Croce Arcana Pass

Croce Arcana Pass

Italy, europe

Length

16 km

Elevation

1,669 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Passo della Croce Arcana

Tucked away in Italy's Pistoia province within the Apennines, Passo della Croce Arcana sits at a respectable 1,669m (5,475ft) and makes for one seriously epic mountain adventure. Starting from Cutigliano, you're looking at a 16km climb that'll gain you a whopping 1,030 meters of elevation – averaging out to a 6.4% grade, though some sections crank up to a gnarly 13.6%.

Here's the reality check: this is a gravel road all the way, narrow and bumpy, so come prepared. Rain or snow? You're basically not getting through. Even in good conditions, the steep pitches and rough surface demand respect and a vehicle that can handle it. But if you've got the wheels and the nerve for it, the payoff is absolutely worth it – you'll be rewarded with some seriously stunning Apennine scenery that'll have you remembering this drive for years.

Where is it?

Croce Arcana Pass is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.5415, 12.0623

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Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
16 km
Max Elevation
1,669 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
42.5415, 12.0623

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