Marinelli Refuge
Italy, europe
2 km
2,169 m
hard
Year-round
Rifugio Marinelli (aka Forcella Morareto) is a high mountain refuge sitting pretty at 2,169m (7,116ft) in the stunning Carnic Alps of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy.
Here's what you're getting into: Starting from Collina, you'll cruise the first 2km on smooth asphalt up to Rifugio Tolazzi. After that, it's all dirt track—nothing fancy, but totally doable when conditions cooperate. Think gravel, think steep, think narrow. Really narrow. And yeah, landslides are a thing here, so timing matters.
This is classic old military road terrain: seriously steep with an average grade of 10.4%, though some sections punch it up to 17%. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely worth it for the views and the challenge. Fair warning though—Mother Nature basically shuts this route down from October through June, depending on the weather gods. Come summer? That's your golden ticket to this incredible alpine experience.
Where is it?
Marinelli Refuge is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.3880, 12.3617
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,169 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.3880, 12.3617
Related Roads in europe
hardButtertubs Pass is England’s only truly spectacular road
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Yorkshire Dales in northern England, and you stumble upon Buttertubs Pass. Jeremy Clarkson called it "England's only truly spectacular road," so you know it's going to be good. This baby's located within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The name comes from these crazy cool, 65-foot-deep limestone potholes near the top. Legend has it that farmers used them as natural fridges for their butter on market days! The road itself is called Cliff Gate Road (B6270) and it's totally paved. It winds for about 5.5 miles (8.85km) between Hawes and Thwaite. Traffic is usually pretty light, which is a bonus. Heads up, though: this road isn't for the faint of heart! You've got a serious 400-foot drop on one side, super tight bends, and some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 20%! And it can get slick when it's wet. Plus, the wind at the top can be wild, so hold onto your hats! But trust me, it's worth it. The views are absolutely breathtaking. This drive has it all: steep climbs, fast descents, challenging corners, and scenery that'll make your jaw drop. It's no wonder it's been featured on the Tour de France, Clarkson's Car Years, Top Gear, and Wheeler Dealers! Seriously, if you're looking for an epic drive in the UK, Buttertubs Pass needs to be on your list.
moderateWhere is Col de Rousset?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Col de Rousset is like stepping into a postcard from Provence, only you’re in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region within the Vercors Regional Natural Park! This beauty sits in the Drôme department of France, high above sea level. The real story here? The epic tunnel, carved out between 1861 and 1866, connecting Die and Vercors. You'll be rolling along the D518, usually in tip-top shape with clear markings. Expect switchbacks, they're part of the fun, but nothing too crazy with gradients peaking around 7-8%. You'll share the road with cyclists aplenty. This 28.5 km (17.70 miles) ride, runs north-south, starting from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors where the Tour de France frequently ascends. The climb from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors gains 464 meters, with an average of 3.3% to the summit. From La Chapelle-en-Vercors the climb adds 530 meters, averaging 4.7% gradient. Once you hit the curves, get ready for views! Expect an explosion of colours and landscapes as you wind your way up. The summit? Pure magic. Panoramic vistas over the Diois valley and the foothills of Drôme await. And don't miss the chance to cross the ridge into the ski resort where more turns lead you down to the hamlet of Les Roussets. Whether you're on two wheels or four, this is a must-do!
hardWhere is Scarfiotti Refuge located?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're in the Italian Alps, near the French border, ready for an epic adventure. You're headed to Rifugio Scarfiotti, a killer mountain refuge sitting pretty high up. We're talking a stone refuge built in 1923, nestled in a gorgeous glacial valley at the end of the Susa Valley. Think massive limestone cliffs and waterfalls — seriously, it's postcard-perfect. The journey starts from Bardonecchia, about 13.5 km away. It kicks off on paved roads, but things get real once you hit Rochemolles. Boom — gravel track! It's usually in good shape, but expect some dust in summer and mud after rain. Now, the fun part: Get ready for 13 seriously sharp hairpin turns that wind their way up the valley wall. It's a steady climb. You'll want a high-clearance vehicle for sure. 4WD isn't a must for the refuge itself in dry conditions, but trust me, you'll be happy to have it if you're planning on tackling the road past the refuge. The road is long, but oh-so-worth it, and you definitely need to pay attention to your engine. Be prepared for some steep sections near those hairpins. Rifugio Scarfiotti is also the gateway to Colle del Sommeiller, one of the highest driveable spots in Europe. Just past the refuge, there's a toll booth (€8-ish). Heads up: In July and August, the road's often closed to cars.
hardAñisclo Canyon is a Spanish balcony road
🇪🇸 Spain
# Cañon del Añisclo: Spain's Most Jaw-Dropping Canyon Drive Ready for one of Spain's most breathtaking road trips? Head to Huesca in Aragon's Sobrarbe region, nestled within the country's oldest national park—Ordesa y Monte Perdido. This is where things get seriously scenic. The HU-631 stretches 34.3km (21.31 miles) from Escalona to Puértolas, carved right through the dramatic Cañon del Añisclo by the Bellos River. You'll wind through the Valle de Añisclo, los Sestrales, and Desfiladero de las Cambras, cresting at 1,360m (4,461ft). Fair warning: the canyon walls tower so high above you that vertigo might just kick in—it's that stunning. Here's the catch: this road demands respect. It's paved but in rough shape, especially after rain when it becomes slippery as hell. Sections are razor-narrow, and you'll navigate unlit tunnels that add to the adventure. Plus, during certain times of year, it's one-way only. The geology here is unstable too, so barriers can pop up unexpectedly to close the road for safety reasons. **Pro tips before you go:** Low-clearance vehicles (sports cars, choppers) should think twice. There are zero fuel stations, spotty cell service, and no repair shops for miles. About 2km from Escalona, you'll spot an alternative route that bypasses the gorges—but seriously, don't take it. The main canyon is where the magic happens. If you're a rider who loves discovery over speed, this is your road. The whole region is gold for hiking, canyoning, rafting, and summer swims.