Collade de la Roquette

Collade de la Roquette

France, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,076 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Alright thrill-seekers, buckle up for Collade de la Roquette, a wild ride in the French Pyrénées-Orientales, practically spitting distance from Spain and Catalonia. This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,076m (6,811ft), so be prepared for some thin air!

Now, getting there is half the adventure. We're talking serious 4x4 territory, folks. Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps to keep you on your toes. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, and definitely a no-go in winter. Seasoned off-roaders will be in heaven, but if you're not comfy on unpaved mountain roads, maybe sit this one out.

At the summit, you'll find the Refuge du Pla Guillem, a cozy mountain shelter with views that'll make your jaw drop. Just a heads up, though: if heights aren't your thing, maybe don't look down! Expect some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 8%. And if it's been raining, that muddy road can get pretty slick. But hey, that's all part of the fun, right?

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,076 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

Is the road to Bocco Pass paved?moderate

Is the road to Bocco Pass paved?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Apennines, straddling the line between Emilia-Romagna and Liguria. You're headed for Passo del Bocco, a mountain pass that tops out at 962 meters (3,156 feet). The road? Oh, it's paved alright, but don't think it's a walk in the park. Get ready for some seriously steep climbs and more hairpin turns than you can shake a stick at. At the summit, you'll find a restaurant and a parking area, perfect for a breather. This pass has some stories to tell. It was once a famous hill climb stage, even won by a Tour of Italy champ. Sadly, it also holds a somber memory, marking the spot where cyclist Wouter Weylandt tragically passed during the 2011 Giro d'Italia. To get here, you've got a couple of options: you can take the SP26bis from Borgonovo, a shorter but sweet 18.5 km (11.5 miles) jaunt. Or, for a longer ride, try the SP49 from Varese Ligure – that's a 34.7 km (21.6 miles) adventure that winds its way to Borzonasca. Either way, you're in for an Italian driving experience you won't soon forget!

Where is Colle Basset?moderate

Where is Colle Basset?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, so picture this: Colle Basset, a killer mountain pass chilling at 2,424 meters (that's 7,952 feet!) in the Italian Alps, near Turin. You'll find it in the Piedmont region, smack dab in northern Italy. It's actually part of the famous Assietta Road (S. P. 173), which winds its way from Susa to Sestriere. Now, heads up: this road is *unpaved*. We're talking a full-on, rocky, military-style track snaking along the ridge from Pian dell'Alpe towards Sestriere. Colle Basset is the first pass you'll hit coming from the Sestriere side. Keep it slow and steady – 30 km/h is the limit. Overtaking is a no-go, and only stop in designated parking areas. Despite the rough surface and loose rocks, it's totally doable – just be prepared for a bumpy ride, especially on the curves. Oh, and one last thing: this epic gravel road is only open from June 1st to October 31st, so plan your trip accordingly!

Tossal d'Estivellahard

Tossal d'Estivella

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're craving epic views and a serious off-road challenge, Tossal d'Estivella in the Catalan Pyrenees is calling your name. We're talking a 2,193-meter (7,194 ft) peak smack-dab in the Serres d'Odèn-Port del Comte range. Word to the wise: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is unpaved and seriously steep, so a 4x4 is a must. The window to tackle it is tight – usually late August – and be prepared for some seriously strong winds up there. But trust me, the views of the Pyrenees are worth every bump and gust. You'll be surrounded by that classic high mountain scenery. Get ready for a breathtaking panorama from the top!

Where is Alto Llano?moderate

Where is Alto Llano?

🇪🇸 Spain

Calling all adventure seekers! Have you heard of Alto Llano, a hidden gem nestled in the Spanish Province of Segovia? Also known as Navapelegrín, this peak sits pretty at 1,710m (5,610ft) above sea level, right on the edge of the Community of Madrid. The road to the top? Fully paved, though expect some concrete sections and a rather narrow path. While it's generally open year-round, be warned: winter weather can sometimes shut it down temporarily. But let's talk about the climb! Starting from La Pradera de Navalhorno, it's a 6.8km (4.22 miles) grind with an average gradient of 7.5 percent. Don't let that fool you – some stretches crank up to a brutal 12 percent average, with maximums hitting a lung-busting 20 percent. Get ready for a serious workout with some amazing views!