
An old military road to Lago d'Arpon
Italy, europe
N/A
1,830 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Lago d'Arpon, straddling the French-Italian border, is calling your name from a lofty 1,830 meters (6,003 feet) above sea level. But fair warning: getting there is not for the faint of heart!
We're talking serious 4x4 territory only, folks. This "road" – and I use that term loosely – to Lago dell'Arpone is skinny, gnarly, and forget about it in the winter. Think you've got the skills? This one will test them, along with your courage. If you get wobbly knees looking down, maybe skip this one. Landslides? Yeah, they're a thing.
But oh, the views! Seriously, your tires will be singing with joy at the panoramic mountain vistas. Just try not to focus on the hundreds of meters of unprotected drop-offs right next to you. This old military road, carved into the Alps back in the day, is a real piece of history. Get ready for an unforgettable, if slightly terrifying, ride!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,830 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to reach the summit of Monte Gran Costa?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Monte Gran Costa, a seriously epic peak in the Italian Alps. This isn't just any mountain; it's a historical hotspot right along the famous Assietta Ridge in Piedmont. To get here, you'll be cruising the Strada dell'Assietta (SP173), then peel off onto a short, unpaved military track that climbs to the top. At 2,615 meters (that's over 8,500 feet!), the views are absolutely insane. Seriously, you can see the Susa Valley on one side and the Chisone Valley on the other! Plus, you're surrounded by the Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Park – nature's eye candy. The summit itself is a flat plateau, perfect for chilling and soaking it all in after your drive. But, heads up, this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is gravel, rocky, and narrow in spots. You'll definitely want a vehicle with some decent ground clearance. And remember, it's a high-altitude adventure, so expect thin air and the chance of sudden weather changes. This place is only open during the summer, so plan accordingly. Oh, and history buffs, listen up! Monte Gran Costa was super strategic back in the late 1800s. You can explore the ruins of the Batteria del Gran Costa, a military fort, including what's left of a huge barracks that once housed tons of soldiers. It's pretty incredible to see these old stone structures still standing.
hardAlpe Colina
🇮🇹 Italy
# Alpe Colina Tucked away in the Province of Sondrio in Lombardy's Italian Alps, Alpe Colina sits at a seriously impressive 2,076 meters (6,811 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's an adventure for those who crave mountain thrills. The road itself is beautifully rough and raw, mixing asphalt, concrete, and gravel in a patchwork that demands respect. You'll want a 4x4 under you for this one, seriously. Winter? Forget about it—the pass becomes completely impassable when the snow rolls in. Even in better conditions, expect narrow stretches that'll test your nerve, slippery sections that appear after rain, and ridiculously steep grades that hit 20% in spots. But here's the payoff: near the summit, you'll find Lago di Colina, a tiny alpine lake that makes the white-knuckle drive absolutely worth it. This is the kind of road that'll have you grinning (and probably gripping the wheel tightly) all the way up.
moderateGuide to the top of Pic Maido in Réunion
🇫🇷 France
Pic Maïdo is this stunning high-altitude peak perched at 2,189m (7,181ft) above sea level in Réunion, a French overseas department sitting pretty in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. Tucked away in the Piton des Neiges massif on the island's western side, the road up to this volcanic summit—locals call it the "balcony of Reunion Island"—is fully paved, but don't expect a leisurely cruise. Think narrow, twisty switchbacks that'll keep you on your toes. It's officially called Route Forestière n°8 du Maïdo, or Maïdo Forest Road if you prefer. Starting from the RF6 road, you're looking at a 5.4 km (3.35 miles) climb that gains 424 meters in elevation. That works out to an average gradient of 7.85%, but heads up—some sections ramp up to a punchy 12% grade that'll definitely test your driving skills. At the top, you'll pull into a parking lot where a climatological station sits. But honestly, the real reward is the drive itself. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, with sweeping vistas of the ocean and nature reserves stretching out before you. From up here, Maïdo towers over the Cirque de Mafate by more than 1,000 meters, and you get incredible views down to the island's west coast. Totally worth the twisty climb.
Can you drive through the Simplon Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Nestled in the Swiss canton of Valais, Simplon Pass is an Alpine stunner, clocking in at a lofty 2,005m (6,578ft). Route 9 (aka European Route 62) will lead you on a fully paved, 42.2 km (26.22 miles) adventure from Brig right to the Italian border. This route has been significant since the Stone Age, even if it was mostly used by smugglers back then! Napoleon saw its potential in the 1800s and commissioned a proper road, completed in 1805, to move his cannons southward. Think of the views as you cruise along this historical byway! While generally open year-round, be aware that winter weather can cause temporary closures. Parts of the road get pretty steep, hitting a maximum gradient of 10.7% in certain spots, but don't worry—the road is wide, and traffic isn't too bad. The real treat is the scenery. The road gracefully hugs the mountainside, offering breathtaking views of frozen slopes on the Swiss side and lush, green valleys as you approach Italy. In warmer months, plenty of cafes and restaurants dot the route, perfect for pit stops. Keep your camera handy! You'll want to capture the Ganter Bridge soaring 150 meters above the Ganter Valley. Also, make time for the Simplon Hospice, a heritage site founded by Napoleon himself. Simplon Pass offers not just a drive, but an experience!