The route leaves Xodos and follows mountain roads, the CV-170 and CV-1720, to the sanctuary of Sant Joan de Penyagolosa. From there it continues to Vistabella del Maestrat on the plateau. It is short in distance but slow, through one of the highest and most remote parts of Castelló province, and it links well with the roads of the Maestrat.
The ride stays in l'Alt Maestrat, through the municipalities of Xodos and Vistabella del Maestrat, around the Parque Natural del Penyagolosa. The road runs through Mediterranean high-mountain country, with pine woods, farmhouses and dry-stone walls, and the outline of Penyagolosa, the highest peak in Castelló province, in view for much of the way. The open, airy Vistabella plateau contrasts with the tighter sections of the climb.
It is about 34 km and close to an hour and a quarter without stops, with some 120 bends and five hairpins. The whole ride sits between about 870 m and about 1,280 m, so it is considerably colder than on the coast. The road is narrow, and there may be loose livestock, gravel and a very short unpaved section. In winter fog, ice and snow are common.