Dosso dei Galli: a road on top of the mountains

Dosso dei Galli: a road on top of the mountains

Italy, europe

Length

17.4 km

Elevation

2,188 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Dosso dei Galli: Italy's Intense Alpine Challenge

Ready for an adrenaline rush? Welcome to Dosso dei Galli, a seriously impressive mountain pass sitting at 2,188 meters (7,178 feet) high in Brescia province, Lombardy. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—this is the real deal for adventure seekers.

The Strada Provinciale 345B, nicknamed "Delle Tre Valli" (Of the Three Valleys), is a wild 17.4 km (10.81 miles) roller coaster that'll test your nerves and your driving skills. Picture this: you're cruising along a road that's mostly perched above 2,000 meters elevation, with sheer rock faces towering beside you and heart-stopping drops plunging hundreds of meters down—and here's the kicker—most of it's completely unprotected by guardrails. In several spots, the road narrows so much that two vehicles can barely pass each other.

The road kicks off from Passo del Maniva on the Anfo Ridge Road and winds its way to the SP 669 junction. It starts and ends nicely paved, but don't get too comfortable—the middle section switches to gravel, throwing in some rocky, deteriorated surfaces especially through the curves. Still, it's totally doable for experienced drivers.

Fair warning: the speed limit is a cautious 20 km/h. Overtaking is off-limits, and you'll need to stick to designated parking areas. This route demands respect and full concentration, but the payoff? Absolutely unforgettable mountain scenery and bragging rights that last forever.

Where is it?

Dosso dei Galli: a road on top of the mountains is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.1463, 13.4026

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
17.4 km
Max Elevation
2,188 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
43.1463, 13.4026

Related Roads in europe

Where is Col de Pernante?hard

Where is Col de Pernante?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay adventurers, let's talk about Col de Pernante, a seriously cool spot high in the Maritime Alps. This isn't just any mountain pass; it's straddled right on the border between France and Italy! Think stunning Alpine vistas mixed with a dose of European military history – a total win-win. **The Deets:** You'll find it nestled on the ridgeline connecting the Alpes-Maritimes in France with the Province of Cuneo in Italy. The journey starts at the iconic Col de Tende, famous for its 46 hairpin turns (yes, you read that right!). From there, it’s a 600-meter jaunt up a high-altitude military road, originally built to link those old-school defensive fortifications. **Road Conditions:** Forget smooth pavement, this is an unpaved adventure! The gravel surface is usually in decent shape, popular with off-roaders and hikers. But remember, weather in the Alps can change in a heartbeat, turning that gravel slick after a storm. A standard 4x4 is your best bet, but stay alert! **The Summit:** At the top, you'll find the trailhead to Fort Pernante. Built way back in 1883, this fort was part of Italy’s border defense system. It was disarmed during WWI, but the ruins are still there, giving you a peek into the past. And the views? 360 degrees of pure, rugged beauty overlooking both French and Italian peaks. **The Challenge:** That 600-meter stretch to the pass is doable for experienced drivers, but the real challenge lies in getting to Col de Tende and then up to the fort. This road is remote! Make sure you're prepped with enough fuel and your vehicle is in top condition. Plus, watch that descent from the fort – it's steep and gravelly, so use low gear. This drive is a unique mix of simple off-roading and historical exploration, perfect for anyone keen on the "Ligne Maginot" or the Italian "Vallo Alpino" fortifications.

Where is Col de la Lariée?hard

Where is Col de la Lariée?

🇫🇷 France

Nestled on the wild border where France shakes hands with Italy, just northwest of Basera Pass, you'll stumble upon Col de la Lariée. This isn't your average Sunday drive – think historical military track clinging to the Alpine ridgeline, linking the Piedmont region to the stunning Alpes-Maritimes. So, where exactly is this hidden gem? Picture southeastern France (Alpes-Maritimes department) meeting the Italian region of Piedmont. It’s a landscape dotted with relics of early 20th-century military fortifications. You're riding along the crest of the mountains, with jaw-dropping views of the Ligurian Alps' rugged limestone peaks and, if you're lucky, a distant peek at the Mediterranean. It's a crucial path for anyone itching to explore the region's old border defenses. Heads up: the road to the summit is all unpaved glory. We're talking a classic high-altitude military route of loose gravel, crushed rock, and raw earth. While technically passable, a high-clearance 4x4 is your best bet. It's narrow, exposed, and loves a good steep drop – no guardrails here! Tread carefully and keep a steady hand on the wheel. Rain can turn the rocky surface treacherous, and that thin mountain soil? Muddy mayhem in sections. From the famous , the track to Col de la Lariée clocks in at a mere 650 meters (0.4 miles). Don’t let the short distance fool you – it's an intense ride with serious elevation and a wildly rocky path. Keep in mind, this route usually only opens between late June and October. Heavy snow and ice keep these high-altitude ridges locked down for the rest of the year. If you’re tackling the full "Via del Sale" or exploring the ridge-top military roads between Italy and France, this short but challenging stretch is a must.

A memorable road trip to Tossal d'Engrillómoderate

A memorable road trip to Tossal d'Engrilló

🇪🇸 Spain

# Tossal d'Engrilló: A Mountain Adventure in Catalonia Ready for an epic mountain drive? Tossal d'Engrilló is a stunning 1,072-meter peak tucked away in Terra Alta, Tarragona, deep in the heart of Catalonia. This isn't your typical paved highway—you're looking at nearly 10 kilometers of rugged, unpaved road that'll have you grateful for a 4x4. Starting from the TV-3541 road at just 357 meters elevation, you'll climb 715 meters through dense woodland with some seriously steep sections (averaging 7.29% gradient). It's a proper workout for both you and your vehicle, but trust us, the payoff is incredible. The real magic? The journey itself. You'll wind through the Parc Natural dels Ports with scenic mountain lakes dotting the landscape, and the views just keep getting better as you climb. At the summit, there's a cozy mountain refuge where you can catch your breath and soak in panoramic vistas stretching across Terra Alta, El Matarranya, and all the way to the Ebro Delta. This is definitely a long, challenging route that demands respect and proper preparation, but if you're craving dramatic scenery and an authentic mountain experience, Tossal d'Engrilló delivers in spades.

Venini Refugemoderate

Venini Refuge

🇮🇹 Italy

# Rifugio Venini: A Mountain Adventure in Lombardy Tucked away in the Province of Como in Lombardy, Italy, Rifugio Venini sits pretty at 1,576 meters (5,170 feet) above sea level. Getting there is half the fun—the road is mostly paved with some unpaved stretches as you approach the refuge, though fair warning: it becomes impassable during winter months. The route itself is steeped in history, following an old military road that dates back to 1926. You've got two solid entry points to reach the hut: heading up from either Argegno or Porlezza via the scenic Pigra route. Once you arrive, you'll find yourself nestled in a saddle between Monte Galbiga and Monte di Tremezzo, with an Astronomical Observatory—Osservatorio Astronomico monte Calbiga—right nearby if you're into stargazing. The real reward? The panoramic views from the refuge and surrounding area are absolutely extraordinary. On a clear day, you'll understand why people make the trek up here. Just be prepared—this isn't a casual Sunday drive, and the conditions can be challenging depending on the season. But if you're up for the adventure, the scenery and mountain experience make it totally worth the effort.