Coll de la Gallina Ascent from Bixessarri

This ascent is considered one of Andorra's toughest and a 'hors-catégorie' climb. It demands very good fitness due to consistently steep gradients, often exceeding 15%, with some pitches reaching 18-20%. The climb becomes progressively harder towards the end.

The road surface is in excellent condition, having been recently paved for the 2015 Vuelta a España. The route features a high number of tight switchbacks, making it engaging for both ascent and descent. Traffic is generally minimal, contributing to a peaceful riding experience.

The Bixessarri side is known for its picturesque views, especially on the lower slopes where the road winds through fir trees. While the very summit might not offer the most spectacular views compared to lower sections, the pass at 1910 meters above sea level provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding Andorran and Catalan valleys.

While specific parking areas for cyclists directly at Bixessarri are not detailed, you can typically find parking in or near the village itself, which serves as the starting point for the ascent. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for designated parking spots.

The ascent itself is approximately 11.8 to 11.9 km long with about 982 to 987 meters of vertical gain. For an average touring cyclist, the estimated duration for the entire tour, including the ascent and descent, is around 1 hour and 28 minutes (5291 seconds), but this can vary significantly based on individual fitness and pace.

The best time to cycle this route is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn, when the mountain passes are clear of snow and ice. Always check local weather forecasts and road conditions before planning your trip, as mountain weather can change rapidly.

No, there are no special permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Coll de la Gallina Ascent from Bixessarri. The road is publicly accessible.

While dogs are generally welcome in Andorra's outdoor spaces, this route is a demanding road cycling ascent. Cycling with a dog would typically require them to be in a trailer or basket, which adds significant challenge to an already difficult climb. It is not recommended for dogs to run alongside cyclists on such a steep and long ascent.

Yes, the route intersects with sections of other trails. Notably, it covers a significant portion of the official cycling route [CIMA AN02] Coll de la Gallina * Aixovall / Bixessarri (61% of that route) and also overlaps with parts of [CIMA AN10] Os de Civís (62%). Smaller sections also coincide with El Camí IT1TR5 El Camí Capçaler: de Salzes a Balaguer and GRP La volta a Andorra.

The Coll de la Gallina is renowned for its difficulty. If you're looking for less challenging or less crowded options, you might explore other routes in the valleys around Bixessarri or near Aixás. These areas offer a variety of terrain, though specific easy alternatives for touring cycling are not detailed for this immediate vicinity. The Sant Julià de Lòria side of Coll de la Gallina is a one-way uphill route, making the Bixessarri side unique for allowing both uphill and downhill cycling.

This ascent gained significant fame after being fully paved and featured as a crucial climb in the 2015 Vuelta a España, where it was considered one of the hardest Grand Tour stages in decades. It's also a prominent feature in events like La Purito Andorra and has hosted uphill time-trials with top professional riders like Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard, cementing its status as a symbol of challenging cycling in Andorra.