Puerto Alto Mountain Pass Road Between Hinojales and Aracena

This road is located in the autonomous community of Andalusia in southern Spain, linking the small village of Hinojales to the town of Aracena. The route traverses the Sierra de La Coronada, Sierra de Monte del Bollo, Sierra del Rey, and Sierra del Cuchillar mountain ranges, providing a diverse mountainous terrain. The road also runs adjacent to the Rivera de Huelva river for a portion of its length, which ultimately feeds into the Río Guadalquivir. The highest point on the road is the Puerto Alto mountain pass at an elevation of approximately 687 meters (2,254 feet). An interactive map showing the road can be found at the end of this article.

The road extends for about 20.5 kilometers (12.7 miles) and is surfaced with asphalt of generally good quality, rated 4.3 out of 5. It is moderately twisty, with a curviness rating slightly above 2 on a scale where 3 is extremely curvy. The route features a mix of lane configurations, with approximately 55% of the road being single-lane and 9% having two lanes. Road width varies, with the majority (about 56%) being wide enough for comfortable riding, 36% of medium width, and a small portion (5%) narrow. The speed limits vary between 30 and 40 km/h (19 to 25 mph), reflecting the road's mountainous and twisty nature.

Only a small fraction of the road (around 7.4%) passes through inhabited areas, including several streets and plazas in the settlements along the route such as Carretera Hinojales, Prolongación Cantarrana, and Plaza de los Naranjos. The road's elevation ranges from 422 meters (1,385 feet) at its lowest point to 686 meters (2,254 feet) at the Puerto Alto pass.

The defining feature of this route is the Puerto Alto mountain pass, which marks the highest elevation point on the road. This pass is a key geographic marker and offers riders a distinct mountain riding experience. The road crosses four mountain ranges, each contributing to the varied terrain and riding conditions. The Sierra de La Coronada, Sierra de Monte del Bollo, Sierra del Rey, and Sierra del Cuchillar provide a backdrop of natural beauty and elevation changes.

Additionally, the road runs alongside the Rivera de Huelva river for about 13% of its length. This river is a tributary of the Río Guadalquivir and adds to the natural environment surrounding the route. More information about the river can be found on its Wikipedia page.

The road surface is predominantly asphalt and generally well maintained, making it suitable for a variety of motorcycles. Riders should be prepared for the moderate twistiness and variable road widths, especially where the road narrows. The presence of single-lane sections requires caution when encountering oncoming traffic. The speed limits are relatively low due to the road's characteristics and the mountainous terrain.

Given the road's location and elevation, it is advisable to check for seasonal closures or weather-related restrictions, especially in winter months when mountain passes can be affected by adverse conditions. There are no known tolls or entrance fees associated with this road, but riders should verify current conditions through official Spanish road authorities. For general information on tolls and road fees in Spain, the Dirección General de Tráfico website is a reliable resource.

The Puerto Alto mountain pass road between Hinojales and Aracena offers a moderately twisty, well-paved route through multiple mountain ranges in Andalusia. It combines natural features such as the Rivera de Huelva river and varied elevations with a mix of road widths and lane configurations. This route is suitable for motorcyclists seeking a mountain pass experience with manageable curves and good surface quality.

For further exploration, an interactive map of the route is provided below to assist with navigation and planning.