A steep gravel road to Monte Telegrafo-Plose in the Dolomites
Italy, europe
9.8 km
2,483 m
hard
Year-round
# Monte Telegrafo-Plose: A High-Alpine Adventure
Perched at 2,483m (8,146ft) in Italy's Trentino-South Tyrol region, Monte Telegrafo-Plose is an incredible high mountain destination that punches way above its weight. From the summit, you can spy more than 100 surrounding peaks stretching across the horizon—seriously humbling stuff.
The peak sits north of Forcella Luson and has accumulated quite the collection of infrastructure over the decades: communication towers, a military base, a heliport, a church, and the cozy Plosehütte mountain hut. There's also some Cold War history here—a radar station that operated from 1958 to 1978, originally accessed not just by road but by an impressive cable car system rising from the valley below.
## The Drive
The road up is called Via Panoramica Dolomiti, and it's gloriously narrow and mostly unpaved as you climb. Fair warning: it gets progressively rougher closer to the top, and the whole route shuts down completely during winter months. The 9.8km (6.08 miles) ascent from the paved Strada Provinciale 29 is no joke—you're climbing 778 meters with some brutal 12% gradients thrown in. Expect an average grade of around 7.93% throughout.
## The View
But here's why you make the drive: a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Dolomites spreads out before you. On clear days, you'll take in the Ötztal Alps, Zillertal and Stubai Alps, plus the Ortles, Brenta, and Adamello ranges. It's the kind of vista that makes every hairpin turn worth it.
Where is it?
A steep gravel road to Monte Telegrafo-Plose in the Dolomites is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.1766, 12.5386
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,483 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.1766, 12.5386
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhen was the old Djupvegur road closed?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Hidden away in Iceland's Westfjords, the Djúpvegur used to be a real wild child. We're talking about a road that earned a rep for rockfalls and avalanches – yikes! This 8km (about 5 miles) stretch connected the little towns of Bolungarvík and Hnífsdalur and was completely paved. However, it was closed to vehicles in 2010, and now you can only explore it on foot. Think of it as a quirky hiking trail more than a drive. Word to the wise: keep your eyes peeled! Those cliffs are steep, and the road and old tunnels haven't been maintained since the road closed. There could be holes in the asphalt and rocks scattered about. If there's been heavy snowfall, expect drifts blocking the way. Park the car and hike it. But here's the good stuff: the views are incredible! You'll get panoramic vistas over the vast Ísafjarðardjúp bay. It's a chance to experience the raw beauty of Iceland, just be careful!
hardWhat’s at the Summit of Alpspitze?
🇩🇪 Germany
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Alpspitze, a seriously epic peak chilling in Bavaria, Germany. We're talking about a whopping 2,091 meters (6,860 feet) above sea level! What's at the top? Only the coolest viewing platform ever – the AlpspiX! Imagine two metal walkways jutting out over a cliff, crisscrossing to form a giant "X." Talk about photo ops! Of course, being high up, it can get chilly and windy, but hey, the views are SO worth it. Plus, there are restaurants and shops up there – bonus! Getting there? The road clocks in at about 14 km (8.69 miles) from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, a ski resort town. But heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road's unpaved, and we're talking narrow and steep. Word to the wise: winter is a no-go. Important Note: As of 2016, this route is closed to motor vehicles, so plan on hiking or other modes of exploring.
moderateWhere is Col de la Cayolle?
🇫🇷 France
Col de la Cayolle is a seriously high mountain pass, topping out at 2,339m (7,673ft) in the French Alps. You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, specifically the Ubaye Valley within the Parc National du Mercantour, right on the border of the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments. Picture this: you're driving along the D2202, part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes, tracing the source of the Var River as it heads towards Nice. This paved but narrow road stretches for 40.2km (24.97 miles) from Uvernet-Fours in the north to Entraunes in the south. Keep in mind, though, that it's typically closed from October to June/July due to snow. When it's open, you'll find a mountain refuge and parking at the summit. Heads up, though: heavier vehicles and caravans aren't allowed. Originally built by the army in 1914, the Cayolle has some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 10%. Plus, a portion north of the pass is famous as one of France's best "balcony roads". It gets a fair amount of traffic in the summer, so be prepared to share the road! The views alone make the trip worthwhile.
moderateForca d'Acero is an Italian iconic climb
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forca d'Acero: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Picture this: you're winding through the heart of Italy, crossing from Lazio into Abruzzo at Forca d'Acero, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,538m (5,045ft). The scenery? Absolutely stunning. The 37km (23 miles) route—SR509—runs north-south from the charming town of Opi in Abruzzo down to Atina in Lazio. And let's be real: this isn't your grandmother's leisurely drive. The road is fully paved, sure, but it packs some seriously steep sections with grades hitting up to 10.6%. Buckle up for a proper challenge! Here's the cool part: this pass is legit enough to have hosted stages of the Giro d'Italia, so you know you're tackling something special. Once you reach the summit, you'll find yourself in a little hub with shops and a bar-restaurant—perfect for catching your breath and soaking in the mountain vibes before heading back down. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast chasing legendary climbs or a road tripper seeking dramatic Alpine scenery, Forca d'Acero delivers. Just respect the road, take your time through those steep sections, and prepare for an unforgettable drive through central Italy's most dramatic landscape.