Peña Cabarga is 3.7 miles (5.9 km) at an average of 9.4% from Heras, practically at sea level, to the 1,854 ft (565 m) viewpoint: 1,821 ft (555 m) of climbing. Altimetrias.net and CyclingCols agree almost to the yard (554-555 m and 5.89-5.9 km).
What the climb is like
It’s hard from the very first yard. About 1.9 miles (3 km) of steep straight, a third-of-a-mile (500 m) breather with a slight descent, and then bends with ramps above 14% up to a straight wall about a third of a mile long, where the steepest pitch is (18% according to CyclingCols). The last ramps are a little gentler and finish on the open area by the antennas. The pavement is very good and there’s almost no shade.
We don’t publish a section-by-section profile: both sources describe the climb the same way, but neither gives the grade of each block.
Its Vuelta a España history
The Vuelta first finished here in 1979 (Ángel López del Álamo won, on stage 13 from Haro) and came back in 2010, with a win for Joaquim Rodríguez. In 2011 Chris Froome won, ahead of race leader Juanjo Cobo; in 2013, Vasil Kiryienka; and in 2016 Froome again, finishing level with race leader Nairo Quintana on the Colunga-Peña Cabarga stage.
At the top is the Monument to the Indiano, known as the “Pirulí” (1968), a viewpoint looking over the Bay of Santander and the Pas mountains, Cantabria’s main broadcast tower and a café. The visitor center was renovated in 2025.
When to go, water and traffic
At 1,854 ft (565 m), you can ride it year-round. Traffic is light, except on sunny weekends, when lots of people drive up to the viewpoint. There’s a fountain in Heras; at the top, the café.
What gearing to use
For 14-18% ramps, a 34x30 or 34x32. At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 4.1 mph (6.6 km/h) on 14%; with a 34x32 that’s about 49 rpm, and on 18%, 39 rpm. Compare your options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- It’s short: you can ride it at threshold, but don’t overdo it on the first straight.
- Save something for the final wall.
- At the top, take some time at the viewpoint: it’s one of the best views in Cantabria.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Peña Cabarga?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 37 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 45 min at 2.5 W/kg and 28 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Who has won on Peña Cabarga?
Ángel López del Álamo (1979), Joaquim Rodríguez (2010), Chris Froome (2011 and 2016) and Vasil Kiryienka (2013).
What is at the top of Peña Cabarga?
The Monument to the Indiano (the "Pirulí," from 1968), a viewpoint, Cantabria's main broadcast tower and a café.