Driving the road to Picco Pass is not a piece of cake
Italy, europe
20 km
1,870 m
hard
Year-round
# Passo di Picco: Not Your Average Alpine Drive
Perched at a breathtaking 1,870 meters (6,135 feet) in the heart of the central Alps, Passo di Picco is a mountain pass that demands respect. Located in Brescia province in Lombardy, this isn't your typical scenic drive—it's an adventure for experienced drivers only.
The 8.8-kilometer stretch from Doverio winds upward with serious attitude. We're talking grades that hit 20% in places, rough asphalt that's seen better days, and a road so narrow they've capped the speed limit at a cautious 20 km/h. Trucks and semi-trucks are completely banned here, which tells you something about how gnarly it gets. Winter? Forget about it—the pass shuts down entirely.
What makes this route particularly intense is its history as an old military track, which explains the erratic surface and relentless switchbacks. The views are genuinely stunning—those Alps don't disappoint—but you'll need to keep your eyes mostly on the road ahead.
This isn't a route for learning on. Oncoming traffic in tight corners, overtaking scenarios, and the constant steep grades mean you need solid mountain driving skills. Stay alert, drive defensively, and take your time. The pass will reward careful drivers with unforgettable alpine scenery and serious bragging rights.
Where is it?
Driving the road to Picco Pass is not a piece of cake is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.1412, 13.0523
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 20 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,870 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.1412, 13.0523
Related Roads in europe
moderateA sensational road to Jito de Escarandi-Alto de Sotres in Picos de Europa
🇪🇸 Spain
# Jito de Escarandi: A Wild Ride Through Spain's Mountain Magic Ready for one seriously epic mountain pass? Let me introduce you to Jito de Escarandi (also called Alto de Sotres), a 1,308m (4,291ft) beauty sitting right on the border between Asturias and Cantabria in Spain's stunning Picos de Europa National Park. This 11.5 km (7.14 mile) stretch, lovingly nicknamed the 'Carretera de las 3 villas' (3 Villages Road), runs west to east from Sotres to Tresviso, and honestly? It's got some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes you'll find in the entire Picos range. We're talking mountains, rolling hills, and lush meadows that'll make you forget to watch the road—though you definitely should. ## The Real Deal: What You're Getting Into Starting from Sotres on the CA-1, expect a challenging 14.5 km slog with an average gradient of 7.5%. But here's where it gets spicy: the final push to the summit throws some seriously steep sections at you. We're talking 10.8% average grades, with a brutal 2 km stretch that includes a 400m section hitting 21% at its worst, and another 500m stretch hovering around 15%. The asphalt quality is rough and gritty (hello, gravel sections and potholes), so watch your footing. ## Worth the Squeeze Pro tip: this pass stays open year-round, though winter can mean brief closures. Once you reach the summit, prepare to be blown away. Those legendary fog-covered peaks surrounding you? Absolutely worth every meter of that brutal climb. The Vuelta a España featured this beast as a stage finish in 2015—that's how legendary this road is.
hardTake An Unforgettable Drive to Dadaş Geçidi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Dadaş Geçidi is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.357m (7,732ft) above the sea level, located in Erzurum Province in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. The road to the summit is asphalted. It’s called . The pass is located between the cities of Köprüköy and Ketenci. The climb is pretty steep. Subject to winter storms. Driving at night, or in poor visibility, is not recommended for drivers unfamiliar with the road. Olgunlar Yaylası-Hüngamek Road, recommended for drivers with strong nerves 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.
extremeBasera Pass: Driving the historic military border between Italy and France
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Basèra: Where Alpine History Meets Raw Mountain Adventure Climbing to a breath-taking 2,040m (6,692ft), Passo di Basèra sits right on the border between France and Italy, nestled in the heart of the Maritime Alps. This isn't just any mountain pass—it's a slice of Alpine history wrapped in stunning scenery and serious mountain credentials. The pass connects Italy's Piedmont region (Province of Cuneo) with France's Alpes-Maritimes, positioned along a ridge that was absolutely crucial during the early 1900s. As you drive through, you'll spot fascinating remnants of old military fortresses and artillery positions scattered across the landscape—relics from the "Vallo Alpino" and "Ligne Maginot Alpine" defensive systems. On a clear day, the views are absolutely stunning, stretching all the way to the Mediterranean coast. Here's the real deal: this isn't a paved road. It's a preserved military track that's become a favorite for serious off-roaders and hikers. Sure, technically any vehicle can attempt it, but honestly? You'll want a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle. The surface is loose stones and crushed rock that gets genuinely sketchy after rain, the road is narrow, and in places it hugs steep slopes without guardrails. You need nerves of steel and solid driving skills to handle this one safely. The stretch from the famous Passo di Tanarello is only 1.2 km (0.75 miles), but don't let that fool you—it's intense and slow-going thanks to the rocky terrain. The track winds along the ridge, and at this elevation, you're only looking at a narrow window of accessibility: late June through October. Once winter hits, snow and ice make this old military route completely impassable and dangerously treacherous. Come prepared mechanically, because you're in the middle of nowhere if something goes wrong.
hardRoad A229 in England: ghost stories and local legends
🇬🇧 England
Okay, road trippers, buckle up for a spooky ride! The A229 in Kent and Sussex, South East England, is calling all thrill-seekers. This paved road isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about experiencing the supernatural. Local legends whisper that this route is Britain's most haunted road. The main ghost story revolves around Blue Bell Hill, where drivers have reported seeing a woman in a white dress – a ghostly bride, some say – appearing out of nowhere. The tale goes back to 1965, involving a tragic accident. Is it the ghost of Judith Langham, forever searching for her lost wedding day? Since then, countless drivers have shared eerie experiences. Some report a ghostly figure wandering near Blue Bell Hill, materializing in front of cars before vanishing. Then there's the hitchhiker near the pub, ready to share his bizarre world-saving plan before disappearing mid-ride. Strange figures, unexplained phenomena – the A229 has it all!