A 5-star road to Manghen Pass in the Dolomites
Italy, europe
39.1 km
2,047 m
hard
Year-round
# Passo di Manghen: A Dolomite Challenge
Looking for a serious mountain pass adventure? Passo di Manghen sits pretty at 2,047m (6,716ft) in the heart of Trentino's stunning Dolomites, making it the southernmost paved pass above 2,000m in the range. This one connects the scenic Fiemme and Sugana valleys, and let me tell you—it's a beast from either direction.
The 39.1km (24.29 miles) stretch of SP-31 winds its way north from Borgo Valsugana to Cavalese through some seriously remote terrain. Picture this: a narrow, paved road cutting through dense forest on both sides, with the pavement getting narrower as you climb higher. Those hairpin bends just keep coming, with gradients hitting 16% on the steepest sections. You'll feel like you're on a quiet forestry track more than a main road, and honestly, that's part of its charm—traffic is sparse (commercial vehicles are banned anyway).
The real trick here? Watch out for wet larch needles on the forest sections—they can get surprisingly slippery. The road surface itself is typically excellent, and the challenge lies purely in the relentless climbing and tight corners. Local Giro d'Italia organizers clearly agree this pass is legitimately tough for its length; cyclists have cursed those switchbacks for years.
The Rifugio Passo Manghen at the summit makes a perfect rest stop to catch your breath and take in the views. This isn't for the faint of heart, but if you're after an authentic, challenging Alpine experience, Passo di Manghen delivers.
Where is it?
A 5-star road to Manghen Pass in the Dolomites is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.9857, 12.3762
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 39.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,047 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.9857, 12.3762
Related Roads in europe
hardThe steep unpaved road to Mount Ithome
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Ithome: A Thrilling Climb in Messenia Ready for an adventure? Mount Ithome in Messenia, Greece is calling your name. This 800-meter (2,600ft) peak isn't just any mountain—it's home to one of the most exhilarating drives in the region. The journey starts from the Kalamata-Pylos road and winds its way up 3.5 km of ancient, zigzagging dirt road that'll test both your nerves and your vehicle. With an elevation gain of 327 meters and an average grade of 9.34%, this isn't a casual Sunday drive—bring a 4x4 if you've got one. The steep, gravel track demands respect, but trust us, every hairpin turn is worth it. This is a photographer's dream. Seriously, pack extra memory cards and keep those batteries charged. The panoramic views from the summit are absolutely stunning. On a clear day, you can gaze out across the entire Pamisos River valley, trace your eyes eastward to the dramatic Mount Taygetus, and sweep southward across the sparkling Gulf of Messenia. At the top, you'll find the charming Ekklisia Panagia church—a perfect spot to catch your breath and take in the majesty of your accomplishment. If you love mountain roads, challenging drives, and breathtaking vistas all rolled into one experience, Mount Ithome absolutely belongs on your bucket list.
hardThe Road to Col de Chaviere is Not for the Faint of Heart
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Chavière Tucked away in the heart of France's stunning Vanoise National Park, Col de Chavière rises to a impressive 2,477m (8,126ft) in the Savoie department. This alpine treasure sits in the southeastern Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, surrounded by some serious mountain scenery. The highlight? The Refuge de Peclet Polset perched at the summit, sitting right near Lac Blanc—a gorgeous glacial-fed lake with that distinctive milky-white color that only glacial meltwater can create. Fair warning: this isn't your typical mountain drive. The route is entirely unpaved and seriously narrow, with hefty rocks scattered throughout. Private vehicles aren't allowed, so you'll need to be on foot or bike for this adventure. Starting from a parking area at the end of the paved D124 road, you're looking at a 7.4km (4.59 miles) climb with an elevation gain of 703 meters—that's roughly a 9.5% average grade. Steep? Absolutely. But the payoff is incredible. Just keep in mind that the Massif de la Vanoise range locks this road down from October through June, so plan your visit for the warmer months when the route's actually passable.
moderateVale Street is one of the steepest roads in England
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're in Totterdown, a quirky suburb of Bristol in South West England, and you stumble upon Vale Street. This isn't your average residential street – it's a beast! They say it's the steepest residential road in England, and honestly, it feels almost vertical at the bottom. This fully paved climb is only 0.2km long, but packs in a punch with a 17m elevation gain. We're talking an average gradient of 22 percent, but get this – it maxes out at a crazy 25.6 percent! Seriously, cars park sideways to avoid rolling away, and when it's icy, locals chain their cars to lampposts. Lined with terraced houses and steps for pedestrians, this 427 ft stretch from Park Street to Balmain Street is a favorite with cyclists and anyone looking for a lung-busting challenge. With a slope comparable to an advanced intermediate ski run, Vale Street is an adventure you won't soon forget!
hardWhere is Clue de Barles?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in France, north of Digne-les-Bains. You stumble upon the D900A, a completely paved but wild road that snakes its way for almost 20 miles from Digne-les-Bains to Verdaches through the incredible Clue de Barles. This isn't just any drive; it's a full-on canyon experience carved by the Bès river. Think dramatic views and seriously impressive scenery. The road, also known as Clue de Saint-Clément, is carved right into the mountainside. Be warned, though—"narrow" doesn't even begin to describe some parts! Keep an eye out for height restriction signs (2.8m to 3.2m) and be aware of potential rock slides. Give yourself about 40-50 minutes to drive it straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop and soak it all in. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!