Carretera del Valle del Leza Mountain Pass Route in La Rioja Spain

The Carretera del Valle del Leza is situated in the autonomous community of La Rioja, Spain. The road begins near the town of Villamediana de Iregua and extends through the valley of the Río Leza, a tributary of the Ebro River. This route passes through the Parque natural de la Sierra Cebollera and the Reserva de la Biosfera Valles del Leza, Jubera, Cidacos y Alhama, both protected natural areas known for their diverse flora and fauna. The road also runs adjacent to the Embalse de Pajares lake, adding to the natural features along the way. The elevation along the route ranges from 517 meters (1,696 feet) to 1,401 meters (4,596 feet), with the Collado de Sancho Leza mountain pass reaching 1,390 meters (4,560 feet). An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The Carretera del Valle del Leza extends approximately 44.9 kilometers (27.9 miles) and features an asphalt surface of generally good quality, rated at 4.1 out of 5. The road is moderately curvy, offering a balanced riding experience that is neither too technical nor too straightforward. Most of the road (about 76%) consists of two lanes, with a smaller portion (around 10%) being single-lane sections. The width of the road is predominantly wide (about 73%), with some middle and narrow sections. Approximately 11.6% of the route passes through inhabited areas, including the settlements of Carretera del Valle del Leza, Carretera Piqueras, Carretera Villamediana, and Calle Uriemo. The road's alignment follows the Río Leza for about 34% of its length, providing riders with river views and a connection to the surrounding landscape.

The route passes through two significant protected areas: the Parque natural de la Sierra Cebollera and the Reserva de la Biosfera Valles del Leza, Jubera, Cidacos y Alhama. These parks offer a rich natural environment with opportunities for wildlife observation and outdoor activities. The road also runs near the Embalse de Pajares, a lake covering 1.47 square kilometers, which adds to the scenic variety of the ride. Additionally, there is a notable viewpoint along the road, providing riders with panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains. These natural features make the route appealing for those interested in combining motorcycling with nature exploration.

The Collado de Sancho Leza mountain pass is a key feature of this route, situated at an elevation of 1,390 meters (4,560 feet). The pass represents the highest point on the road and offers a distinct change in elevation from the valley floor. The ascent and descent around the pass provide varied riding conditions, with moderate curves and elevation changes that enhance the motorcycling experience. The road's elevation profile ranges from 517 meters (1,696 feet) at its lowest point to 1,401 meters (4,596 feet) at its highest, making it a mountain pass road suitable for riders seeking a mix of terrain and altitude.

The Carretera del Valle del Leza is a public road without any known tolls or entrance fees, though conditions may change, and riders should verify current information before travel. The road is accessible year-round, but as a mountain pass route, it may be subject to seasonal weather conditions affecting safety and accessibility. For more information about the natural parks along the route, visit the Sierra Cebollera and Valles del Jubera, Leza, Cidacos y Alhama Wikipedia pages. Details about the Río Leza can be found at Río Leza. For lake information, see Embalse de Pajares. An interactive map of the route is provided below for planning purposes.