Desfiladero de la Inclusa: this drive is not for timid drivers

Desfiladero de la Inclusa: this drive is not for timid drivers

Spain, europe

Length

12.1 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

# Desfiladero de la Inclusa

Hidden in the heart of Huesca's Sobrarbe region in northeastern Aragon, Spain, you'll find one of the country's most breathtaking canyon drives. The A-2609 winds through the dramatic Desfiladero de la Inclusa, following the Cinqueta river as it carves through towering canyon walls in the Pirineo mountains.

This isn't your average Sunday cruise. Built back in the 1960s, the 12.1 km (7.51 miles) road stretching west-east from Salinas to Plan is famously narrow—and I mean *really* narrow. You're looking at a one-lane squeeze for the entire journey, so encountering another vehicle is basically your worst nightmare scenario. Seriously, if backing up isn't your strong suit, you might want to reconsider. Rock falls are a real concern here, so stay sharp and take it slow.

The good news? The road is paved, and you'll mostly have it to yourself except for the occasional cyclist or weekend biker. The scenery is absolutely stunning—your passengers will be glued to the windows while you're laser-focused on navigating the potholes and hairpin curves. It's genuinely one of those roads that'll make you appreciate both your driving skills and your camera's storage capacity.

Fair warning: conditions get sketchy after rain, so check the weather before heading out. Bring your camera, keep your wits about you, and prepare for an unforgettable ride through one of Spain's most dramatic landscapes.

Where is it?

Desfiladero de la Inclusa: this drive is not for timid drivers is located in Spain (europe). Coordinates: 40.2481, -4.2325

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Spain
Continent
europe
Length
12.1 km
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
40.2481, -4.2325

Related Roads in europe

Where is Cima di Morissolo?moderate

Where is Cima di Morissolo?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you're in the gorgeous Italian region of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, itching for an adventure. You're heading up Cima di Morissolo, a peak with some serious history! At the top, you'll find the Fortificazione del Morissolo, part of the old Cadorna Line fortifications – think military mule tracks, trenches, and artillery spots. It's a real step back in time, built to defend against a potential German invasion through Switzerland. The road itself? Well, it's more of a rugged path called Sentiero Strada Cadorna or Strada Militare del Monte Morissolo. It's a steep gravel road that's unfortunately closed to private vehicles. But trust me, the views are worth the hike! From the "three crosses" at the summit, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of Lake Maggiore, especially the southern side. It's a vista you won't forget!

What’s the Anfo Ridge Road?hard

What’s the Anfo Ridge Road?

🇮🇹 Italy

Deep in the Lombardy region of Italy, a stone's throw from Brescia, lies the legendary Anfo Ridge Road. Trust me, this isn't just a drive, it's a full-blown experience! This old military road, tracing paths that Romans may have walked, definitely lives up to its fearsome reputation. Think rugged, think scenic, think beautiful... but also think dusty and stony! This route, carved into the Orobie Alps, features a mix of paved and unpaved sections, plus four short, dark tunnels. It was even closed for six years due to a landslide, but thankfully reopened in 2009, with some new tunnels added later to bypass the trickiest spots. Stretching just over 20 kilometers, the road winds its way from Anfo. What makes it challenging? Oh, just a few things: rock fall risk, sheer drops, hairpin turns, and a narrow, pot-holed surface. We're talking maximum grades of 12 percent, with a speed limit of 20 km/h. And leave your oversized vehicles at home — it's closed to anything wider than 2.5 meters or taller than 3.2 meters. Because of its condition, expect minimal traffic. Let's be real, nobody's rushing to make this road consistently navigable. This high-altitude road climbs over four mountain passes, reaching altitudes of 1,450m, 1,521m, 1,527m, and a dizzying 1,727m. Usually open from June to the end of October, it's best to check conditions beforehand, as heavy rains can cause closures.

38 hairpin turns to Col de la Croix de Coeur in Switzerlandhard

38 hairpin turns to Col de la Croix de Coeur in Switzerland

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Col de la Croix de Coeur Buckle up for one seriously epic ride! This high mountain pass sits at 2,178m (7,145ft) in Switzerland's Valais region, straddling the line between the Entremont and Martigny districts in the southwestern corner of the country. The Route de la Croix-de-Coeur stretches 43 km (26 miles) from Sembrancher up to Riddes, and let me tell you—it doesn't pull any punches. You're looking at a mix of paved and unpaved terrain, with that final stretch rolling along a gravel track that'll keep you on your toes. The gradient ramps up to a gnarly 12% in places, and you'll navigate five tunnels and a whopping 38 hairpin turns. Fair warning: most of them aren't protected by guardrails, so confidence and steady hands are essential. The payoff? Absolutely stunning panoramas. From the summit, you'll catch incredible views of the Combins and Mont Blanc to the south, while the Bernese Alps dominate the northern horizon. There's even a little restaurant up top (Restaurant La Croix-de-Coeur) where you can celebrate your conquest with a well-deserved meal, plus a parking area to catch your breath and snap some photos. This isn't a casual Sunday drive—it's a thrilling mountain challenge that rewards the brave with unforgettable scenery.

The Inhumane Climb to Fodara Vedla Refuge with 27% Rampshard

The Inhumane Climb to Fodara Vedla Refuge with 27% Ramps

🇮🇹 Italy

# Rifugio Fodara Vedla: The Alps' Most Insane Climb Want to experience what might be the steepest road in the entire Alps? Welcome to Rifugio Fodara Vedla, a high-altitude mountain refuge sitting pretty at 1,980 m (6,496 ft) in Italy's South Tyrol region. Tucked within the stunning Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park in the Dolomites, this incredible destination is perched on the Sennes plateau. The route to get there follows an old military road built by the Austrian army back in the day—which honestly explains why it's so beautifully intense. The adventure kicks off from San Vigilio di Marebbe and stretches 14.7 km (9.13 miles) total. The first section is straightforward enough—smooth, paved road taking you to Rifugio Pederu at 1,548 m elevation. But here's where things get wild. From Rifugio Pederu onward, the surface changes to concrete for 3 km. Then comes the final section—an unpaved, vehicle-restricted gauntlet that'll test every ounce of your nerve. This is where you'll encounter a legendary sequence of 9 hairpin turns that climb from 1,621 m to 1,767 m in just 550 meters of road. We're talking a gradient steeper than 26.5%—and yeah, it's absolutely brutal in the best way possible. This isn't your average Alpine drive. It's legendary for a reason.