Road trip guide: Conquering Cima Palon

Road trip guide: Conquering Cima Palon

Italy, europe

Length

1.98 km

Elevation

2,067 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure awaits in Italy's Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region! Let's talk about Cima Palon, a lofty peak sitting pretty at 2,067 meters (that's 6,781 feet for you). Nestled in the pre-Alps' Pasubio range, getting to the very top is an experience.

The road is actually a chairlift service road, so leave your car behind, as it's unpaved and off-limits to personal vehicles. Once you arrive at the peak, you'll discover communication towers, a bar, and a fascinating peek into history. Cima Palon was once an Italian WWI station, and the old trench systems and shell craters are still visible!

Keep in mind that from late October to May, this route is completely snowed in. The road is a steep climb starting from a parking lot on the Strada Provinciale 85 (SP85). It's just under 2 kilometers (1.23 miles) but packs in a hefty 417 meters of elevation gain. We're talking an average grade of over 21%! Get ready for incredible views overlooking the city of Trento, too.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
1.98 km
Max Elevation
2,067 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Where is Coventry Ring Road?moderate

Where is Coventry Ring Road?

🇬🇧 England

Cruising Coventry's Ring Road is a trip! This 2.25-mile (3.6 km) loop hugs the city centre super tight, with nine junctions to keep you on your toes. Locals call it the "Concrete Collar," and you'll see why—it's a ring of elevated flyovers and underpasses that definitely sets the inner city apart. So, where is this beast? Right in the heart of Coventry, West Midlands, England. It’s like a high-speed hug around the city centre, linking all the main roads. They built it after World War II, dreaming of handling tons of traffic with some seriously futuristic design. "Concrete Collar" is right, though. The whole thing can be a head-scratcher, with shared entry/exit ramps that'll have you double-checking your mirrors. Imagine a real-life Scalextric track! The continuous concrete and rollercoaster-like dips can feel isolating. Some say it’s an architectural marvel, while others think it’s a bit of a barrier to the city's flow. Clocking in at just over two miles, the road whips around the centre, keeping traffic moving... once you've figured it out. It's been around since '74, sporting grade-separated lanes, flyovers, and underpasses galore. If you're up for a unique driving adventure, Coventry's Ring Road delivers. Its weird layout, constant curves, shared ramps, and concrete jungle vibes will stick with you. They're always talking about shrinking it down, making it easier for walkers and bikers, or even turning bits into a park in the sky. This road's a talking point, and it shows how Coventry keeps evolving!

Why is the Road A229 famous?hard

Why is the Road A229 famous?

🇬🇧 England

Ever heard of the A229, snaking its way through Kent and Sussex in South East England? Forget your typical scenic route – this paved road is famous for a completely different reason: ghosts! Locals whisper spine-chilling tales, especially around the Blue Bell Hill stretch. The most common story? A woman in white, with captivating eyes, appears and then vanishes into thin air. Legend says it's the ghost of Judith Langham, a bride tragically killed on her wedding day in 1965. Since then, drivers have reported her ghostly figure wandering near Blue Bell Hill, often stepping out in front of vehicles only to disappear in the blink of an eye. There are even stories of a hitchhiker who gets in your car to complain, only to vanish mid-journey. So, if you're brave enough, take a drive. Just keep an eye out for any unexpected apparitions – you might just meet the bride of death!

Unveiling Iceland's Wild Side: Top 9 Thrilling Tours Along Its Most Dangerous Roadsextreme

Unveiling Iceland's Wild Side: Top 9 Thrilling Tours Along Its Most Dangerous Roads

🇮🇸 Iceland

The Golden Circle, but make it *extreme*! We're talking ditching the tour buses for a 4x4 and venturing way off the beaten path. Think secret geysers that'll blow your mind, hidden waterfalls you won't find on any map, and landscapes so untouched they'll make you feel like you're the first human to ever see them. And the best part? You get to crash in Reykjavik at the end of the day! Comfort meets adventure – Icelandic style. Thorsmork Valley, AKA Thor's Valley, is calling all adventure junkies. This isn't your typical scenic drive; it's a full-blown odyssey into Iceland's rugged heart. Lush valleys meet towering mountains, all guarded by glacial rivers you'll actually have to *cross*. Forget paved roads – we're talking rough, raw, and real. The views are insane, though, totally worth the white-knuckle drive! Landmannalaugar – get ready for another world! Imagine mountains painted with a rainbow of colors, steaming hot springs that practically scream "relax here," and fields of lava that look like they belong on Mars. Getting there is half the fun, a true off-road adventure with river crossings and bumpy gravel tracks. But trust me, soaking in those hot springs surrounded by those crazy landscapes is an experience you won't forget. Fjallabak Nature Reserve is a hidden gem for those who crave the wild. Forget the crowds – here, it's just you and some seriously stunning scenery. Think steep mountains, lava fields begging to be explored, and rivers that look like they've never been touched by humans. This place is all about solitude and connecting with nature in its purest form. Get ready to unplug and immerse yourself in Iceland's untamed beauty. The Snaefellsnes Peninsula is like Iceland in miniature, and it's begging to be explored. Forget the well-trodden paths and take the roads less traveled! You'll pass the iconic Snaefellsjokull glacier and dramatic cliffs, plus charming fishing villages, black sand beaches, and lava fields. It is perfect for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. The Westfjords: if "remote and rugged" is your jam, you need to get here. Picture this: narrow roads clinging to the edge of cliffs, views that'll take your breath away (if the drive doesn't first!), and villages that feel like they're stuck in time. The Westfjords are not for the faint of heart, but for those who dare, the reward is an unforgettable experience in one of Iceland's most pristine and dramatic regions. Askja Caldera and the Dyngjufjoll Mountains are where things get seriously otherworldly. We're talking lunar landscapes, massive volcanic craters, and a feeling like you're on another planet. Getting there is a challenge – the roads are rough, the terrain is unforgiving, but the reward is standing on the edge of one of Iceland's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Prepare to be amazed. The Reykjanes Peninsula is basically a live geology lesson. Here, the Earth's raw power is on full display – steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and lava fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. This place is unlike anything you've ever seen, from the famous Blue Lagoon to the hidden geothermal spots. It's a reminder of the wild, untamed forces that shape our planet. Last but not least, the Kjolur Highland Route: an ancient trail snaking between glaciers? Yes, please! Forget the crowds and embrace the solitude on this remote road. You'll find vast lava fields, relaxing hot springs and the surreal beauty of Hveravellir, a geothermal oasis perfect for a wild swim. The Kjolur Route isn't just a drive; it's a soul-stirring adventure that will leave you breathless.

Road trip guide: Conquering Col du Vallonhard

Road trip guide: Conquering Col du Vallon

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Col du Vallon is calling your name. Nestled high in the French Alps, this mountain pass punches in at a whopping 2,456 meters (that's over 8,000 feet!). You'll find it hanging out in the Hautes-Alpes department. Now, fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking a completely unpaved, bumpy ride. Think patched-up spots and a real need for a 4x4. Expect steep climbs, hairpin turns galore, and sections that are, shall we say, "well-worn." Oh, and winter? Forget about it. This route is buried under snow until late June, maybe even July some years. Mostly it’s used to access the ski lifts and lodges. It can get pretty breezy up there, too. The road gets seriously steep, hitting gradients of 10.5% in places. Starting near the village of Vars, the trail stretches for almost 14 kilometers (about 8.6 miles) as it winds its way to the top. And the payoff? Unbelievable views! We're talking panoramic vistas of the Queyras, the Embrunais, and the majestic Pelvoux Massif. So, if you're ready for a rugged, off-the-beaten-path adventure, Col du Vallon is waiting!