A military road to Colle della Vecchia
Italy, europe
N/A
2,605 m
extreme
Year-round
# Colle della Vecchia: Where Mountain Dreams Meet Gravel Reality
Perched at a breathtaking 2,605 meters (8,546 feet) above sea level in Turin Province, Piedmont, Colle della Vecchia ranks among Italy's most impressive mountain passes. This isn't your typical Alpine route—it's a raw, unfiltered adventure that'll test both your nerves and your vehicle.
The path to the top follows an old military road called Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia, originally carved out back in the 1880s. Here's the thing: it's closed to motor traffic, which tells you something about what you're getting into. We're talking loose gravel, relentless gradients averaging a gnarly 10.83%, and scenery that's equal parts stunning and soul-crushing depending on your perspective.
Winter? Forget about it. This road becomes completely impassable once the snow arrives. Even the Italian government threw in the towel after World War II, officially labeling it "un-useful and difficult to maintain" before essentially abandoning the whole thing. But for hardcore adventurers and mountain enthusiasts, that's exactly what makes it legendary.
If you're craving more alpine thrills, nearby routes like the Carzano to Peschiera Maraglio stretch and the Pampeago Pass offer their own heart-pounding charm. Just remember: bring your courage, check the weather, and respect what this mountain demands.
Where is it?
A military road to Colle della Vecchia is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.9292, 10.4966
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,605 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.9292, 10.4966
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Çukuryurt Geçidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: you're in West Anatolia, Turkey, ready for an adventure. You're headed to Çukuryurt Geçidi, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,931m (6,335ft) high in Konya Province. The road? It's called Taşkent Yolu, and it's paved, but let's be real, Mother Nature has had her way with it. Expect some rough patches and loose gravel to keep things interesting. This 12.7 km (7.89 miles) stretch runs between Çamiçi and Kizilçayiryaylalari and is not for the faint of heart. We're talking narrow sections, seriously steep climbs (up to 11%!), and those "don't look down" drop-offs. But hey, with great risk comes great reward, right? The views are absolutely killer! The pass is usually open year-round, but winter can throw a wrench in things with unpredictable weather. So, keep an eye on the forecast, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for some incredible scenery!
moderateDriving the challenging paved TF-24 Road on Canary Islands
🇪🇸 Spain
# TF-24 Road: Tenerife's Sky-High Adventure Ready for one of Tenerife's most thrilling drives? The TF-24, aka Carretera de la Esperanza, is calling your name. This fully paved beauty stretches 42.7 km (26.53 miles) from San Cristóbal de La Laguna in northern Tenerife down to the legendary TF-21 road, and it's seriously one of Spain's highest routes. What makes it so special? The road climbs to Corral del Niño, a jaw-dropping natural viewpoint sitting at 2,305m (7,562ft) above sea level. The ascent is surprisingly smooth—mostly gentle grades without too many hairpin-inducing stomach-droppers—though those curves, hairpins, and elevation changes do keep your average speed around 60km/h. Perfect for soaking in every moment. Winding through Teide National Park, this drive genuinely feels otherworldly. You'll literally rise above the clouds, and the scenery is absolutely stunning. There are plenty of pullouts scattered along the route where you can park, stretch your legs, and just... breathe in the views. It's one of those drives that reminds you why you got behind the wheel in the first place.
moderateWhere is Cime de la Bonette?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're craving an epic alpine adventure? Let me tell you about Cime de la Bonette in the French Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region! This road isn't just high, it's *highest* – topping out at a breathtaking 2,806 meters (9,206 feet). Nestled in the southeastern corner of France, practically hugging the Italian border between the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments, you'll find this gem snaking through the stunning Mercantour National Park. Imagine this: a road that started as a humble mule track back in 1832, evolving into the fully paved C1 we know today. But is it worth the drive? Absolutely! This route has even hosted the Tour de France, boasting the record for the highest point the race has ever conquered. Be warned, though, this climb is no joke – get ready for a leg-burning 15% gradient stretch. Once you conquer the road, park at the small lot at the top and take a short stroll to a memorial stone and a mind-blowing panoramic view of the national park. Just keep in mind, this alpine playground is usually snowed in from late October to June, so plan your trip accordingly!
moderateAn epic road to Colle delle Finestre in the Italian Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle delle Finestre: A Classic Alpine Adventure Ready to tackle one of the Alps' most legendary climbs? Welcome to Colle delle Finestre, a stunning 2,203-meter (7,227ft) mountain pass nestled in Piemonte's Cottian Alps. This beauty connects the Susa Valley and Val Chisone in northern Italy, and trust us—it's worth every kilometer. The road, officially called Strada Provinciale 172, is a thrilling 34.3 km (21.31 miles) journey that'll test your driving skills with 45 seriously wicked hairpin turns. Most of it's paved, but heads up: the final 7.9 km (4.9 miles) from Susa turns to gravel. That's actually the historic military section, built around 1700 to access the fortress network in the area, including the impressive Forte di Fenestrelle. The climb is no joke. Choose your route: from Depot, it's a 16 km ascent gaining 1,125 meters (average 7% gradient), or tackle the gnarlier 18.62 km push from Susa with 1,694 meters of elevation gain (9.1% average). That maximum 16.5% gradient? Yeah, it's steep. But here's the thing—it's the relentless distance and consistent incline that makes this a true Alpine challenge, not just the gravel section. This pass has serious cycling pedigree, having featured in the Giro d'Italia. The views of the surrounding mountain ranges are absolutely magnificent, making it a favorite for both cyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts. Fair warning though: summer traffic can take a toll on the road conditions. Plan your visit between June and October when the pass is typically open. Get ready for an unforgettable Alpine experience.