Colle della Cavallina: a narrow paved road to the summit
Italy, europe
13.9 km
1,934 m
hard
Year-round
# Colle della Cavallina
Ready for a serious Alpine challenge? Head to the Province of Cuneo in Piedmont, Italy, where Colle della Cavallina awaits at a breathtaking 1,934 meters (6,345 feet).
The approach via Strada Provinziale 335 is asphalt all the way, but don't let that fool you—this is no leisurely Sunday drive. The road is narrow enough that two cars passing each other is basically a no-go situation, and the gradients regularly hit 15%, making your engine work hard for those 13.9 kilometers climbed from the starting point at Stroppo on the SP422.
Fair warning: this pass is frequently closed, so check conditions before heading up. But if you catch it open, you're in for an incredible alpine experience with some seriously curvy paved roads and stunning scenery that'll make every hairpin turn worth it. The nearby Lago di Morasco and Colletto di Canosio offer equally memorable drives if you're looking to explore the area further.
This one's definitely for drivers who love a good mountain road adventure—just bring patience, respect for the conditions, and maybe some good brakes.
Where is it?
Colle della Cavallina: a narrow paved road to the summit is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.0312, 13.0571
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,934 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 43.0312, 13.0571
Related Roads in europe
hardCollado Ordes
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving a wild ride in northern Spain, Collado Ordes in the Picos de Europa is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking a seriously steep climb up to 1,147 meters! Starting near Ceneya, the road throws you straight into a 4.8 km ascent with a crazy average gradient of 14.64%. And hold on tight, because you'll be navigating 31 hairpin turns as you gain 703 meters in elevation. Parts of this road are unpaved, with some concrete sections thrown in to help with traction on the really steep bits. Expect stunning views of the Sierra de Amieva range, but keep your eyes on the road — this is one thrilling ride!
moderateCan you drive up Puy de Dome?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Puy de Dôme, a massive, dome-shaped volcano rising up like a boss in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. This bad boy clocks in at 1,450 meters (that's 4,757 feet!), and it's a legendary Tour de France climb. So, can you actually *drive* up this beast? Well, here's the scoop: the road, *Route du Puy de Dôme*, is paved and looks super inviting, winding around the volcano. But hold your horses! It's mostly off-limits to private cars these days. Only military, service, and emergency vehicles get the green light. They built a tourist train called the Panoramique des Dômes back in 2010, which effectively shut down access for individual cyclists too. Unless, that is, you're one of the lucky 300 in the annual La Montée de Puy de Dôme race! The climb itself? It's about 6.2 kilometers (or 3.85 miles) of pure, unadulterated fun... or maybe suffering, depending on your fitness level. Starting at La Font de l'Arbre, west of Clermont-Ferrand, the road snakes its way up, and let me tell you, it's steep! We're talking an elevation gain of 633 meters, an average gradient of 10.20%, and sections that hit a whopping 16%. Ouch! But is it worth it? Absolutely! Puy de Dôme is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting nearly half a million visitors every year. The views from the top are insane – you can see the entire Chaîne des Puys and Clermont-Ferrand spread out below. Plus, there are restaurants, shops, a visitor center, the Temple of Mercury, and the Clermont Observatory of Terrestrial Physics up there. Whether you're a hardcore cyclist, a casual tourist, or just looking for a breathtaking experience, Puy de Dôme is a must-see!
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Punta Bagna in the Savoie
🇫🇷 France
# Punta Bagna: Alpine Adventure in the French Alps Ready for a wild mountain drive? Head to Punta Bagna, a stunning 2,730m (8,956ft) peak sitting pretty in France's Savoie department, just near the legendary Fréjus Pass in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a rough-and-tumble 9km (5.59 miles) adventure starting from Le Seuil that'll test your nerve and your vehicle's suspension. The entire route is unpaved, serving as a service road for the chairlift, so expect some seriously narrow passages and heart-pounding steep sections that hit gradients up to 20%. It's gnarly stuff, but that's part of the charm. The reward? A summit hangout with a charming little bar and chairlift at the top station of the Fréjus cableway. You've earned that drink. Nestled high in the Cottian Alps, this road ranks among France's highest, but here's the catch—it's only passable from roughly July through October. Come winter, snow and weather conditions lock the gates shut, so plan your visit accordingly. Time it right, and you'll experience one of the most exhilarating alpine drives around.
hardWhere is Verçenik Yaylası?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: Verçenik Yaylası, a seriously high-up plateau clinging to the eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey, right on the border of Rize and Erzurum. Getting here? It's an adventure, to say the least. We're talking a completely unpaved road that hugs the riverbank – super rocky and rough. Seriously, you NEED a 4x4 with good clearance. The climb to the top starts near Yaylalar Köyü and it's a hefty 22km to the summit. You'll be gaining a massive 1,582 meters in elevation, so buckle up for a pretty steep average gradient of 7.2%. Some say it’s a tough ride, but totally doable if you take it slow and watch out for those rocks. And here's the thing: the difficulty of getting here is part of the magic. Keep in mind there aren't any shops on the plateau. A handful of locals and workers call this place home, so bring your own food and drinks. While not every car can make it up here, the reward is one of the highest and most breathtaking plateaus you'll ever see. For a similar experience, check out Koycegiz Gecidi in Erzurum!