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
difficultVrsic Pass
🌍 Slovenia
# Vrsic Pass: Slovenia's Ultimate Alpine Challenge Ready for a wild ride? The Vrsic Pass is Slovenia's crown jewel—the country's highest mountain pass at 1,611 meters—and it's absolutely spectacular. This scenic connector links the charming town of Kranjska Gora with Bovec in the Soca Valley, but getting there is half the adventure. What makes this pass truly unforgettable is its crazy 50 hairpin bends—24 on the way up from the north, 26 twisting down the south side. But here's the thing: many of these bends are still paved with original cobblestones laid by Russian prisoners of war during World War I. Talk about history beneath your tires. The road's backstory is intense. Built between 1914 and 1916 by over 10,000 Russian POWs under Austro-Hungarian rule, it came at an unimaginable cost. A devastating avalanche in March 1916 claimed more than 300 lives, and the Russian Chapel perched near the summit serves as a poignant memorial to those lost souls. The drive itself is spectacular. The northern climb winds steeply through thick forests of spruce and larch, while the southern descent opens up to jaw-dropping views of the Julian Alps and the stunning emerald-green Soca River—seriously one of Europe's most beautiful waterways. Fair warning though: those historic cobblestone hairpins are seriously tricky when wet, so take your time and enjoy the views.
extremeHow long is the road to Lake Sušičko?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, picture this: You're in northwestern Montenegro, craving an adventure. Punch "Lake Sušičko" into your GPS. You'll find yourself near Durmitor National Park, heading towards a high mountain lake sitting pretty at 1,163m. The road starts from the village of Nedajno and it's about 6.5 km of pure driving excitement. It's mostly paved, but don't get too comfy – there are some rugged, unpaved bits thrown in to keep you on your toes. This isn't a Sunday drive, folks. Expect hairpin turns and some serious drop-offs. It's narrow in places, so you might have to get creative with passing. Word to the wise: summer brings more traffic, so patience is key. So, is it worth it? Absolutely! The views of the Sušica Canyon are unreal. And the lake itself? Stunning. It’s typically 350-450m long and up to 200m wide, reaching depths of 4-5m. But here's the cool part: by late summer, it transforms into a lush green meadow as the water recedes. The whole drive is a feast for the eyes, showcasing Montenegro's incredible scenery. Just take it slow, stay focused, and soak it all in!
hardCol du Palet
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Palet: A High-Alpine Adventure If you're after serious mountain driving credentials, Col du Palet delivers. This spectacular pass sits at 2,658 meters (8,720 feet) in the Savoie department of southeastern France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, making it one of the country's most formidable high-altitude roads. Nestled within Vanoise National Park, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The gravel and rocky surface gets rough and bumpy in places, demanding genuine off-road chops and a 4x4 vehicle. The steep grades and exposure mean acrophobia sufferers should probably pick a different route—the views are stunning, but they come with a side of serious altitude. Winter essentially shuts this road down from October through June, so timing your visit is crucial. Hit it during the brief summer window, and watch out for muddy conditions after rain—they'll test your driving skills considerably. Reach the summit and you're rewarded with the charming Refuge du Col du Palet and the picturesque Lac du Grattaleu. A minor fork in the road pushes even higher to 2,677 meters (8,782 feet), where a chairlift station awaits. Bottom line: This is strictly for experienced mountain drivers who know their vehicle and aren't intimidated by exposure and technical terrain. It's unforgettable—but only if you're properly equipped and skilled.
extremePort de la Creu de Perves
🇪🇸 Spain
# Port de la Creu de Perves Nestled in the Alta Ribagorça region of Lleida, Catalonia, the Port de la Creu de Perves sits at a respectable 1,335 meters (4,379 feet) and connects the charming villages of La Pobla de Segur and El Pont de Suert via the N-260 highway—better known as the Eje Pirenaico. Fair warning: this pass isn't for the faint of heart. The fully paved road throws 17 hairpin turns at you in rapid succession, demanding your full attention with constant ups, downs, and stomach-turning twists. If your passengers get queasy easily, maybe skip the heavy lunch beforehand. And seriously, don't even think about tackling this one at night or in fog unless you know it intimately—the visibility issues alone make it dicey. The climb from El Pont de Suert spans 14.3km with 572 meters of elevation gain (averaging 3.5%, with some brutal 9% sections), while the Senterada approach is slightly longer at 13.5km but steeper, gaining 608 meters at an average 4.5% grade. Both routes have hosted professional cyclists during the Volta a Catalunya and Vuelta a España races, so you know it's legit challenging terrain. Weather's a serious consideration here—snow and ice can transform this into a genuinely treacherous road, sometimes forcing closures altogether. But push through to the summit, and you'll find yourself on a gorgeous high plateau with sweeping views and a couple of stunning hilltowns dotting the landscape. Worth it? Absolutely, if you're ready for the ride.