
Col du Clergeon
France, europe
10 km
979 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Col du Clergeon, a killer mountain pass nestled in the French Jura Mountains! This one tops out at 979m (3,211ft) and the climb is a full 10km of pure adrenaline. We're talking asphalt (D55, if you're mapping it), but don't let that fool you - those middle two kilometers are BRUTAL, averaging a leg-burning 10.5% grade with some sections way steeper. Plus, it's narrow! And keep an eye on the weather, because snow can shut this beauty down in a heartbeat. But hey, all that effort is worth it for the views! You’re looking at a 7.3% average incline over the whole climb – a true test for you and your car.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10 km
- Max Elevation
- 979 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Mont Revard?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Mont Revard in the Savoie department of France is calling your name. You'll find this beauty nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. As you wind your way up the perfectly paved D913, get ready for some serious eye candy. Think jaw-dropping mountain vistas around every bend! The road, also known as Route du Revard, isn't crazy steep, but it's a steady climb for over 15km, gaining some serious altitude. Keep an eye out for cyclists – this pass has seen some Tour de France action! The Mont Revard ski resort sits right at the pass's northern edge, meaning the road is typically open year-round, though winter conditions can throw a curveball, so check before you go!
hardWhere is Monte Oiz?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Let's talk about Monte Oiz, a peak in northern Spain that'll test your mettle. Nestled in the Basque Country, this climb to 1,026 meters (3,366 ft) is not for the faint of heart! They don't call the summit the "Biscay Balcony" for nothing—the views are killer, stretching from the nearby sea to the mountains. Just be warned: fog and rain are frequent visitors. You'll spot a big antenna and a geodesic dome which make the mountain hard to miss. It's also infamous for a plane crash in 1985, when a flight hit the radar tower in thick cloud. The Munitibar-Arbatzegi-Gerrikaitz ascent is only 8.6 km (5.34 miles), but don't let that fool you. For the first 6 km, the road's smooth sailing, but then it turns into a corrugated concrete track that gets bumpier as you go. Those last 5 km are brutal, averaging a gradient of 10.5%, with some sections hitting a whopping 24%! It’s a half-asphalt, half-concrete beast with irregular ramps. You may recognize it from the Vuelta a España race. Ready for the challenge?
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Puerto del Connio
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto del Connio: A Scenic Mountain Adventure in Asturias Tucked away in the heart of Fuentes del Narcea in northern Spain's Asturias region, Puerto del Connio is a gorgeous high-altitude pass that sits at 1,315 meters (4,314 feet) above sea level. It's the kind of place that makes your drive worthwhile. The route up is straightforward enough—you're looking at the AS-348, a fully asphalted road that's definitely on the narrower side. Here's the good news: it's generally accessible year-round, though Mother Nature does have the final say. When winter dumps heavy snow, the pass can close temporarily, so it's worth checking conditions before you head out. Starting from Ventanueva, you're in for an 18.6 km climb that'll gain you a solid 769 meters of elevation. That works out to an average gradient of around 5.65%, which is pleasantly rideable without being overly brutal. The winding ascent rewards you with stunning mountain scenery as you gain altitude, making every switchback feel earned. Whether you're chasing that perfect driving road or just want to experience the raw beauty of the Asturian mountains, Puerto del Connio delivers on both fronts. Pack layers, take your time on the curves, and soak in the views—this pass is a gem worth experiencing.
extremeWhere is Mamisoni Pass?
🇬🇪 Georgia
Mamisonskiy Pass: Straddling the border between Georgia and Russia's North Ossetia-Alania, this high-altitude gem clocks in at a staggering 2,836m (9,304ft)! You'll find it nestled within the Racha-Lechkhum-Kvemo Svaneti Planned National Park. The North Ossetian Military Road, dating back to the late 1800s, winds its way through here, connecting Kutaisi in Georgia with Alagir in Russia. But be warned, this 33.6 km (20.87 miles) stretch from Shovi, Georgia, to Kamskho, Russia, is not for the faint of heart. Expect a completely unpaved track, barely wide enough for one vehicle in places, with hairpin turns and blind corners galore. The climb is seriously steep in sections, reaching gradients of up to 17%! The pass is usually only open for a few months each year due to heavy snowfall. But for those brave enough to tackle it in a 4x4, the views from the top are incredible. Plus, you can even visit a weather station located near the summit at 2,847m (9,340ft). Just remember, you're right on the edge of Europe here, where the continent meets Asia!