Jito de Escarandi is one of the best climbs in Spain, and one that all cyclists who enjoy mountains should endeavour to climb. It is one of very few roads that actually heads inside the Picos de Europa National Park boundaries, and the views are incredible throughout. Even the ride up to Poncebos and the start of the climb is through a stunning, steep sided gorge. The top of the climb is even more breath-taking, particularly if you continue descending towards the end of the road in Tresviso.
Jito de Escarandi is essentially the same climb as Alto de Sotres - which made its debut in the 2015 edition of the Vuelta a España. The ascent to Alto de Sotres simply finishes 1km from the top for logistical reasons.
That first stage was won by Joaquim Rodriguez during an attack 1km from the finish, which was one of the defining moments of the race. The steep gradients towards the top reduced many of the best cyclists in the world to walking pace.
*For the sake of accuracy we should point out that the summit is in the Cantabria region, a few metres over the border from Asturias. However, 99% of the climb is in Asturias - including the false summit at Alto de Sotres - so we feel that it should really be classified as an Asturian rather than a Cantabrian monster.
Jito de Escarandi is open throughout most of the year. Snow rarely closes the road, as it is cleared to allow access to the village of Tresviso.
This climb heads into the heart of the Picos de Europa mountains
Roads & Traffic
The road is in excellent condition throughout. Watch out for the short tunnels in the early part of the climb; occasionally there may be a cow lurking inside, which can be potential hazardous on the descent.
There is very little traffic on the climb throughout much of the year. Weekends during the summer months get a bit busier, but the road is still enjoyable for riding even then.
There is beautiful open scenery throughout most of the climb
Alternative Routes
Jito de Escarandi can be climbed from the east, starting in Tresviso. However, the only way to get to Tresviso on a road bike is by climbing over this side from Poncebos first.
The climb from Tresviso is much shorter and more gentle than the main ascent, and so is certainly worth adding on as an extension from the top.
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