
Driving the wild road to Col de Joux
Italy, europe
N/A
1,930 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col de Joux: A Hidden Alpine Gem
Tucked away in northwestern Italy's Aosta Valley, Col de Joux (also called Col du Mont-Joux) sits pretty at 1,930m (6,332ft) and is absolutely worth the detour. Starting from Fossaz, you'll cruise along mostly paved roads until the final 550m, where you transition onto a well-maintained gravel section that adds a bit of adventure to the climb.
Seriously, bring your camera for this one. As you wind up from Avise, Mont Blanc makes frequent appearances, stealing your breath with its sheer majesty. Keep climbing and the views just get better—you'll find yourself surrounded by the dramatic peaks that cradle the entire Aosta Valley. It's the kind of scenery that makes you pull over just to soak it all in.
When you finally reach the summit, you'll discover a convenient parking lot and a charming small lake that's perfect for a quick stretch and some well-deserved photos. The whole experience feels like a rewarding secret that most travelers completely miss.
Where is it?
Driving the wild road to Col de Joux is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.1112, 12.2951
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,930 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 42.1112, 12.2951
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving the road to Tetica de Bacares is not a piece of cake
🇪🇸 Spain
# Tetica de Bacares Ready for an adrenaline rush? Head to Tetica de Bacares, a 2,050m (6,725ft) peak tucked in the Sierra de Filabres mountains of AlmerĂa, eastern Andalusia. This isn't your average Sunday drive—it's an adventure that'll make your palms sweat and your heart race. Most of the road is paved, but don't let that fool you. It's relentlessly steep and narrow, weaving through some seriously gnarly terrain. The real deal happens in that final kilometer, where the gradients punch up to a brutal 14-17% on corrugated concrete. Your brakes will definitely get a workout. The good news? The road stays open year-round, so you can tackle this beast whenever the mood strikes. What makes this climb worth every white-knuckle moment? The views, honestly. As you twist through those hairpin corners, you're treated to miles of jaw-dropping mountain scenery. The summit itself is a working communications hub with towers dotting the peak, but more importantly, it's your front-row seat to AlmerĂa's stunning landscape. On clear days, you can spot both the otherworldly Tabernas Desert and the snow-capped peaks of Sierra Nevada National Park stretching out below you. This is mountain driving at its finest—technical, dramatic, and absolutely unforgettable.
hardSarantena
🇬🇷 Greece
# Sarantena Pass Want to experience one of Greece's most thrilling mountain passes? Sarantena sits at a breathtaking 1,811 meters (5,941 feet) in the heart of Evrytania, central Greece, making it one of the country's highest roads. And trust me, you'll *feel* that elevation. The journey up is pure adventure—expect a gravel road that demands respect. A 4x4 is seriously recommended here, not just suggested. The road is seriously exposed with narrow stretches and some genuinely steep sections that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The upside? You'll arrive at a summit monument commemorating an epic historical battle, which makes for an incredible photo op and a moment to catch your breath. Sarantena connects the villages of Stavli and Gardiki, threading through a region that's refreshingly off the beaten path. Because access is genuinely challenging, this pass remains beautifully undiscovered—you won't be fighting crowds here. If you're after authentic Greek mountain scenery without the tourist masses, this is your road.
extremeThe brutal road to Santa Maria de Montgrony
🇪🇸 Spain
# The Road to Santuari de Santa Maria de Montgrony If you're looking for a mountain drive that'll get your adrenaline pumping, the winding road up to Santuari de Santa Maria de Montgrony in Gombrèn, Catalonia, is absolutely not to be missed. This 5.6km stretch takes you up to the sanctuary perched at 1,408 meters (4,619 feet) above sea level, and trust us—it's as thrilling as it is breathtaking. Fair warning: this isn't for the faint of heart (or anyone afraid of heights). The road is seriously narrow—like, sometimes it's barely wide enough for two cars to pass each other—and winds its way up the mountainside with a whopping 12 hairpin turns. There are spots where sheer cliffs drop hundreds of meters straight down with absolutely no guardrails to catch you. Even pictures don't capture just how intense it actually is. Starting from the GI-402 road, the asphalt climb gains 506 meters of elevation over those 5.6km, averaging a 9% grade. Officially, the speed limit is 60km/h, but honestly? You'll be lucky to average even that. What should theoretically be a 5.6km drive typically takes over 25 minutes—and that's probably on a good day when you're feeling confident. Grab your camera, take a deep breath, and prepare for one unforgettable mountain adventure.
moderateIs the road to Coll de Laquell difficult to drive?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in the Spanish Pyrenees, almost close enough to wave to Andorra, and you stumble upon Coll de Laquell. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a rugged 4x4 adventure deep in Catalonia, about 7,093 feet up! Forget the crowds; this pass is hidden in a wild landscape of towering peaks and windswept pastures. It's pure, raw Pyrenees. Think solitude, dramatic scenery, and weather that can flip on a dime. Now, about that road... "difficult" is an understatement. You *need* a high-clearance 4x4. We're talking rocks, potential mud after rain, and a whole lotta climbing. Oh, and winter? Forget about it. Snow usually shuts this place down, and even late spring might bring unwelcome snow surprises. Get ready for a workout! This 5.53-mile route packs in 15 hairpin turns as it claws its way up the mountain. Every curve demands your attention, especially with loose gravel under your tires. You start from CamĂ de Coll de Conflent and head north, following ancient shepherd paths that now lead adventurers like you to some of the most epic views in the Catalan Pyrenees. It's a journey into the heart of the mountains, far from civilization and absolutely unforgettable.