Coll Midós
Spain, europe
20.5 km
2,193 m
extreme
Year-round
# Coll Midós
Tucked away in the heart of the Pyrenees near the Spanish-French border, Coll Midós is a serious mountain adventure that'll take your breath away—literally, at 2,193m elevation. This unpaved gem connects the tiny villages of Arànser and Bescaran across a wild 20.5 km stretch that's definitely not your typical Sunday drive.
Here's the thing: this pass is strictly a late spring through early fall kind of road. Once winter starts rolling in, Mother Nature gets moody. We're talking heavy snowfall, avalanches, and landslides that can shut things down completely. Even when conditions look decent, sneaky patches of ice lurk around corners ready to catch you off guard. It's genuinely hazardous terrain that demands respect and serious driving skills.
But man, if you time it right and come prepared, the payoff is incredible. You're rewarded with classic high-altitude Pyrenean scenery—rugged mountains, sweeping views, and that pristine wilderness feeling that makes you forget about civilization entirely. It's the kind of road that tests both your vehicle and your nerve, making every kilometer feel like an authentic mountain conquest.
Where is it?
Coll Midós is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 39.1873, -4.3694
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 20.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,193 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 39.1873, -4.3694
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the dizzying paved road to Coll de Portilló on the Spanish-French border
🇪🇸 Spain
# Col du Portillon-Coll de Portilló Ready for some serious Pyrenees vibes? The Col du Portillon-Coll de Portilló sits pretty at 1,293 meters (4,242 feet) straddling the France-Spain border between Haute-Garonne in southwestern France and Lleida in Catalonia. The summit marks the exact border crossing, so you're literally hopping between countries as you drive. This 17-kilometer (10.56-mile) east-west route connects the charming village of Bossòst in Aran with the spa town of Bagnères-de-Luchon, and the entire road is beautifully paved. You'll tackle it as the D618A from the French side or the N-141 from Spain. Now, here's the thing—this pass is famous for a reason. Twenty hairpin turns snake their way up the mountain, offering incredible views but definitely testing your nerve. If tight curves and altitude make you queasy, this might not be your vibe. But if you love a thrilling drive, you're in for a treat. The road has even earned its stripes as a Tour de France cycling route, so you know it's legit. The Pyrenees setting is spectacular year-round, and the pass typically stays open throughout the year. Just be aware that winter can bring temporary closures, so always check conditions before heading up. If you're chasing alpine scenery and don't mind a challenging drive, this col is absolutely worth the detour.
hardWhere is Mount Mevzi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, fellow adventurers, let's talk about Mevzi Dağı! This beast of a mountain peak clocks in at a whopping 2,984 meters (9,790 feet) high in eastern Turkey, close to the Iranian border. Getting to the top is no walk in the park. Forget pavement – this is a full-on, unpaved 4x4 adventure. Think steep climbs, hairpin turns galore (we're talking 20!), and curves that just keep on coming. Winter? Forget about it; this road is usually snowed in. Starting from Yukarıkaymaz, it's a 16 km (10-mile) trek to the top, gaining a massive 1,230 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 7.68%, so buckle up! But trust me, the views from the top? Totally worth the white-knuckle drive. Just imagine those panoramic vistas... unforgettable!
hardWhere are Gorges du Bachelard?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in France, and BAM! You stumble upon the Gorges du Bachelard. This isn't just a road; it's an experience. We're talking a 40km (25-mile) ribbon of asphalt – the D902 – carved into a narrow, rocky canyon. Think dramatic waterfalls cascading down beside you, picturesque stone bridges arching overhead, and cliffs that'll make you crane your neck in awe. This "balcony road" snakes its way from Uvernet-Fours to Entraunes, nestled within the Mercantour National Park. Built way back in 1913, it's still got that adventurous vibe with a few rough, gravelly patches thrown in for good measure. Be warned: it's steep and narrow in spots, so keep your eyes peeled for cyclists and the odd motorcycle. This isn't truck territory, thankfully. While pulling over can be tricky, hang in there – the scenery mellows out near Fours Saint Laurent as the valley opens up. Trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment!
extremePasso Pertica: Driving the 16 hairpins from Giazza to the High Lessinia
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Pertica: A Wild Alpine Challenge Near Verona Tucked into the rugged heart of northern Italy's Verona Province, Passo Pertica is a seriously dramatic mountain pass that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Sitting at 1,522 meters (4,993 feet) above sea level, this high-altitude gateway opens into the wild, beautiful Lessinia Regional Nature Park—and the views alone are worth the white-knuckle drive. Starting from the village of Giazza, you've got a 9.7 km (6-mile) journey ahead of you, but don't let that short distance fool you. You're climbing a brutal 818 meters over that span, which translates to a relentless 8.43% average gradient. The road throws 16 sharp hairpin turns at you as it snakes up the mountainside, with very few moments where your engine can catch a break. It's intense. Here's where it gets interesting: the route starts as a proper paved road, but the asphalt politely disappears once you pass Rifugio Revolto. The final 2.9 km? Pure gravel—narrow, steep, and scattered with loose stones that'll test your traction on those tight upper hairpins. Rustic wooden fences line the edges in spots, with serious mountain slopes dropping away beside you. You'll want a vehicle with solid ground clearance for this finish. The landscape itself is spectacular—dramatic limestone cliffs, dense forests, and a secluded mountain atmosphere that feels worlds away from nearby Verona. The Rifugio Passo Pertica at the summit serves as a natural endpoint and a welcome respite. Fair warning though: this pass doesn't play nice with bad weather. Rain can make it impassable, and winter snow regularly closes the upper gravel section to all but specialized vehicles or hikers. Snow tends to linger well into spring, turning that 8% grade into a sketchy mess. Always check the weather forecast before heading up, and make sure your vehicle is genuinely prepared for Alpine conditions.