
Col de la Joux Verte
France, europe
13.3 km
1,760 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps on the D338, headed for the Col de la Joux Verte. This baby climbs to a cool 1,760 meters (5,774 feet) above sea level!
The road is paved, thankfully, but hold on tight – it gets pretty steep in places, hitting gradients of up to 12.1%. This pass has even seen the Tour de France whiz by! It's nestled south of Lake Leman and while it might be overshadowed by the Avoriaz ski station at the top and Morzine on the other side, it's a gem.
You've got a few ways to tackle this climb. From Montriond, it's a 13.3 km ride with 782 meters of elevation gain (averaging 5.8%). If you're coming from the D 902, prepare for a 15.2 km journey, gaining 876 meters, again at 5.8% average. Or, start in Morzine for a 12.5 km climb, racking up 800 meters of elevation at a 6.4% average. Whichever way you choose, get ready for some stunning Alpine views!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,760 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeCerro Jabalcon, a very tough and popular climb
🇪🇸 Spain
Hey adventurers! Ever heard of Cerro Jabalcon? It's this epic peak chilling in Granada, Andalusia, Southern Spain, clocking in at 1,472m (4,829ft). Tucked away in the semi-arid landscapes of La Hoya de Baza, getting to the top is quite the ride. Mostly paved, but heads up, the last 900 meters turns into a gravel track that can get seriously slippery. Trust me, you'll want to take it slow. At the summit, you'll find the sweet Ermita de la Virgen de la Cabeza chapel, plus some comms towers. But the real prize? A jaw-dropping 360º view stretching over 4000 km2! Just a heads up, though: this place has extreme weather, think freezing winters and scorching summers. Starting in the town of Zújar, the climb is a solid 11.5 km (7.14 miles) with an elevation gain of 681 meters. We're talking an average gradient of 5.92%, but hold on tight, because some ramps hit a wild 21%! It’s a tough one, loved by the locals for a reason.
hardKalami Beach
🇬🇷 Greece
# Kalami Beach: A Wild Ride to Paradise Nestled in eastern Crete, Kalami Beach is an absolute stunner—think pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear water. But here's the thing: getting there is half the adventure (and we mean that literally). From Perivolakia, you're looking at a 5-kilometer stretch of pure adrenaline. This gravel track winds through some seriously tight hairpin turns, climbs at steep angles, and narrows down to barely one-car width. Fair warning: it's rough. Like, really rough. And if rain rolls through? Conditions can get sketchy fast, especially with loose gravel lurking around every bend. Summer months bring crowds, so expect company on the road. You'll want a 4x4 or SUV for this one—regular cars will struggle. But don't let that scare you off. The payoff is insane. As you approach the beach, the landscape gets genuinely theatrical. The road squeezes through Perivolakia Gorge, this impossibly narrow canyon where towering walls practically swallow the sky. It's like nature decided to create the ultimate dramatic entrance, and honestly? It delivers. The whole drive is exhilarating, punctuated with jaw-dropping views that make your white knuckles totally worth it.
hard5 Risky Irish Roads That Are Not Easy to Drive
🌍 Ireland
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Ireland’s roads are an adventure all their own! First up, the **Wild Atlantic Way**: This isn't just a road trip; it's a 2,500 km love letter to the Irish coast. Think dramatic views and quirky villages, but also razor-sharp bends, bumpy surfaces, and the occasional sheep crossing. Keep your eyes peeled and your speed down, especially in those remote spots! Then there’s **Conor’s Pass**: Get ready for some serious elevation! The views are insane, but the road? Let’s just say it’s cozy. Expect super tight corners, steep hills, and visibility that can disappear faster than a pint of Guinness. Take it slow, and be ready to pull over to let others pass. Don't miss the **Old Military Road**: Winding through the Wicklow Mountains for 58 km, this road is exposed and windy. It’s got history and beauty, but not a whole lot of guardrails. Keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter! Next up, the **Gap of Dunloe**: This narrow mountain pass is shared by cars, cyclists, walkers, and even horse-drawn carts! Nestled between the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the Purple Mountain range, you’ll get breathtaking scenery, but don’t expect much elbow room. Slow and steady wins the race here. Last but not least, the **Slea Head Drive**: This 46 km loop on the Dingle Peninsula is all about those ocean views. But don't get too distracted because this road can get skinny, twisty, and hilly. It’s popular with tourists, so expect company! So, get ready for the ride of your life! Just remember to drive safely, stay alert, and prepare for anything.
hardThe wild road to Col du Granon in the French Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Granon Perched at a breathtaking 2,413 meters (7,916 feet) in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, Col du Granon is a hidden gem tucked into the French Alps—just north of Briançon, France's highest city. The D234T road climbing to the summit is a fully paved roller coaster of switchbacks and steep pitches on the south side (though the north side transforms into a gnarly dirt track if you're feeling adventurous on a gravel or mountain bike). What makes Granon special? It's genuinely quieter than its famous neighboring passes, giving you a more intimate Alpine experience. Starting from Saint-Chaffrey, you're looking at a 10.5 km (6.5-mile) slog that climbs 975 meters with an average gradient of 9.28%—but don't be fooled by that average. The road gets absolutely brutal in sections, hitting a whopping 15.9% gradient that'll test your legs (or your car's transmission). Helpful kilometer markers display the gradient percentage as you climb, so you know exactly what's coming. This pass has serious pedigree: it hosted the Tour de France in 1986 as the highest summit finish of a stage—a record that stood for 25 years until Col du Galibier took over. At the top, you'll find the Buvette Du Granon bar-restaurant, a parking lot, and some fascinating military remnants. From here, you can branch out to Col de Barteaux, Col de Cibières, or Porte de Cristol for even more Alpine exploration.