This is a climber’s ride up one of the many approaches to Europe’s highest cyclable climb. What’s to love about this climb is the shady leaf cover down low and the pine-scented alpine breezes up high. The steep, narrow El Duque road deters most through traffic, so there are few cars to deal with.

*This is almost entirely on pavement (but you’ll appreciate gravel gearing on the steep stuff).

The GPX file for this and all the Trails of the Alhambra rides are available to download for free with bike rentals.