Somport (Jaca)

Start Town	Altitude	Elevation Gain	Length	Gradient	Difficulty	Rating
Jaca	1,640m	822m	28.2 km	2.9%	352	**

Climb Description

Somport is a picturesque climb in the Pyrenees. The climb from this side begins in the town of Jaca and continues all the way to the border with France; it is mostly very gentle and quite easy to maintain a steady rhythm. The Somport has been used once in the Tour de France and once in the Vuelta a España, but is most famous in cycling circles for forming part of the route for the Quebrantahuesos Gran Fondo.

Fortunately the Quebrantahuesos is run on closed roads and so avoids the main issue with the Somport - the traffic. This is the main border crossing between France and Spain in the Central Pyrenees, and the tunnel at the top ensures that it remains open throughout the year. There are a lot of cars and lorries using the climb and it does significantly affect the enjoyment when you are cycling it.

Roads & Traffic

The road is in very good condition throughout.

Somport is busy throughout the year. It is the main pass in the central Pyrenees and the tunnel near to the top of the climb ensures that it is open throughout the year.

The traffic is generally fast moving and there are numerous heavy good vehicles using the route. The last 6.5km, after the turn off for the tunnel are much less busy and very enjoyable for riding.

Alternative Routes

The Somport can also be climbed from the French side, starting in Bedous.

Nearby Climbs

Cotefablo

Portalet

Col de Marie Blanque

Col d'Aubisque

Pierre St Martin

Cycling Holidays

We currently don't have any cycling holidays in this part of the Spanish Pyrenees. However, if you would like to customize an itinerary in the region, please contact us and we would happy to organize a trip for you.

You may also be interested in some of the tours below, which we currently run in high mountains.