Discovering the narrow steep road to Col du Sabot in France
France, europe
10.2 km
2,100 m
extreme
Year-round
# Col du Sabot
Tucked away in the Isère département of southeastern France, Col du Sabot sits pretty at 2,100m (6,889ft) in the heart of the Central French Alps. This pass is part of the stunning Oisans region, just beyond the famous Alpe d'Huez.
The adventure kicks off from Vaujany, a charming ski station, and winds upward for 10.2 km (6.33 miles) through gorgeous alpine pastures. Fair warning: this climb doesn't mess around. You'll encounter some seriously steep stretches with gradients hitting 15.6% at their gnarliest.
What you're dealing with is a narrow, single-lane tarmac road that's seen better days, complete with 17 hairpin turns and some pretty vertiginous drop-offs. The asphalt is a bit worn and patchy, with occasional gravel and loose stones adding to the challenge—especially on the way down. Keep your wits about you and take it slow.
The reward? A small parking lot at the top and a quick 100-meter walk that opens up to spectacular views of the Croix de Fer reservoir. Traffic is typically light, so you'll have the road mostly to yourself to soak in the Alpine scenery. It's demanding, it's technical, but it's absolutely worth the effort if you're up for a proper mountain driving experience.
Where is it?
Discovering the narrow steep road to Col du Sabot in France is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.7826, 2.7078
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,100 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 45.7826, 2.7078
Related Roads in europe
hardCan you drive to Mam Tor?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the High Peak of Derbyshire in England, heading for Mam Tor, aka "The Shivering Mountain." This mountain pass climbs to a cool 461m (1,512ft), and trust me, the views are worth it. You can totally drive up Mam Tor Road, which is part of the A625. It's paved, but be warned – it gets narrow and steep! Seriously steep – think a 20% gradient in places. That's why buses, coaches, and heavy vehicles aren't allowed. The road itself is an experience. It slices through this gap, hemmed in by these crazy limestone formations. The eastern side of the mountain is constantly shifting, creating all these cool, mini-hills from past landslides. It’s this instability that gave Mam Tor its nickname. The whole pass stretches for about 17.54km (10.9 miles), running from Chapel-en-le-Frith to Hope. Cyclists love this road, and it's a regular feature in the Tour of the Peak, where it really tests the riders with its tough climbs and maximum 10% gradients. Fun fact: there used to be another road here, built way back in 1819. But the unstable ground meant constant landslides and repairs. They finally gave up on it in 1979, so you won't be driving that route! Get ready for some incredible scenery and a proper driving adventure!
moderateWhere is Passo di Oclini?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Passo di Oclini, a seriously high-up mountain pass in the gorgeous Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of northern Italy. You'll find it nestled in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano–South Tyrol. At the summit? Think hotels, a sprawling parking lot, and views for days! The road itself? It's a roughly paved adventure that clocks in around . It stretches from east to west, starting at Passo di Lavaze. Be warned: the road's condition is a mixed bag, and you'll find moderate traffic. Plus, it packs a punch with some seriously steep sections—we're talking gradients . The climb from Passo di Lavaze is , with an elevation gain of . That's an average gradient of ! Good news is, unlike some mountain passes, this one’s usually open year-round, though you might find it temporarily closed in winter. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine experience!
hardAn epic enthralling road to Col di Caneva Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Col di Caneva: A Mountain Pass Worth the Climb Tucked away in Belluno Province in Italy's Veneto region, Passo di Col di Caneva sits at a respectable 1,835 meters (6,020 feet) above sea level—and getting there is half the fun. The route follows SP22, a recently resurfaced road that's equal parts charming and demanding. Starting from Cima Sappada, you're looking at a 9.1 km ascent that climbs 540 meters with an average gradient of 5.9%. Sounds manageable, right? Well, here's the catch: some sections hit a punchy 16.4%, and the road playfully shifts between almost-flat stretches and wickedly steep hairpin turns before settling into a proper high-altitude mountain climb. What makes this pass special is the variety. You'll weave through the Val Sesis valley, passing a couple of tempting stops along the way—Ristorante Piani del Cristo (1,410m) and the Rhododendron Hut (1,468m)—before the valley opens up to reveal views of M. Chiadenis and M. Peralba. Push through another kilometer and you'll reach Rifugio Sorgenti del Piave, a cozy mountain refuge right at the summit. Fair warning: this pass can shut down without notice when snow blocks access, so check conditions before heading up. Beyond the summit, a short gravel track leads to a small chapel, but that's where the road ends for good.
hardPico del Lobo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Pico del Lobo: A Wild Mountain Adventure Perched at 2,242 meters (7,355 feet), Pico del Lobo sits right on the border between Castile and León and Castile-La Mancha in north-central Spain. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a proper mountain challenge tucked within the stunning Hayedo de Tejera Negra Natural Park. The road up is rough and unforgiving: mostly loose gravel and rocky terrain that demands respect. As you climb higher, things get gnarlier with steep pitches and scattered stones underfoot. The upper sections are particularly punishing, with grades hitting 30% in places. You'll spot remnants of an old chairlift at the summit—a quirky reminder of the mountain's history. Here's the kicker: you've got a surprisingly tight window to attempt this. Late August is basically your sweet spot for summer conditions. Even then, don't be surprised by sudden snow or brutally cold snaps. Wind is relentless here year-round, but it's especially ferocious during the colder months when temperatures plunge to genuinely harsh levels. This is a former ski-station service road, so it was built for function over comfort. Come prepared for one steep, challenging ascent that'll test both your vehicle and your nerves.