An Old Military Unpaved Road to Gardetta Pass in the Cottian Alps
Italy, europe
15.1 km
2,442 m
moderate
Year-round
# Passo della Gardetta
Ready for an adventure off the beaten path? Passo della Gardetta sits at a dramatic 2,442m (8,011ft) in Italy's Province of Cuneo, and it's honestly one of the most unique drives you'll encounter in the Piedmont region.
Starting from Marmora, this 15.1 km (9.38 miles) journey takes you up a completely unpaved old military road that's straight out of a history book. Fair warning though—you'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle it, and private vehicles aren't allowed. Plus, the road is typically blocked from October through June thanks to heavy snow.
What makes this drive truly special is the incredible scenery. You're traversing the Altopiano della Gardetta, a wild plateau that opens up to stunning views of the Oronaje mountains and the Acceglio Valley below. But here's what really gives this route its soul: everywhere you look, you'll spot remnants of history. Ruined military barracks dot the landscape, along with a moving memorial to soldiers who died clearing the area after World War I. Further down, four preserved World War II bunkers stand as silent witnesses to the past. And if you're curious about where climbers rest, there's a beautifully restored WWII barrack that's served as the Gardetta shelter since 1989, perched at 2,335m.
This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a raw, rugged journey through mountain history.
Where is it?
An Old Military Unpaved Road to Gardetta Pass in the Cottian Alps is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.6054, 12.9523
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,442 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 41.6054, 12.9523
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the demanding Road F35 in the Highlands of Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Get ready for an epic Icelandic adventure on the F35! This gravel road snakes through the highlands of Kjölur, a plateau sitting pretty high at 600–700 meters. Clocking in at 168km (104mi), the Kjalvegur Road (as it's also known) cuts right through the heart of Iceland, running north to south. You'll start south of Iceland near Haukadalur, behind the iconic Gullfoss waterfall, and wind your way up to the north near Blönduós. The road surface is corrugated tuff gravel and this is the second-longest highland route. This path has some serious history, once serving as a crucial horse trail for traders back in the day! Remember, this is an F Road, which means it's only open during the summer months – roughly June to the end of August/September. These roads are mountainous, unpaved, and the weather can change in a heartbeat. A 4WD is a must, and your standard rental car insurance probably won't cover you here. The road can be pretty rough, and maintenance isn't always top-notch, but any river crossings are bridged. While most cars *can* handle it in summer, low-riding vehicles should probably sit this one out. While there aren't any official river crossings on the F35, it's always smart to check the weather forecast. Be warned if you detour to other F roads. Glacial rivers can swell quickly, so watch other cars cross first and, if possible, drive slowly downstream with the current. The first section near Blöndulón is decent, but after that, expect gravel and rocks – drop your speed to around 40km/h. Traffic is usually light, but keep an eye out for other vehicles to gauge conditions. Some sections might even require first gear at under 10km/h! The F35 tops out at 672m (2,204ft), making it one of Iceland's highest roads. Winter brings snow and closures, so plan your trip between late June and mid-September. Pack for cold weather and expect things to change quickly. Allow 5-6 hours for the drive without stops. The views are incredible: glaciers, mountains, and highland lakes stretch as far as the eye can see. You'll be driving between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. There are cool places to stop along the way. Hveravellir, about a third of the way along, is a tiny spot with a restaurant, camping houses, a swimming pool, and hiking trails. Check out the Langjökull glaciers, Kerlingarfjöll, and the Kjalhraun lava field. Don't miss the natural hot springs, where you can experience Iceland's famous "fire and ice." Kerlingarfjöll, about halfway along the route (10km off the F35 via the F347), boasts 100 km2 of mountains reaching over 1.5km high, hot springs, and vibrant vegetation. You might even see snow on the peaks. There are plenty of campsites, or you can embrace Iceland's wild camping freedom. Take a dip in geothermal pools and admire the Gýgjarfoss waterfall. Just remember to drive carefully and enjoy the ride!
hardCol du Palet
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Palet: A High-Alpine Adventure If you're after serious mountain driving credentials, Col du Palet delivers. This spectacular pass sits at 2,658 meters (8,720 feet) in the Savoie department of southeastern France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, making it one of the country's most formidable high-altitude roads. Nestled within Vanoise National Park, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The gravel and rocky surface gets rough and bumpy in places, demanding genuine off-road chops and a 4x4 vehicle. The steep grades and exposure mean acrophobia sufferers should probably pick a different route—the views are stunning, but they come with a side of serious altitude. Winter essentially shuts this road down from October through June, so timing your visit is crucial. Hit it during the brief summer window, and watch out for muddy conditions after rain—they'll test your driving skills considerably. Reach the summit and you're rewarded with the charming Refuge du Col du Palet and the picturesque Lac du Grattaleu. A minor fork in the road pushes even higher to 2,677 meters (8,782 feet), where a chairlift station awaits. Bottom line: This is strictly for experienced mountain drivers who know their vehicle and aren't intimidated by exposure and technical terrain. It's unforgettable—but only if you're properly equipped and skilled.
extremeSouthern side:
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're heading to the French Alps? Buckle up, because Col de la Charmette is a wild ride! This mountain pass sits pretty high at 1,284 meters (that's 4,212 feet!), nestled in the Chartreuse Alps between Chambéry and Grenoble. There are two ways to tackle this beast. First, there's the D105 from Saint-Égrève. It's paved, but hold onto your hats – this 11.5 km (7.14 mile) stretch is seriously narrow and seriously steep. We're talking gradients hitting a whopping 17.1% in places! You'll climb 1026 meters in total, averaging almost 9%. But for the truly adventurous (and maybe slightly crazy), there's the old Route Forestière de la Charmette. This one's only 10km (6.21 miles), but it's a mix of paved and unpaved sections and definitely not for the faint of heart. Picture this: hairpin turns, crazy drop-offs, huge potholes, and even unlit tunnels! This road starts near the Gorges du Guiers Mort; keep your eyes peeled for a tiny, unsigned road on the right as you head out of St-Laurent-du-Pont. You'll pass the Chartreuse de Curière monastery, and then the real adventure begins. Just a heads up, this road was abandoned in the 90s, so expect some degradation and maybe a few rocky surprises along the way.
hardWhere is Pico Bandama?
🇪🇸 Spain
Craving incredible views in the Canary Islands? Head to Pico Bandama, a volcanic cone reaching 566 meters (1856 feet)! You'll find it next to the Bandama Caldera, that stunning volcanic crater nestled between Santa Brigida, Telde, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The caldera itself is a sight to behold – a massive depression formed thousands of years ago, once used for farming and now perfect for exploring. The name? It comes from Daniel Van Damme, a Flemish merchant who bought the land back in the 16th century to grow grapes. Getting there is part of the adventure! The GC-802 road, built in the 40s, winds for about 7 km (4.34 miles) from the GC15, north of Montebravo, right to the top. Just a heads-up: this paved road can be narrow and steep as it cuts through the vineyards of Tafira Alta. Rockslides can happen, so check if it's open before you go. Trust me, the drive is worth it. At the summit, you'll find a parking lot and the Mirador del Pico de Bandama, a natural viewpoint that will blow your mind. From there, you can soak up the panoramic views of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Bandama caldera, and most of the northeastern part of the island. There’s even a Tourist Information Point, making it super convenient.