
Col des Rochilles
France, europe
N/A
2,496 m
hard
Year-round
Col des Rochilles is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.496m (8,188ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.
The road to the summit is gravel. It’s an old military road. It’s very narrow, pretty steep and closed in winters. After rain, sections of road can become decidedly hazardous when fast-flowing creek crossings and slippery mud can cause road closures. 4x4 track with experienced driver.
The road was built between 1902 and 1907. Near the summit there’s a military fortress called Ouvrage Les Rochilles, a lesser work of the Maginot Line's Alpine extension.
http://blog-randos.eklablog.com/topo-col-des-rochilles-2496m-lac-de-la-claree-2433m-a112598880
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,496 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardTravel Guide to the Cirque de Gavarnie
🇫🇷 France
# Cirque de Gavarnie: A Glacial Wonder in the Pyrenees Tucked away in the Hautes-Pyrénées department of southwestern France, near the Spanish border, sits the absolutely breathtaking Cirque de Gavarnie. This massive rock amphitheater perches at 1,690m (5,544ft) and is hands-down the most impressive cirque in the region—and honestly, one of the most stunning natural formations you'll ever witness. We're talking about a 6.5 km (4 miles) diameter bowl with walls that soar 1,500 meters (4,921 ft) high, all carved out by ancient glaciers millions of years ago. The limestone walls display incredible shades of grey, ochre, and pink that shift with the light throughout the day. And here's the crown jewel: Europe's largest waterfall cascades down at 427m (1,401ft)—an absolute showstopper, especially in spring when snowmelt is at its peak. Plus, it's the only cirque accessible year-round, which is a huge bonus for planning your adventure. The valley straddles the France-Spain border, with the French side protected as part of Pyrenees National Park and the Spanish side belonging to the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park. Both sides take their environmental preservation seriously, so private vehicles aren't allowed on the approach. Ready for the real adventure? The final 3.9 km (2.42 miles) to the iconic Hôtel du Cirque (a charming spot dating back to 1845) is a gloriously rough, unpaved, and incredibly rocky climb. This narrow, steep, winding route demands serious 4x4 vehicles with proper clearance—it's not for the faint of heart, but the payoff is absolutely worth every bump and turn.
hardWhere is Alto de Lubián?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure awaits in Zamora, Spain! Let's talk about Alto de Lubián, a mountain peak sitting pretty at 1,681 meters. You'll find it in the Castile and León region, way up north. The road? Think winding and narrow, all paved but with a few hairpin turns to keep things interesting. Oh, and it gets steep – some sections clock in at over 13%! It’s known locally as Camino del Cañizo, and at the top, you're rewarded with a wind farm and some killer views. If you're up for a cycling challenge, this is your spot. Starting from the ZA-106, it's a 10.3 km climb gaining 671 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 6.51%, so be prepared to work those legs! Get ready for some beautiful scenery and a proper workout.
moderateHow To Travel The Road 862 to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: Iceland, Northeastern Region, and you're cruising on Road 862, aka Dettifossvegur, headed for the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. Trust me, this is one scenic route you don't want to miss. This beauty runs along the western side of the Jökulsá river and the views? Unreal. Think wide-open landscapes that'll leave you breathless. The best part? It's all paved, baby! Built in 2011, so you can leave the 4x4 at home, passenger vehicles are just fine. Nestled inside Vatnajökull National Park, in the northern part of Iceland, this 50.7 km (31.5 miles) stretch of road snakes its way from Road 85, south of Thvera, up to the iconic Ring Road. Factor in about 1 to 1.5 hours for the drive, depending on how often you pull over to soak in the views (and you will pull over!). It runs parallel to the unpaved Road 864, which brings you to the eastern side of the waterfall. Usually, you can tackle this road from April to December, but keep in mind it might not be fully serviced, even in the summer.
moderateHow long is Kallavesi Ice Road?
🌍 Finland
Okay, picture this: Finland in winter. Lake Kallavesi, normally a sprawling, 90 km giant of a lake, transforms into a massive ice rink. And what do the clever Finns do? They build a road right across it! We're talking a 7.7 km (almost 5 miles) stretch of ice road connecting Niittylahti to Kuopio, a major city in Eastern Finland. It's a total bucket-list experience. Now, before you go full speed racer, there are a few ground rules. Think of it as a super-chilled out cruise. Keep your speed under 50 km/h (31 mph) and give the car in front of you at least 50 meters (164 feet) of space. And remember, no passing or stopping! Just soak in the surreal scenery of driving across a frozen lake. Just be mindful of the 3-tonne weight limit (though it might get bumped up if the ice is extra thick). This is one Finnish adventure you won't forget.