Collado del Alamo, a gravel track with magnificent views
Spain, europe
N/A
1,729 m
hard
Year-round
Hey adventurers! Ever heard of Collado del Alamo? It's a mountain pass nestled high in the Sierra Nevada National Park, in Granada, Andalucia, Spain. We're talking serious altitude here—5,672 feet (1,729m) above sea level!
The road? Think rugged and unpaved. You'll definitely want an SUV or all-road vehicle to tackle this one. Best time to go is late spring through early fall, because those mountain roads can get pretty snowy.
And the views? Unreal! You'll be gazing at the snow-capped peaks of Mulhacén and Veleta. Trust me, you'll want to soak it all in during daylight hours. This isn't a road you want to try navigating at night. It’s super steep in sections, hitting gradients of up to 15%. Get ready for an epic climb!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,729 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardTaking on the Twists and Turns to Col du Val d'Ese in Corsica
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Val d'Ese Nestled in the heart of Corsica, Col du Val d'Ese sits pretty at 1,615 meters (5,298 feet) above sea level in the Corse-du-Sud department. This mountain pass sits right between the Prunelli and Taravo valleys, making it a scenic gateway to some seriously impressive terrain. The real magic happens at the summit, where you'll find the charming Ski resort Val d'Ese. But here's where it gets exciting — this pass is basically your launching pad to Col de Scaldasole, Corsica's crown jewel and the island's highest drivable road at a jaw-dropping 1,938 meters (6,358 feet). Now, let's talk about the drive itself. The D27A road is fully paved (though fair warning: it's seen better days), but what it lacks in pristine asphalt, it makes up for in character. This route is seriously curvy, impressively steep in spots — we're talking 13.3% grades — and it's refreshingly narrow with countless hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. Starting from the village of Bastelica, you're looking at a 15-kilometer (9.3-mile) climb that'll elevate you 859 meters. The average gradient sits at a manageable 5.7%, but those steep sections definitely add some spice to the experience. It's a thrilling ribbon of road that showcases Corsica's dramatic alpine landscape at its finest.
hardA paved narrow road to Guspessa Pass in the Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
Passo di Guspessa is a thrilling alpine pass sitting at 1,824m (5,984ft) in the province of Brescia, Italy. Tucked away in the Lombardy region near the Swiss border, this is one seriously challenging ride. Fair warning: this is an old military track that'll keep you on your toes. Yeah, it's fully paved, but the surface is rough and unforgiving, with some sections hitting 20% grades that'll make your palms sweat. Speed limits are capped at 20 km/h—and for good reason. Big rigs are completely banned here, so it's just you, smaller vehicles, and the mountain. The 21.5 km (13.35 miles) stretch runs north to south from the legendary Mortirolo Pass down to Galleno, rewarding you with absolutely stunning alpine scenery. Just be extra careful navigating oncoming traffic, making passes, and taking those hairpin corners. One wrong move and you'll regret it. Head up here in summer or early fall if you can—winters turn this road into an impassable snow-covered nightmare. But if you time it right, you're in for an unforgettable alpine adventure with views that'll take your breath away.
moderateThe historic trail to Septimer Pass in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Septimer Pass: Walk in the Footsteps of Ancient Rome Ready to experience how the Romans actually traveled through the Alps? Septimer Pass is your answer. Sitting pretty at 2,310 m (7,579 ft) above sea level in the Albula Region of Switzerland's Graubünden canton, this mountain pass is basically a time machine on a trail. Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the country between the Bregaglia and Oberhalbstein valleys, Septimer Pass (also called Passo del Settimo or Pass da Sett) was *the* Alpine crossing back in the day. The geography just made sense for it—merchants and traders loved this route because it was the logical way to get to and from Italy. But then the Julier Pass road opened in 1826, and honestly, Septimer never really bounced back. Here's the fun part: the entire route to the summit is unpaved, giving it that authentic old-world vibe. Starting from Sursés, you're looking at 6.5 km (4.03 miles) of climbing with 527 m of elevation gain—that's an 8.10% average gradient. Nothing too brutal, but definitely noticeable. Fair warning though—this is a bikes-only road. No private vehicles allowed. And it's only really doable during the warmer months (weather permitting), typically closing from October through June. But if you're up for a unique Alpine adventure that actually takes you back in history? Absolutely worth the visit.
hardThe breathtaking road to Kaz Dağı (Mount Ida)
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure awaits in northwestern Turkey! We're tackling Kaz Dağı (Mount Ida), a majestic peak soaring to 1,746 meters (5,728 feet) in Balıkesir province. This beauty resides within the Ida Mountain National Park, and let me tell you, the road to the top is an experience. Picture this: a gravel track, a bit bumpy, winding its way upwards. Now, heads up – winter can be a real game-changer here. Snowfall is common at this altitude, so be prepared for possible closures if the path isn't cleared. A 4x4 is your best friend for this climb! The prize? A radar station at the summit and killer views. Starting from Zeytinli, the ascent stretches for about 31 kilometers (19 miles), with a hefty 1701-meter (5,580 feet) climb. Expect some seriously steep sections with an average gradient of 5.5%. Trust me, the payoff is worth the effort!