many also feature forest trails and viewpoints, making them suitable for scenic drives and exploring the natural landscape.

Two prominent passes for cyclists are Chirivilla Pass, reaching 711 meters above sea level and known as a mythical port of the Sierra Calderona, and Port d'Alcublas, which summits at 751 meters and features a challenging section with an average gradient of 5.4%.

Yes, the pass Between Olocau and Marines Viejos offers forest trails and scenic viewpoints. It's also known for its recently renewed asphalt, making it a pleasant route, often part of the ascent to Chirivilla Pass.

The difficulty varies. Passes like Port d'Alcublas are considered challenging, with steep gradients up to 11%. Others, like the ascent to Chirivilla Pass, offer a regular slope of around 5% from Altura, making them accessible but still a good workout.

Many of the mountain passes, such as Between Olocau and Marines Viejos, are categorized as viewpoints. From these elevated positions, you can expect panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountainous landscape of the Sierra Calderona.

Yes, for instance, Puerto de la Bellida can be linked with Port d'Alcublas and Alto de la Cruz del Collado to create a significant climb of almost 30km with 1,250m+ elevation gain, offering a rewarding challenge for cyclists.

Beyond exploring the passes themselves, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, gravel biking trails, and running trails, including options along the Rio Palancia and through natural parks.

Visitors frequently highlight the quality of the cycling routes, especially the renewed asphalt on some sections, and the quiet roads that become vibrant with cyclists on weekends. The scenic viewpoints and the opportunity to experience authentic cycling marches are also highly valued.

Yes, many routes in the Altura region combine different terrains. For example, the pass Between Olocau and Marines Viejos features both renewed asphalt and forest trails, offering a varied experience for those who enjoy both road and off-road sections.

The Chirivilla Pass is at 711 meters above sea level with a regular slope of around 5% from Altura. It's known to be very quiet during the week but fills up with cyclists on weekends, creating an authentic cycling atmosphere. It also marks the transition between the provinces of Castellón and Valencia.