Where is Col de Moissiere?
France, europe
18.6 km
1,575 m
hard
Year-round
Hey adventurers! Let me tell you about the Col de Moissière, a seriously stunning mountain pass nestled in the Hautes-Alpes department of France. We're talking Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, so you already know the scenery's gonna be epic.
This baby climbs to 1,575m (that's 5,167ft!) in the Massif des Écrins, and the whole ride is paved – follow the D213T. Don't get too comfy though, it’s not all smooth sailing. Expect some bumpy, narrow sections and seriously steep inclines that top out around 14.6%!
Clocking in at 18.6 km (11.55 miles) between Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes and La Bâtie-Neuve, it’s perfect for a chill bike ride. Just be prepared for some huffing and puffing on those steeper bits! Trust me, though, the views are worth it.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 18.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,575 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardHow long is the road to Peña Cabarga?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, cycling fans, buckle up because Peña Cabarga in Cantabria is a MUST for your Spain bucket list! This peak hits 560m (1,837ft) and the road up? Legendary! We're talking a 5.9km (3.66 miles) ride straight outta Heras on the CA-412. Don't let the short distance fool you: you'll climb 543 vertical meters. It's paved, but hold on tight. This climb averages almost 10%... and the last 2km spike to 11.5%, with sections hitting a crazy 19%! Ouch! Even pros like Chris Froome (it's one of his favorites!) and Joaquim Rodríguez have conquered it during the Vuelta a España. Once you've made it to the top in the Sierra de la Gándara, park the car and soak it all in. Sure, there are some communications towers, but the real prize is the Monumento al Indiano y a la Marina de Castilla. This tower stands tall at 569 meters, giving you insane panoramic views of Santander and the Bay of Cantabria. Trust me, the pain will be worth the view!
hardCol de la Traversette was Hannibal's route across the Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Traversette Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France near the Italian border, Col de la Traversette sits at a breathtaking 2,369m (7,772ft) and comes with some seriously legendary bragging rights. This is allegedly where Hannibal and his entire army—including 37 elephants—made their famous crossing into Italy back in 218 BC. Pretty wild, right? The road itself is pure adventure: a completely unpaved military track that's basically begging for a 4x4 or enduro bike. Starting from the D1090, you're looking at a gnarly 2.5km climb that packs in 324m of elevation gain and averages a steep 12.96% gradient, with some sections hitting a jaw-dropping 30%. But here's the thing—despite the brutality, it's actually rideable and rewards you with absolutely stunning alpine views. Nestled in the Cottian Alps, this high-altitude gem sits just south of the Little St Bernard Pass and gets you close to Le Fort de la Redoute, a 17th-century fortress built by the House of Savoy in 1630 (though you can't actually visit it anymore due to structural concerns). Fair warning: winter makes this place completely impassable, so plan your adventure accordingly. If you're up for a challenging, history-soaked drive with epic scenery, this legendary pass delivers on all fronts.
moderateVilyui Highway is a muddy nightmare in the Sakha Republic
🌍 Russia
Okay, buckle up adventure junkies, because the Vilyui Highway in the Sakha Republic, Russia, is calling your name! Think far, far east, practically hugging the Arctic Ocean. This baby, part of the A-331, is a wild mix of pavement and seriously rugged dirt. You *can* do it in a regular car, but listen up: after it rains, even 4x4s can get swallowed whole. Seriously. Named after the mighty Vilyui River, get ready for some serious ferry action. You'll be hopping back and forth across that river like a champ. Clocking in at a hefty 1,171 km (727 miles), this epic stretch runs from Mirny (that's the administrative hub) all the way to Yakutsk, a happening port city chilling on the Lena River in East Siberia. Get ready for landscapes that will blow your mind and a true taste of untamed Russia.
moderateWhere is Bwlch-y-Groes in Wales?
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, buckle up, because Bwlch y Groes (aka the Pass of the Cross, or even Hellfire Pass!) in Gwynedd, Wales, is a wild ride! Nestled in the Aran Mountains, right on the edge of Snowdonia, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Clocking in at just over 12 miles between Minllyn and Llanuwchllyn, it's a tough climb to 1,788 feet. Don't let the paved surface fool you; this road is NARROW and STEEP, boasting gradients that max out at a lung-busting 25%! Seriously, "brutal" is an understatement – it's one of the UK's gnarliest climbs. Back in the day, Austin and Triumph even used it to test their cars! Just a heads up, big trucks should probably skip this one. Give yourself 30-45 minutes to conquer it, and that's *without* stopping. But trust me, you'll WANT to stop. The scenery is incredible. Think rugged, weathered beauty, killer views over the Dyfi valley, Cadair Idris, and Aran Fawddwy looming nearby. It's remote, it's challenging, and it's absolutely unforgettable.