Çirmaniman Yaylası
Turkey, europe
N/A
2,954 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Çirmaniman Yaylası in Turkey's Black Sea region! This ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking serious elevation here – almost 10,000 feet!
Located in Rize Province, getting to the summit is an adventure in itself. The gravel road is infamous for its crazy tight hairpin turns and bone-jarring bumps. We're talking 4x4 territory, folks. Seriously. And if heights make you queasy, maybe sit this one out.
Plus, Mother Nature throws curveballs. Expect steep climbs, and after even a sprinkle of rain, things can get dicey with loose gravel. Winter brings heavy snowfall, so the road can close without warning. But the scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Just be prepared!
Road Details
- Country
- Turkey
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,954 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateCarretera Vieja (TF-28 Road)
🇪🇸 Spain
# TF-28: Tenerife's Legendary Twisty Mountain Road If you're looking for one of the most thrilling drives in Spain's Canary Islands, the TF-28—locals call it Carretera Vieja (the Old Road)—is absolutely worth the trip. This iconic route winds its way across Tenerife, connecting the bustling Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the north to the beachy resort town of Playa de las Américas in the south. Fair warning: this isn't your grandma's Sunday cruise. The asphalt is decent in most places, but you'll hit some rougher patches along the way. And here's the real deal—if your passengers are prone to motion sickness, maybe skip the heavy lunch beforehand. This road earned its nickname "the road with a thousand bends" for a reason, and it's not exaggerating. Spanning nearly 100 kilometers, the TF-28 hugs the mountainside like it was made for it, following every contour and curve nature threw its way. Before the newer TF-1 highway came along, this was *the* main route between north and south, and it's easy to see why drivers still love it. What makes it special isn't just the engineering—it's the constant adrenaline rush of ascents and descents, hairpin after hairpin. The scenery? Absolutely stunning. You're treated to panoramic views the entire way, with the road weaving through the island's dramatic landscape. For anyone who loves a proper driving challenge with jaw-dropping vistas, this is the real deal.
hardCanchal Negro
🇪🇸 Spain
# Canchal Negro: A Wild Mountain Adventure in Spain Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Canchal Negro is a stunning high-altitude peak sitting at 2,268 meters (7,440 feet) above sea level in the heart of Castilla y León's Sistema Central Mountains, just south of Salamanca province in Spain. The route to the summit starts from La Covatilla ski resort's parking area, and let me be honest—this isn't your typical scenic drive. You're tackling what's essentially a chairlift service road, and it demands serious respect. The terrain is a gnarly mix of gravel and rocky terrain that'll test your vehicle and your nerves, with grades reaching up to 30% in some sections. Loose stones cover much of the lower portion, but the real drama unfolds higher up where it gets steeper, rockier, and increasingly technical. Here's the catch: you've got a very narrow window to attempt this—basically late August when summer conditions allow. The rest of the year? Forget about it. Winter temperatures here are absolutely brutal, and snow can surprise you even during what seems like summer weather. And the wind—oh, the wind is relentless up here year-round, often gusting with serious intensity. One mistake on this unforgiving road can have real consequences, so this adventure is strictly for experienced drivers with proper 4x4 equipment and genuine mountain driving skills. It's spectacular, it's challenging, and it's absolutely not for the faint of heart.
moderateHow to Get by Car to Lac de Chateaupre in the Heart of Valais?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Lac de Châteaupré: Alpine Magic in Switzerland Tucked away in the Valais region of southern Switzerland, not far from the Italian border, you'll find Lac de Châteaupré—a glacial gem sitting pretty at 2,357m (7,732ft) above sea level. This stunning lake in the municipality of Grimentz has earned itself a reputation as one of the most gorgeous lakes on the planet, and honestly, once you see it, you'll understand why. The Route de Moiry is the paved road that'll get you there, and it's been welcoming visitors since the 1950s. Fair warning: it's narrow and lacks guardrails, so you'll want to keep your wits about you. But here's the thing—the trade-off is absolutely worth it. This scenic route hugs the shoreline of Lac de Moiry and treats you to jaw-dropping vistas of glaciers and towering snow-capped peaks that'll make your heart skip a beat. The drive from Grimentz is just under 10km (about 6 miles) of pure Alpine bliss. You'll end up at a spacious parking area on the north side of the lake—the perfect launching point for exploring the magnificent Glacier du Moiry nearby. Just a heads up: this road is nestled in the Val d'Anniviers valley and typically stays open from late June through the first major snowfall of the season, so plan your visit accordingly!
moderateWhere is Collada de Carmenes?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Collada de Cármenes, a sweet mountain pass nestled in the province of León, Spain! You'll find this beauty in the Castile and León region, chilling in the northwest. It's a totally paved road (they call it LE-312) in great shape, so no need to worry about your tires. It's got some fun curves, but nothing too crazy steep – we're talking about a gentle 5-6% average incline, with a few spots that might hit 10%. Just a heads up, winter can bring some snow, so plan accordingly! This little gem stretches for about 8.5 kilometers (5.28 miles) between Carmenes and Villamanín, going east to west. Once you reach the top, you'll find a small parking area. If you're feeling extra adventurous and have a 4x4, there's a rugged gravel road heading north to Mina La Profunda, an old copper mine. Just be warned, it's strictly 4x4 territory!