Located in the heart of the Picos de Europa, the Lakes of Covadonga are one of the most iconic symbols of Asturias. Especially when it comes to cycling and mountain passes to climb by bike. They are situated in a dreamlike setting with a grueling 14km ascent and more than 1,000 meters of accumulated elevation gain starting in Covadonga, which has made this climb legendary and one of the benchmarks of international cycling.
- Distance: 14 kilometers
- Elevation gain: 928 meters
- Start: Covadonga (Asturias)
- Ideal bikes for climbing this pass
What is the climb like?
The climb to the pass begins at the Covadonga sign, although the 5 kilometers leading up to that point are a false flat with a gradient of up to 2%. From the sign and for a kilometer we will climb at a 5% gradient and reach the roundabout that takes us to the Lagos road. There, a 5-kilometer climb begins in the shade of a beautiful forest with gradients between 7% and 10%.
We will pass by the Mirador de los Canónigos, from where we can see the Basilica of Covadonga surrounded by a captivating green wooded environment. Little by little we will leave the forest and encounter the first ramps of the toughest part of this climb called “la huesera.” These are 1.5 kilometers at an average of 12% with peaks of 15%.
Shortly after passing this tough section we take a right turn, and from there we can observe the extremely tough section we have just climbed. And with no time to relax, we begin the second hardest part of the route: a series of hairpin bends that will take us to the Mirador de la Reina with gradients of 13% and 14%.
From here we will have only 3 kilometers left to reach Lake Enol and 4 kilometers to Lake Ercina. These kilometers alternate some slightly downhill sections with gradients of 8%, where we can enjoy (if the fog allows) the best views until we crest the pass and the great Lake Enol appears.
Finally, we finish our climb at the parking lot (as is usually done in the Vuelta a España) or climb the last short ramp and reach the other lake, Lake Ercina.
What you should keep in mind before climbing
If you are encouraged to make the climb to this pass, which is part of the history of the Vuelta Ciclista a España, there are some details you should keep in mind.
Traffic: caution with buses
The kilometers before reaching Covadonga and starting the climb to Lagos are marked by heavy traffic, especially in summer and on weekends, so be very careful crossing the road. In high season, the climb is restricted to traffic. At this time, tourists go up by bus, so we must be careful in the narrow parts of the ascent and take many precautions on the curves when descending.
Don't let the fog ruin the view
If you want your effort to be worthwhile, try to pick a day with good weather, as the lakes are known for having fog most of the year. It would be a shame to go all the way up there and not be able to enjoy that wonderful landscape.
The Lakes of Covadonga and the Vuelta a España
Since Marino Lejarreta raised his arms for the first time in 1983 until last year (2018) when Thibaut Pinot did so in the fog, the Lakes have been enjoyed as the Vuelta's finish 21 times. And over all these years, this climb has become one of the legendary roads of international cycling. Even though it may seem to be taking a back seat due to the appearance of giants with impossible slopes like the Angliru, the truth is that the climb to the Lakes never disappoints and continues to be a stage finish that makes a difference.
50 kilometers with a visit to Don Pelayo
A simple route option for this climb could be to start from the Roman bridge in Cangas de Onís (where there is a replica of the Victory Cross, the heraldic emblem of the Principality of Asturias) and head towards Covadonga on a road that doesn't exceed a 2% gradient. From there we can tackle the climb to the Lakes. On the way down you can stop to take some photos at the Mirador de la Reina or at the Mirador de los Canónigos (for the photo op and all that) and then stop in Covadonga (a name that comes from the Latin Cova Dominica, which means cave of Our Lady) to visit the Cave of the Santina. This Holy Cave of Covadonga, patroness of Asturias, is an emblematic place of Asturias and Spain, where the Reconquista began.
We can visit the statue of Pelayo and the Basilica, and from there return to Cangas de Onís. With this route you will cover about 50 kilometers and 1,200 meters of accumulated elevation gain. Upon arriving in Cangas de Onís you can round off the day with a meal at Casa Pedro, or head to the Puente Dobra restaurant and then go to the Hoya de San Vicente for a swim. A perfect day!
Rating of the climb
The climb to the Lakes of Covadonga is the most beautiful in Asturias along with La Cubilla.
It's an ascent that, with the gear ratios used nowadays, is manageable, but still has that touch of difficulty that will make it epic, with a scenic reward all along the way. And especially when you reach the top and find yourself at the Lakes of Covadonga, it will be a day you will hardly forget.