Driving the wild road to Col de Joux
Italy, europe
N/A
1,930 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col de Joux: A Hidden Alpine Gem
Tucked away in northwestern Italy's Aosta Valley, Col de Joux (also called Col du Mont-Joux) sits pretty at 1,930m (6,332ft) and is absolutely worth the detour. Starting from Fossaz, you'll cruise along mostly paved roads until the final 550m, where you transition onto a well-maintained gravel section that adds a bit of adventure to the climb.
Seriously, bring your camera for this one. As you wind up from Avise, Mont Blanc makes frequent appearances, stealing your breath with its sheer majesty. Keep climbing and the views just get better—you'll find yourself surrounded by the dramatic peaks that cradle the entire Aosta Valley. It's the kind of scenery that makes you pull over just to soak it all in.
When you finally reach the summit, you'll discover a convenient parking lot and a charming small lake that's perfect for a quick stretch and some well-deserved photos. The whole experience feels like a rewarding secret that most travelers completely miss.
Where is it?
Driving the wild road to Col de Joux is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.1112, 12.2951
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,930 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.1112, 12.2951
Related Roads in europe
hardRefugi de la Pleta del Prat
🇪🇸 Spain
Refugi de la Pleta del Prat is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 1.720m (5,643ft) above the sea level, located in the comarca of the Pallars Sobirà in Catalonia, Spain. Located in the Alt Pirineu Natural Park, near the French border, the road to the refuge is asphalted but pretty narrow (especially the last 3km). Its many twists, turns and narrows can pose a challenge to even the most experienced drivers. This route is not recommended if your passengers are prone to car sickness. Expect a road pretty steep. Starting from Tavascan, the ascent is 10.2 km long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 592 meters. The average gradient is 5.80%. South the refuge, a ski-station service road climbs up to 2.198m (7,211ft) above the sea level, to the Tavascan station chairlift. The slope is very steep, consists of loose stones and becomes even steeper and rocky in the upper part. This trail can be done only a very narrow time-frame in the summer (end of August). The wind is usually quite strong at mountain areas. High winds blow here all year long. Pic: Pensat en 360, Barcelona Cerro de Los Murciélagos 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.
moderateFeldberg: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
🇩🇪 Germany
# Feldberg: Germany's Black Forest Gem Ready for a scenic drive to the top of Baden-Württemberg? Feldberg is calling your name! This stunning 1,495m (4,904ft) peak reigns supreme as the highest mountain in the state and Germany's tallest peak outside the Alps and Bavaria. Tucked away in the heart of the Black Forest in southwestern Germany, just north of Feldberg Pass, this summit offers an unforgettable experience. The road itself is a dream—fully paved and taking you on a 7.0 km (4.34 mile) journey straight to the top, where communication and weather station towers mark the peak. Here's the catch: winter driving is completely off the table. The road becomes impassable when snow and ice move in, and it's closed to private vehicles during those months. But when conditions are right, this paved route delivers an incredible alpine experience with breathtaking Black Forest scenery surrounding you at every turn. Perfect for those golden months when the weather cooperates!
hardTunnel de Peter Both
🇫🇷 France
Alright thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're ever cruising around Réunion Island (that little gem east of Madagascar), and you fancy a real adventure, you NEED to check out the Tunnel de Peter Both. Carved way back in 1960, this tunnel punches a 166-meter hole through the mountains on the Route Nationale nº5, connecting Saint-Louis and Cilaos. Now, here's the kicker: it's NARROW. Think "cozy" rather than "spacious." Seriously, two cars at once? Forget about it! And with a height of only 3 meters, watch those oversized vehicles! The road surface is paved, so that's a plus. But the real draw is the sheer audacity of the thing, and the killer views you get on either side. Just be prepared for a tight squeeze and maybe a little heart-pumping action. Trust me, it's worth it for the bragging rights!
hardWhere is Glaubenbielen Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to experience Glaubenbielen Pass. This high-altitude stunner sits pretty at 5,298 feet in central Switzerland, near Giswil and Flühli. Locals also call it Schwendi-Käppeli Pass. Picture this: a winding road, carved by the Swiss army and completed just after WWII. It’s paved, thankfully, but don't get too comfy. This baby's narrow and steep – we're talking up to 18% grades as you hug the northern slope of the Fürstein! Be prepared to share the road, because you might find yourself stuck behind a tractor. Clocking in at 18.20 miles, the pass connects Giswil (in Canton Obwalden) and Flühli (in the Lucerne district of Entlebuch). Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The panoramic views of the Alps are insane. Heading towards Giswil, you'll be floored by the views of Lake Sarnen. Cruise toward Flühli, and the majestic Pilatus massif will steal your heart. Oh, and did I mention it's been featured in the Tour de Suisse? Feeling ambitious? From Giswil, it's a 7.2 km climb, gaining 530 meters at an average of 7.3%. From Flühli, brace yourself for an 8.3 km haul, ascending 520 meters at a 6.3% average. Trust me, the views are worth the burn!