The wild road to Colle di Perla
Italy, europe
N/A
2,215 m
moderate
Year-round
# Colle di Perla
Nestled in the heart of the Cottian Alps, Colle di Perla sits pretty at 2,215 meters (7,267 feet) above sea level, straddling the France-Italy border. This gravel and rocky mountain pass has some serious history—it was originally carved out for military purposes back during World War II, and you can still feel that no-nonsense engineering as you drive it today.
Fair warning: the road itself is rough and bumpy, so don't expect smooth sailing. Mother Nature also has her say here—the pass is completely closed from November through March, so plan accordingly if you're thinking of tackling this one.
If you're up for a genuine alpine adventure with spectacular mountain views and a road that tells a story, Colle di Perla delivers the goods.
Where is it?
The wild road to Colle di Perla is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.3977, 12.5768
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,215 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.3977, 12.5768
Related Roads in europe
moderateRoad DJ704I
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, picture this: you're in Romania, Argeș County, ready for an adventure. Forget the main highways and dive onto the DJ704I, a 21.4 km ribbon of road hugging the shore of Lake Vidraru. You'll be cruising in the shadow of the epic Făgăraș Mountains, mostly on gravel, which adds a touch of ruggedness. Some call it DN7d, but locals know it's the quieter path along the lake's right bank. Honestly, bikers adore this route – it's made for them! You kick things off by driving through a tunnel near the Vidraru Dam. The lake itself is an artificial beauty created in '65 on the Argeș River, sitting pretty at 830m. A village sleeps beneath its surface. Keep your eyes peeled for small boats gliding across the water and, if you're feeling truly daring, there's even a bungee jump spot at the dam itself!
extremeWhere is Route de Gros?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're in the Hautes-Alpes of France, ready for a wild ride. We're talking about the Route de Gros, or D37L, a "balcony road" clinging to the cliffs inside the Parc Naturel Régional du Queyras. This baby starts near Eygliers and snakes its way up, all 5.5 km (3.4 miles) of it, to a jaw-dropping elevation. Think steep inclines and hairpin turns that’ll test your driving skills! The road's paved, but keep your eyes peeled for loose gravel and rocks – Mother Nature likes to keep things interesting. What makes this road so special? It’s carved into the side of the mountain, seriously narrow in spots, barely enough room for one car. But don't worry, there's usually not much traffic heading to that tiny hamlet up top. And the views? Unreal! You’ll be gazing down at the Guil and Durance rivers joining forces, with a panoramic backdrop of the Ecrins Massif, the town of Guillestre, and that incredible UNESCO-listed Fort Mont-Dauphin. Seriously, Instagram gold! Heads up, though – this road is usually snowed in during winter. Aim for late spring to early fall to avoid icy surprises. And speaking of surprises, the main challenge here is the sheer drop-off, with little to no guardrails. Plus, rockfalls can happen, especially after rain. Honk before those super-narrow sections to let others know you're coming. You'll need solid brakes and a calm head for this one! But trust me, the Route de Gros is worth it. That little hamlet at the end, with its chapel and hostel, feels like stepping back in time. Plus, the views alone are worth the white knuckles. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
hardThe road to Wrynose Pass in Cumbria is for confident drivers only
🇬🇧 England
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Wrynose Pass in England's stunning Lake District National Park! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking serious gradients, like, up to 1 in 4! Picture this: you're carving your way between the Duddon Valley and Little Langdale, hitting the Three Shire Stone at the top – that's where Cumberland, Lancashire, and Westmorland used to meet. The name "Wrynose" apparently means "pass of the stallion," because only a super strong horse could handle these hills back in the day. This rollercoaster of a road stretches for almost 4 miles (6.27km) from Cockley Beck to Little Langdale. Huge props to the Romans, because much of it follows their old road! It's beautiful, but it demands respect. Tight hairpin bends, and narrow single-track sections hemmed in by stone walls mean you'll be holding your breath as you navigate. Be prepared to yield to uphill traffic on those 30% slopes! Thankfully, there are pull-in spots to make things a little less stressful. Heavy vehicles, you might want to skip this one. Word to the wise: winter is a no-go. This pass gets buried in snow and becomes impassable. Aim for April to October to catch the best weather and views. Oh, and did I mention it was in "Quantum of Solace?" Super cool! The views are absolutely incredible, but don't get too distracted! Budget about 15-25 minutes if you drive non-stop. Trust me, this climb is a bucket-list experience! Get out there early to make the most of it.
hardWhere is the Alpisella Pass located?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: the Passo d’Alpisella, or Passo di Valle Alpisella if you're feeling fancy, is a seriously high-altitude adventure in the Sondrio province of Lombardy, Italy, scraping the sky at 2,285m (7,497ft). This wild track snuggles up to the Swiss border, giving you a front-row seat to some epic Alpine scenery. We're talking a historic route from near the Cancano lakes right over to Livigno. The road? Let's just say you'll want a vehicle with some serious ground clearance. It's narrow, rocky, and definitely an off-roader's dream. Word to the wise: the final stretch down to Livigno is off-limits to cars, so plan accordingly. Up top, the views are insane! There's a tiny parking area, a ridiculously clear little lake called Lago d'Alpisella, and Rifugio Alpisella— a mountain hut where you can soak in the local vibe and high-altitude air. Heads up, though: winter slams the door shut here. Usually, the road's buried in snow from October to June. Summer's the time to go, but even then, be ready for surprise thunderstorms that can turn the dirt track into a slippery challenge.