Col des Encombres
France, europe
N/A
2,367 m
hard
Year-round
# Col des Encombres: Not for the Faint of Heart
Perched at a seriously impressive 2,367 meters (7,765 feet) in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col des Encombres is the kind of mountain pass that separates the adventurous drivers from the rest. This is proper off-road territory.
Let's be real—the road up here is rough. We're talking gravel, rocks, ruts, and washboard conditions that'll rattle your teeth. The narrow, winding trail was originally carved out for military construction purposes and honestly, it shows. Maintenance has been pretty minimal over the years, so expect steep switchbacks, loose gravel, and some serious washouts that demand respect.
Winter? Forget about it. This road is basically locked down from the cold months, which tells you everything you need to know about the conditions up here.
This is absolutely a 4x4-only kind of adventure. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, skip it. Heights aren't your thing? Definitely skip it. But if you're an experienced off-roader with a capable vehicle and nerves of steel, you're in for an unforgettable experience. Just make sure conditions are dry—when that gravel turns to mud, even the most skilled wheelers find themselves in tricky territory.
Where is it?
Col des Encombres is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.9967, 2.0678
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,367 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.9967, 2.0678
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