Cruz de la Demanda (Posadas)

Start Town Altitude Elevation Gain Length Gradient Difficulty Rating
Posadas 1,855m 895m 15.6 km 5.7% 875 ***






Cruz de la Demanda from Posadas - Cycling Profile

Click on the profile to view in full screen (🔍)




Climb Description

Cruz de la Demanda is the highest road climb in the Rioja region and it is also the most famous cycling ascent in the area. It has been used numerous times as a stage finish in the Vuelta a España, and was particularly popular during the 1990s when the likes of Tony Rominger and Alex Zulle won on its slopes.

The road is largely in trees so there is not the really great scenery that you would often associate with a climb this high; although it does open up towards the top with some nice views down into the province of Burgos. Despite the modest scenery, it is an enjoyable climb and its length and hisory will certainly have an appeal for cycling aficionados.

Cruz de la Demanda is usually open from April to November, but can stay open considerably longer depending on the weather.




Roads & Traffic

The road is in good condition throughout and there is little traffic on the climb.




Alternative Routes

This is the only way to climb to Cruz de la Demanda.





Nearby Climbs


Valdezcaray

Puerto de Montenegro

Peña Hincada

Lagunas de Neila






Cycling Holidays

We don't currently run any tours that include this climb. If you would be interested in customizing an itinerary to this region, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss the options.

You may also be interested in the links below to some of the other tours that we run nearby.




Rioja Vineyards
Basque Flag Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level: Difficulty Easy to Medium
Price: from €1,570 EUR
*Bike Hire Included

Basque Mountains
Basque Flag Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 7 Days
Level: Difficulty Easy to Medium
Price: from €1,480 EUR
Lagos de Covadonga
Spanish FlagSpain

Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Length: 8 Days
Level: Difficulty Challenging-Hard
Price: from €1,490 EUR