Where is Lago di Teleccio?
Italy, europe
11.66 km
1,918 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Lago di Teleccio, a stunning alpine lake shimmering at 1,918 meters (6,292 feet) in the Italian Alps near Turin. Getting there? Buckle up! The Strada al Lago Teleccio is no joke. We're talking seriously steep – sections hitting 15.7%! – and a twisty-turny dream (or nightmare, depending on your driving skills) with 20 hairpin turns to conquer.
You'll find this hidden gem nestled in the Piedmont region of northern Italy.
The road is paved, thankfully, but super narrow. Think "squeeze by" rather than cruise alongside oncoming traffic. It's a 11.66 km (7.24 miles) climb from Casetti - Rosone, gaining a whopping 1,189 meters in elevation! That's an average grade of 10.1%, so be ready for a workout.
Keep in mind, being high in Gran Paradiso National Park, the road is usually open only from May to October, thanks to the snow. Heads up that the last 6.3km are closed to private vehicles.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.66 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,918 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Llanada del Mulhacen?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventurers, let me tell you about Llanada del Mulhacen! This high-altitude plateau, chilling at over 11,000 feet in the Spanish Sierra Nevada, is a must-see, even though it's a bit of a challenge to reach. You'll find it nestled in southern Spain, within the Sierra Nevada National Park, just east of Pico Veleta. Forget your dreams of a smooth drive, though. This track is entirely unpaved and dates back to the 19th century. Sadly, you can't drive it anymore. Back in the early 90's they closed it off to cars. Since it's located in a protected area, the route is now off-limits to all vehicles, even bikes! But, if you're up for a hike, it's still worth the effort. Just remember, this is the Penibética mountain range, so watch out for snow and super strong winds, especially in winter. Why bother, you ask? Because the views from the top are EPIC! You'll get a panoramic vista of almost all the high peaks of the range. To get as close as possible, head to the Aparcamiento Hoya del Portillo parking lot. The road is paved up to that point. From there, it’s all about putting on those hiking boots and getting ready for an adventure!
extremeWhy is it called Ruta del Silencio?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the A-1702, aka "The Silent Route," in Teruel, Spain. This isn't just any road; it's a 63-kilometer ribbon of perfect asphalt stretching from Venta de la Pintada (Gargallo) to Puerto de Cuarto Pelado (Cantavieja). Why "Silent"? Because you're practically alone out here, deep in one of Europe's most sparsely populated areas. Think solitary farmhouses, ancient stone paths, and villages clinging to cliffs. It's slow driving at its finest. This road demands respect, though. It's a non-stop rollercoaster of curves sculpted by wind and water, so keep your eyes peeled and be ready to downshift. Oh, and keep an eye out for the locals! Iberian Ibex (wild goats), vultures, and even deer might decide to join you for a stretch. Don't miss the "Órganos de Montoro" – crazy vertical limestone formations that look like giant organ pipes. Feeling extra adventurous? There's a side trip to Montoro de Mezquita via the TE-V-8042. Prepare for hand-carved rock tunnels – seriously narrow, single-lane stuff! RVs and high-roof vans? Proceed with caution. When to go? Spring and autumn are golden. Mild temps, great grip, and stunning scenery. Summer's hot, especially with the limestone cliffs radiating heat. Winter? Teruel is COLD. Expect snow and ice, especially near the Cuarto Pelado pass (1,700m). Keep an eye out for the "Silencioso" sculpture (a mountain goat), and the tribute to "El Caimán", the old bus line that braved these roads for decades. Is it safe? Totally! Cars, bikes, families… but drive defensively. Livestock roam free, and blind corners can be tight. Motorcyclists, this is a must-do, just be careful! And pack layers – the temperature can change fast!
hardHow to reach the summit of Guillimona?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Sierra de la Guillimona in Granada, Andalusia, Spain! This baby tops out at 1,876m (that's over 6,150ft!) and sits right near the border with Albacete. So how do you get to this awesome, isolated peak? You'll start on the paved road between Puebla de Don Fadrique and Santiago de la Espada. From there, you'll kick it into off-road mode. The climb winds up a high-altitude plateau, giving you incredible views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Now for the nitty-gritty: the road's unpaved and a mix of gravel and rocks, so it can get a little bumpy. A 4x4 is HIGHLY recommended, especially if you want to make it to the top without any drama. The road has an average gradient of 6.07%, and with that loose, rocky surface, you'll need some serious traction and ground clearance. If you're not comfortable on steep, unpaved mountain roads, maybe skip this one. Weather's a big player here too. Things can change fast up there! Summer thunderstorms can turn the road into a muddy mess, and in winter, expect snow and ice to shut things down for months. But, if you're prepared and the weather cooperates, the views from the top are insane. You'll get a panorama of northern Granada, plus Albacete and Murcia. It's the perfect escape for anyone looking for a seriously remote driving experience, far away from the crowds.
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Col du Lisey
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Lisey Nestled in the Hautes-Pyrénées at a breathtaking 2,086 meters (6,843 feet), Col du Lisey is a high mountain pass that delivers serious adventure vibes. The journey kicks off at the Luz Ardiden ski resort, where you'll trade asphalt for an unpaved mountain track that's honestly perfect for road trippers seeking the road-less-traveled. Here's the real talk: the road is maintained well enough that a regular 2WD with decent clearance can handle it at a leisurely pace when conditions are dry. You'll be cruising on relatively straightforward stretches where washboard ruts and dips won't send you bouncing off into the Pyrenees. But throw in some nasty weather? Yeah, that's when this route transforms into a serious no-go zone. What makes this pass truly legendary is its personality. Expect a white-knuckle parade of hairpin switchbacks, bumpy sections, and blind curves that'll have you gripping the steering wheel with both hands. The mountain doesn't give up its views easily—every sharp turn reveals another stunning vista, but demands your full attention in return. This is the kind of drive that reminds you why you love road tripping in the first place. Just pick a clear day, take it slow, and prepare yourself for some genuinely spectacular Pyrenean scenery.