A funny drive to Colletto di Canosio
Italy, europe
22.9 km
1,650 m
moderate
Year-round
# Colletto di Canosio
Tucked away in the Val Maira valley in southwestern Piedmont, Colletto di Canosio sits pretty at 1,650 meters (5,413 feet) above sea level. This Italian gem in the Province of Cuneo is absolutely worth the drive.
Starting from Lottulo, you're looking at a solid 22.9 km climb to the top with a respectable 860 meters of elevation gain. The gradient averages out to a manageable 3.8%, so it's challenging but totally doable. Most of the route is nicely paved asphalt, though the final 550 meters transition to a well-maintained gravel road, which actually adds a bit of character to the finale.
The whole experience is a perfect blend of steady climbing and beautiful scenery as you work your way up this Alpine pass. Whether you're a serious cyclist, a road tripper, or just someone who loves mountain roads, this one delivers the goods without being outrageously brutal.
Where is it?
A funny drive to Colletto di Canosio is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.0043, 12.7117
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 22.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,650 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 43.0043, 12.7117
Related Roads in europe
moderateThe unpaved road to Lake Frostastaðavatn
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! You absolutely HAVE to check out Lake Frostastaðavatn in the southern Icelandic Highlands. We're talking seriously stunning scenery at nearly 1,900 feet above sea level. Now, getting there is half the fun... and a little bit of a challenge. You'll be cruising on the legendary F208, also known as Fjallabaksleið nyrðri. Be warned: this is a gravel road, so expect a bumpy ride! Plus, Iceland's weather is no joke, especially in the highlands. Snow can shut this road down at any time, so always check conditions before you go. But trust me, the reward is worth it. Imagine this: vibrant, multicolored mountains reflected in the still waters of the lake, surrounded by dramatic lava fields. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you've landed on another planet. Just make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for a true Icelandic adventure!
moderateBocchetta di Campiglia
🇮🇹 Italy
# Bocchetta di Campiglia Nestled in Vicenza, Veneto, Italy, Bocchetta di Campiglia sits at a cool 1,216 meters (3,989 feet) above sea level. The drive up is straightforward—completely paved the whole way, which is always a plus when you're heading into the mountains. Once you've made the climb, you'll find a paid parking area at the summit. This is where things get interesting, because this pass is basically the launchpad for some seriously epic adventures. From here, you can tackle the legendary Strada delle 52 Gallerie with its incredible tunnel-lined route, venture onto the Strada degli Scarubbi, or use it as a jumping-off point for other legendary Alpine drives in the region. Whether you're a serious mountain road enthusiast or just looking for stunning scenery and that adrenaline rush of navigating Alpine terrain, this pass delivers. It's the kind of place where you pull into the parking lot and realize you've landed somewhere genuinely special.
hardLapata
🇬🇷 Greece
# Lapata: Greece's Hidden Mountain Challenge Ready to tackle one of Greece's most epic mountain roads? Lapata is a seriously impressive peak sitting at 1,964m (6,443ft) in Trikala province, and the journey to the top is absolutely not for the faint of heart. Nestled deep in the Pindus mountain range, this gravel route demands respect—you'll definitely need a solid 4x4 to even attempt it. The road is seriously exposed and cramped, with narrow stretches and some genuinely gnarly steep sections that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Fair warning: this beast is basically snowbound from November through May, so timing is everything. Starting from the charming village of Kallithea, you're looking at a 7.4 km push upward with 700 meters of elevation gain. That's an average gradient of about 9.45%—steep enough to feel it. But here's the kicker: the real challenge comes in the final stretch, where three incredibly sharp hairpin turns will test your driving skills to the max. Thanks to its remote location and technical difficulty, Lapata remains relatively undiscovered—which means you'll mostly have the mountain to yourself. It's the kind of drive that separates the casual road-trippers from the true adventure seekers. If you're confident behind the wheel and love the raw beauty of untamed mountain roads, this one's calling your name.
hardHow to get to Refuge du Plan du Lac in the Alps?
🇫🇷 France
# Refuge du Plan du Lac: A Alpine Adventure Worth the Drive Tucked away in France's stunning Vanoise National Park at 2,370m (7,775ft), this mountain refuge is a serious gem for anyone who loves high-altitude scenery. You'll find it in the Savoie department of southeastern France, right in the heart of the Rhône-Alpes region. Fair warning though: this place closes down for winter, so plan your visit accordingly. The 15.1 km (9.38 miles) route from Val-Cenis is mostly paved, which is great news. Yeah, you'll encounter some narrow stretches and hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes, plus a few bumpy sections, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. The road climbs steeply from the get-go, weaving through sparse forest with those classic Alpine hairpins as you gain elevation fast. The valley views from below are seriously impressive. Here's the catch: once you pass the Refuge L'auberge de Bellecombe parking area, the road becomes restricted to authorized private vehicles only—no bikes allowed. If you have mobility concerns, you can request special authorization from the Vanoise National Park to drive all the way up. Once you reach the refuge, the vista completely changes. You're suddenly looking out at the dramatic high peaks of the Vanoise—Pointe de la Réchasse, Dent Parachée, Grande Casse—plus the surrounding glaciers creating an unforgettable Alpine backdrop. Pro tip: the little road continues past the refuge to the charming Chapelle Saint-Barthélemy at 2,284m if you want to explore even further.