Where is Coe Pass?

Where is Coe Pass?

Italy, europe

Length

19 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're in northern Italy, specifically the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region, ready to conquer Passo Coe! The climb kicks off near Calliano, and what awaits you is a sweet 19 km (11.8 miles) of winding road. Don't be fooled, though – it's a demanding climb with a solid elevation gain, making it a true test, even featured in the Giro d'Italia.

The road itself, officially called Strada Provinciale 143 (SP143), is typically in pretty good shape. Once you reach the summit, you're greeted with a huge parking lot (you'll need some coins), along with bars, restaurants, and a cozy refuge – the perfect spot to soak in the views.

Speaking of views, they're epic. Just a heads-up, though: being up in the mountains, especially closer to Strada Foresta Girgini and Sella di Russis, winter can throw a curveball. Snowfall might lead to temporary closures, particularly up high. So, if you're traveling in late autumn or early spring, be sure to peek at the conditions before you go. Otherwise, get ready for an unforgettable Alpine adventure!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
19 km
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

How long is the Adriatic Highway?easy

How long is the Adriatic Highway?

🇭🇷 Croatia

Cruising the Adriatic Highway is the ultimate coastal road trip dream! This roughly 1,000km (620-mile) stretch of pure driving bliss hugs the eastern Adriatic coast, snaking through Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Officially part of European route E65, it kicks off in Rijeka, Croatia and winds its way south until it kisses the Montenegro-Albania border. Mostly a two-lane road (with a short expressway bit near Split), you’ll want to budget around 12 hours to drive it straight through. But seriously, don't! This route deserves at least a couple of days to soak it all in. Think dazzling turquoise waters on one side, stunning islands dotting the horizon, and breathtaking coastal views that will leave you speechless. The road dances between charming seaside towns and dramatic clifftops, sometimes with seriously steep drops to the sea below! Expect plenty of twists and turns—thrilling for experienced drivers, but maybe consider a bus tour if you prefer someone else to handle the curves. Built back in the day under President Tito, this highway serves up a changing landscape as you journey from north to south. Just be aware, some spots near Mali Alan Pass in Croatia still have landmines!

How long is Grimsel Pass?hard

How long is Grimsel Pass?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Switzerland, and you stumble upon Grimsel Pass. This beauty straddles the border between Bern and Valais, clocking in at 23 miles of pure driving bliss. Starting in Gletsch and winding up to Meiringen, this fully paved route is called Grimselstrasse and it connects the Hasli Valley with the Goms district. Historically, this pass has been a hotspot since Roman times, acting as a key trade route. The official road we know today was carved out in 1895. Now, heads up! This high-altitude pass (we're talking 7,100 feet!) is typically snowed in from November to late May/early June. And even when it's open, expect cool to cold temps and potential snow, even in summer. While it's not crazy dangerous, Grimsel Pass is a five-star driving experience. The final push to the summit boasts incredible switchbacks and views. The descent is a bit tighter, demanding your full attention with its narrower road and blind corners. Keep an eye out for traffic! And if you're feeling adventurous, the old road bypasses two tunnels and the old cliff road bypasses three more. But trust me, it’s all worth it. This road is an absolute stunner, meandering past sparkling reservoir lakes with breathtaking views. You'll drive through areas of slate, gneiss, and granite, surrounded by lush vegetation. The climb? Intense! Expect steep sections with gradients hitting 12%. It's a relentless climb, with uneven grading. Finally, treat yourself to a stop at the cozy cafe at the summit. You deserve it!

Desfiladero de la Inclusa: this drive is not for timid driverseasy

Desfiladero de la Inclusa: this drive is not for timid drivers

🇪🇸 Spain

# Desfiladero de la Inclusa Hidden in the heart of Huesca's Sobrarbe region in northeastern Aragon, Spain, you'll find one of the country's most breathtaking canyon drives. The A-2609 winds through the dramatic Desfiladero de la Inclusa, following the Cinqueta river as it carves through towering canyon walls in the Pirineo mountains. This isn't your average Sunday cruise. Built back in the 1960s, the 12.1 km (7.51 miles) road stretching west-east from Salinas to Plan is famously narrow—and I mean *really* narrow. You're looking at a one-lane squeeze for the entire journey, so encountering another vehicle is basically your worst nightmare scenario. Seriously, if backing up isn't your strong suit, you might want to reconsider. Rock falls are a real concern here, so stay sharp and take it slow. The good news? The road is paved, and you'll mostly have it to yourself except for the occasional cyclist or weekend biker. The scenery is absolutely stunning—your passengers will be glued to the windows while you're laser-focused on navigating the potholes and hairpin curves. It's genuinely one of those roads that'll make you appreciate both your driving skills and your camera's storage capacity. Fair warning: conditions get sketchy after rain, so check the weather before heading out. Bring your camera, keep your wits about you, and prepare for an unforgettable ride through one of Spain's most dramatic landscapes.

Ibón de Piedrafitahard

Ibón de Piedrafita

🇪🇸 Spain

# Ibón de Piedrafita: A True Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Huesca province of Aragon, Spain, sits the stunning Ibón de Piedrafita alpine lake, perched at a cool 1,622 meters (5,321 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a genuine mountain expedition that'll get your heart pumping and your jaw dropping. Starting from Piedrafita de Jaca, you're looking at a challenging 5.7 km trek uphill with 373 meters of elevation gain. Yeah, that's a punchy 6.54% average gradient, and trust us, you'll feel every bit of it. The road itself? Let's just say it's best described as gravel and rocky, with sections that are tippy and seriously bumpy. You'll absolutely need a proper 4x4 to tackle this beast. The scenery along the way is absolutely worth the bumpy ride, though—the views of Valle de Tena are genuinely spectacular. Just keep in mind that Mother Nature pretty much shuts this road down from October through June, so plan your visit accordingly (weather permitting, of course). **Fair warning:** This route is currently closed to private motor vehicles, so before you fire up that engine, make sure you've got the proper permits or consider hiring a local guide who knows these trails like the back of their hand.