The epic unpaved road to Col dei Rossi in the Dolomites
Italy, europe
1.1 km
2,371 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Dolomites, surrounded by some of the most epic mountain scenery on the planet. You're headed to Col dei Rossi (or Col di Rosc, if you prefer), a killer peak sitting pretty at 2,371 meters (that's 7,778 feet!).
Now, heads up, the road to the top is a bit of an adventure – it's a 1.1km (0.68 mile) unpaved stretch that kicks off from Rifugio Fredarola. Most cars can handle it when it's dry, but keep in mind this road is usually snowed in from late October until June.
But trust me, the views are SO worth it! You get this insane, up-close-and-personal perspective of the Marmolada, complete with its impressive glacier. Just remember to take it slow and enjoy the ride – getting to Punta Bianca requires some skill!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,371 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Pasul Trei Movile?
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Let's talk about Pasul Trei Movile, a seriously cool mountain pass tucked away in Suceava County, Romania. You'll find it nestled in the historic region of Moldavia, up in the northeast. Oh, and heads up: there's a rad monument marking the top of the hill. Reaching an elevation of [insert elevation] above sea level, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road to the top, known as [insert road name], is paved but seriously steep. Think hairpin turns galore! The surface can be a bit rough in spots. The whole experience clocks in at [insert length], taking you on a south-north adventure from Câmpulung Moldovenesc up toward Ursoaia Pass. Trust me, the views are worth the white knuckles.
hardAn old military road to Dordona Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Dordona: Alpine Adventure Awaits Ready for a proper mountain adventure? Head to the Province of Bergamo in Lombardy, Italy, where Passo di Dordona sits pretty at 2,074m (6,804ft) above sea level. This high-altitude pass is your gateway between the stunning upper Val Brembana and Val Madre valleys. Fair warning: this isn't your typical paved highway. The 21.5 km (13.35 miles) route—officially called Strada del Passo Dordona and Strada della Val Madre—runs entirely on unpaved terrain from Foppolo to Fusine, so you'll definitely need a sturdy 4x4 vehicle. Since the road only opened to traffic in 2003, it's still pretty raw and rugged. Watch out for loose gravel, especially on the steeper sections that can reach gradients of up to 13%. The narrow track demands respect and careful driving. What you'll get in return? Absolutely breathtaking high alpine scenery that'll make the bumpy ride worth every second. Stop by Rifugio Dordona near the summit for refreshments, or explore the fascinating WWI military structures dotted along the route. The cherry on top? A tunnel carved right into the rock at the pass itself, which leads to an observatory with panoramic views across Val Madre that'll take your breath away. Just remember: winter and heavy rain make this pass completely impassable, so plan accordingly. A small 3-euro license gets you access to this hidden gem. Ready to tackle it?
moderateAn Unforgettable Drive to Lac d’Emosson in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Lac d'Emosson: A High-Alpine Hidden Gem Nestled in the Swiss Alps near the French border, Lac d'Emosson sits pretty at 1,970m (6,463ft) elevation in the canton of Valais. This stunning high-mountain reservoir is a seriously underrated driving destination. The paved road to the lake stretches just 6.2 km (3.85 miles) from the village of Finhaut, climbing a respectable 576 meters with an average gradient of 9.29%. Sure, you'll hit some steep pitches up to 16%, and the switchbacks near the top will keep you engaged, but here's the thing—the road is blissfully quiet. Traffic is minimal, which means you can actually enjoy the unbelievable views of Mont Blanc as you wind your way up. Built back in 1925, this road has serious character. As you climb, you'll notice the scenery getting progressively more spectacular. The road typically opens from late May through October or early November, depending on snow conditions. Once you reach the top, you'll find a charming restaurant, a little chapel (Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-neiges de La Gueulaz), and a parking area. If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue on foot to Lac du Vieux Emosson, an even higher dam at 2,205m, built in 1955. Pro tip: If you'd rather skip the driving entirely, check out the Barberine Railway—a jaw-dropping funicular built in 1920 with an 87% gradient. It's literally the world's steepest two-carriage funicular. The road to Emosson even hosted a Tour de France mountain finish, which tells you everything you need to know about its credentials.
easyHow Long is P79 Road?
🌍 Latvia
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Vidzeme region of northeastern Latvia, right? You're on the P79, a little gem stretching about 38 kilometers (or 23.6 miles for my fellow Americans) from the sweet little town of Ērgļi – nestled on the Ogre river – all the way up to Koknese, a seriously historic spot on the Daugava River. Now, heads up, this isn't your typical smooth highway. It's paved near the towns, but a good chunk of it is unpaved, adding a bit of off-the-beaten-path charm. Word on the street is it’s pretty vital for the local Koknese businesses. Also, be warned that after a good downpour, things can get a little dicey! So, drive carefully and enjoy the scenery.