A memorable road trip to Col de Riou in the Pyrenees
France, europe
4 km
1,949 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de Riou
Nestled in the Pyrénées National Park in the Hautes-Pyrénées, Col de Riou sits pretty at 1,949 meters (6,394 feet) above sea level—and trust me, you'll feel every bit of that elevation. This is serious mountain territory in France's stunning Occitan region.
Fair warning: the road up here is completely unpaved and narrow as they come, with some seriously exposed drop-offs that'll keep your knuckles white. You're really looking at a summer-only adventure; the pass typically doesn't shake off its snow until late June, and some years you're waiting until July. Plan accordingly!
Starting from the Bederet parking area (just north of Ski Resort Luz Ardiden), you've got a punchy 4-kilometer climb ahead of you. That's 265 meters of elevation gain packed into a relatively short distance, with an average gradient of 6.62%—but don't get comfortable because some sections crank up to a gnarly 15.1%. The road is steep, relentless, and genuinely challenging.
At the top, you'll find the haunting ruins of L'hôtellerie du Col de Riou, an old hotel that's been abandoned since the German occupation during World War II. It's a poignant reminder of history perched at the summit.
But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely jaw-dropping. You're staring out at the Cauterets and Luz-Saint-Sauveur valleys with the surrounding peaks stretching out in every direction. It's the kind of panorama that makes the brutal climb totally worth it.
Where is it?
A memorable road trip to Col de Riou in the Pyrenees is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.0543, 1.8263
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,949 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.0543, 1.8263
Related Roads in europe
extremePizzo Groppera
🇮🇹 Italy
# Pizzo Groppera: A Alpine Adventure in Lombardy Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Head to Pizzo Groppera, where you'll find yourself at a jaw-dropping 2,242 meters (7,355 feet) above sea level in the Italian Alps. This peak sits pretty in the Province of Sondrio, smack in the heart of Lombardy's stunning Alpi del Platta range. Here's the real deal: the road up to the summit is no Sunday drive. We're talking gravel, rocky terrain that'll test your nerves and your vehicle. The route follows an old chairlift access trail with seriously steep slopes scattered with loose stones – and it only gets gnarlier as you climb higher. You'll definitely need 4WD for this one, and even then, be prepared for a white-knuckle experience. Timing is everything here. Your best window is roughly June through early October when conditions are most favorable, though Mother Nature has the final say. The altitude alone keeps things interesting, and if the elevation doesn't get your adrenaline pumping, the relentless high winds certainly will – they're a constant presence year-round. If you're the type who craves epic Alpine scenery mixed with a genuine sense of accomplishment (and conquest), Pizzo Groppera delivers. Just make sure your vehicle is up to the challenge and your nerves are even steadier.
moderateCV-827: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇪🇸 Spain
CV-827 is the name of a pleasant ride located in the comarca of Vinalopó Mitjà, in the province of Alicante of the autonomous community of Valencia, Spain. Tucked away in the Sierra del Maigmó mountain range, the CV-827 road is totally paved. It’s a spectacular drive recommended for cyclists, motorcycles and cars. The road is 10.3 km (6.40 miles) long, running south-north from Agost to Urbanització Bon Aire, on A7 road, near Vía verde del Maigmó (Norte). The road has steep ascents and descents, hitting a 13% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Starting at Agost, the elevation gain is 316 meters. The average gradient is 3.06%. The drive features stunning scenery as it winds its way through interesting geology, pine forest, as good as many alpine routes. Road suggested by: Mike and Carol New What Is the Curious Phenomenon Happening on a Road in Malaga That Leaves Experts Astonished? Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardLago di Rochemolles
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago di Rochemolles: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Piedmont's stunning Susa Valley, Lago di Rochemolles sits at a breathtaking 1,982 meters (6,502 feet) above sea level. But getting there? That's half the fun. This isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is a gravel and rocky adventure that'll test your driving skills with its narrow, bumpy stretches and genuinely steep sections. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, you might want to skip this one—seriously. The winding path demands respect and, ideally, a capable 4x4 tucked beneath you. Winter? Forget about it. This route becomes basically impassable when snow and ice move in, so save this adventure for warmer months. And if heights make you queasy, the exposed sections might have you gripping the wheel a little tighter than usual. Here's the plot twist though: much of the gravel road is actually surprisingly well-maintained and relatively flat for a mountain route. The real challenge comes when wet conditions turn it into a muddy obstacle course—that's when you'll really appreciate having all-wheel drive. Bottom line? This is prime territory for experienced off-road drivers who crave that adrenaline rush and want bragging rights to a genuinely epic mountain crossing. Come prepared, come confident, and come ready for an unforgettable ride.
moderateGet behind the wheels for North Cape Tunnel, a subsea road tunnel
🇳🇴 Norway
# The North Cape Tunnel: Norway's Arctic Gateway Ready for something truly unique? Head to the remote reaches of Troms og Finnmark in northern Norway to experience the North Cape Tunnel—a wild subsea adventure that'll take your breath away. This isn't your average drive. The tunnel burrows 6.8km (4.27 miles) beneath the Magerøysundet strait, plunging a mind-boggling 212 meters (696 feet) below sea level. It's one of the most northernmost subsea tunnels in the country, connecting the rugged island of Magerøya to mainland Norway and serving as the gateway to Nordkapp (North Cape)—literally the northernmost point of Europe. The full route stretches 129km (80 miles) along the world's northernmost highway, running south-north from Olderfjord all the way to North Cape. Fair warning: you'll tackle some serious gradients of up to 10% on your way, so take it slow and steady. Built between 1993 and 1999, this tunnel comes with some quirky features that make it feel like driving into another world. Automated doors guard both tunnel entrances, slamming shut when temperatures drop too low—because yeah, it gets *cold* up here. And here's the thing: fog can roll in at the lowest point, so keep your headlights on and your eyes peeled. It's an epic final stretch to one of Earth's most extreme destinations.