Col du Tra: a curvy steep road only for experienced drivers
France, europe
21 km
1,312 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Col du Tra, a ridiculously scenic mountain pass way up in the French Alps (Savoie department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region to be exact). We're talking 1,312m (4,304ft) above sea level! This one's a biker's dream, a ribbon of smooth asphalt (the D88, if you're into specifics) that winds its way for 21.0 km (13.04 miles) from Saint-Marcel (off the N-90) to La Plagne-Tarentaise (on the D220).
But hold up – it's not all smooth sailing. This road is seriously twisty! We're talking a whopping 39 hairpin turns, some of which sneak up on you. And fair warning, there are sections that are super narrow and steep, hitting gradients of up to 11.5%. Think of it as a thrilling alternative to the dull N90. Plus, you'll pass through some charming, ancient villages. Just keep your wits about you, and get ready for some seriously breathtaking views!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,312 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardUltimate 4wd destination: Laghi di Cedec
🇮🇹 Italy
# Laghi di Cedèc: A Wild Alpine Adventure Want to experience one of Italy's most dramatic high-altitude drives? Laghi di Cedèc is a stunning mountain lake sitting pretty at 2,833 meters (9,294 feet) in the Sondrio province of Lombardy, nestled within the magnificent Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio in the northern Alps. Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road here is completely off-limits during winter, and year-round access is restricted to authorized vehicles only. The entire route is unpaved, so if you're not comfortable tackling serious mountain tracks, this probably isn't for you. You'll definitely need a proper 4x4 to make it work. Starting from Santa Caterina di Valfurva, you're looking at an 11.8 km (7.33 mile) climb with a brutal 1,104-meter elevation gain—that's an average gradient of 9.35%. Translation? Steep doesn't even begin to cover it. This ranks among Italy's highest roads for a reason. Be particularly prepared for the roughest section: the first 1.4 km beyond Rifugio Pizzini (at 2,706m/8,877ft) features some genuinely gnarly terrain that'll test your driving skills and your vehicle's suspension. If you've got a solid 4x4 and nerves of steel, the views and sense of accomplishment at the top make this epic journey absolutely unforgettable.
hardWhere is Boi-Taüll?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in the Spanish Pyrenees, specifically Lleida, Catalonia, heading towards the Boi-Taüll ski resort. This place is nestled right in the Vall de Boí, surrounded by incredible natural beauty and culture. The road up, the L-501, is a smooth ride, all paved, though it does have some seriously steep sections kicking up to 10.7%! It’s about 14.2 kilometers (almost 9 miles) from the L-500 / L-501 junction, climbing 780 meters up to the resort. Do the math, and you're looking at an average incline of 5.5%. Nothing too crazy. You'll navigate 14 hairpin turns, but overall, it's a pretty manageable drive. The best part? It's open year-round, even in winter, though you might need chains on stormy days, especially closer to the top. And hey, you're basically driving through Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici Natural Park, so the views are going to be epic! Boi-Taüll itself sits at 2,055 meters (6,742 feet), so get ready for some fresh mountain air.
hardWhere is Fuentes Altas located?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Fuentes Altas! This high mountain pass sits way up at 1,736 meters (that's 5,695 feet!) in the heart of the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, nestled in Spain's Jaén province, Andalusia. Think of it as a back door into Spain's largest protected playground. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Forget pavement – you're tackling an unpaved forest track, a real throwback to old-school forestry routes. Expect loose gravel, rocks, and maybe even mud if you're visiting during the wetter months. Snow? Yeah, that's a regular thing from December to March, so plan accordingly! While the climb isn't crazy steep (around 9% max), this track is narrow and uneven. A high-clearance 4x4 is practically a must. Seriously, your average car might not cut it, especially on those trickier sections of the plateau. Fuentes Altas is more than just a pretty drive. It's a vital connector in the Segura mountains, linking you to a network of remote forest roads far from the usual tourist crowds of the Guadalquivir valley. So, if you're craving an off-the-beaten-path experience with views for days, Fuentes Altas is calling your name!
extremeWhere is Brasina?
🌍 Bosnia
Brasina Peak is an absolute must-do for off-road adventurers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, towering at 1,873m (6,145ft)! This peak is nestled in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, a stone's throw from Mostar. Starting in Mostar at just 177m, the 23.4 km (14.54 miles) journey gains a whopping 1,696 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 7.24%, with some sections hitting a steep 14%! The road starts as pavement, but quickly deteriorates. Be prepared for a fully unpaved, rocky, loose gravel track, winding along some serious drop-offs! It's narrow, barely wide enough for two cars. Expect some seriously steep inclines and about 24 hairpin turns. An old military road, the route has some cool history, including the remains of Austro-Hungarian fortresses and a former military base at the top. The views? Unreal. Brasina overlooks Mostar and, on a clear day, you can see all of Herzegovina and even the Adriatic Sea in the distance. Plus, stunning mountain vistas of Prenj, Čvrsnica, and more! **Important note**: Stick to the road, there are dangerous minefields. This road is generally closed from November to May due to heavy snow, avalanches, and icy conditions. Water is scarce, so pack plenty, especially in summer.