Driving the wild road to Col de Joux

Driving the wild road to Col de Joux

Italy, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,930 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
1,930 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
42.1112, 12.2951

Related Roads in europe

Forte Foenshard

Forte Foens

🇮🇹 Italy

# Forte Foens: A High-Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 2,186 meters (7,171 feet) in the heart of Italy's Piedmont region, Forte Foens is a historic mountain fortress that'll test your driving skills and reward you with unforgettable views. Located in Turin Province, this gem is only accessible to serious off-road enthusiasts willing to tackle one of Italy's most challenging routes. Here's the real talk: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is a genuine 4x4 playground—and honestly, it's only for experienced wheelers. Built way back in 1897 as a military road, it's steep, dramatic, and demands respect. Vertigo sufferers? Probably skip this one. The narrow mountain pass hugs cliff sides that'll make your palms sweat, and the unpaved surface gets legitimately treacherous when wet. Timing matters big time. From October through June, weather calls the shots, and the road is usually impassable. Even when conditions look good, sudden thunderstorms can transform the route from challenging to completely inaccessible in minutes. You'll need a properly equipped 4x4 and serious mountain driving experience to have any shot at success here. If you've got the skills, the nerve, and the right vehicle, Forte Foens delivers an epic high-altitude experience that few roads in Europe can match. Just go in with eyes wide open—this ancient fortress road doesn't forgive mistakes.

Tuc de Salana is a chillout in high mountainsmoderate

Tuc de Salana is a chillout in high mountains

🇪🇸 Spain

# Tuc de Salana: A High-Altitude Alpine Loop You'll Want to Experience Nestled in the stunning Aran Valley of Catalonia, Spain, the Tuc de Salana pass climbs to a breathtaking 2,143 meters (7,030 feet) and sits right within the gorgeous Aigüestortes i Estany of Saint Maurici National Park. The best part? The entire route is paved, making it accessible for most drivers. The scenic loop, called Camino de Pruedo, stretches 27.5 kilometers between the charming villages of Salardú and Arties. You can knock out the whole drive in about an hour and a half (assuming you don't stop to gawk at the views—though we totally understand if you do). Fair warning: this road gets pretty gnarly during winter months and becomes nearly impassable, so plan your adventure for warmer seasons. What makes this drive genuinely special is the scenery. You're treated to incredible alpine vistas as the road winds through the landscape, eventually leading you to the jaw-dropping Circ de Colomèrs—essentially a massive rock amphitheater—and the pristine Lac Major de Colomèrs alpine lake. It's the kind of scenery that makes you want to pull over constantly with your phone out. One thing to keep in mind: this region is prone to avalanches, especially in certain seasons, so stay alert and respect any closures or warnings you encounter along the way.

Campogrosso Passhard

Campogrosso Pass

🇮🇹 Italy

# Passo di Campogrosso: A Heart-Pounding Alpine Adventure Nestled at 1,464 meters (4,803 feet) on the border between Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto, Passo di Campogrosso is not for the faint of heart—or the queasy of stomach. This is a road that demands respect. The Strada provinciale 99 (SP-99) is a narrow ribbon of asphalt that clings to the mountainside with relentless hairpin turns and a punishing maximum gradient of 16%. Experienced drivers will find themselves gripping the wheel tightly as the road twists left, then right, then left again in a dizzying dance up the mountainside. Two small tunnels carved straight into the rock add an extra element of excitement to the journey. **Fair warning:** if anyone in your car struggles with motion sickness, this might not be the best choice for a family day out. The endless switchbacks and steep climbs can test even the strongest stomachs. You've got two options to tackle this beast. Coming from Recoaro, you're looking at a 12.19 km climb gaining 1,019 meters with an average gradient of 8.4%. Prefer a gentler approach? Start from Valli del Pasubio for a longer 17.53 km ascent with 1,122 meters of elevation gain averaging 6.4%. One heads-up: the Strada del Re section (km 11 to 14.8 on SP-99) is currently closed to traffic, so plan your route accordingly. This is mountain driving at its most thrilling—buckle up and enjoy the ride.

Col de Riondethard

Col de Riondet

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: Col de Riondet, perched way up in the French Alps at nearly 8,000 feet! You'll find it nestled in the Vanoise National Park, part of the stunning Massif de la Vanoise range. Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road's gravel, rocky, and can get pretty bumpy. We're talking a proper 4x4 job here. It's usually closed from October to May due to snow, and even when it's open, you'll want some experience with unpaved mountain roads. It can be steep, and rain turns the road muddy! Definitely not for the faint of heart (or those scared of heights!). But, oh, the views! From the top, you're rewarded with panoramic vistas, including glimpses of the Col de la Madeleine's hairpin turns way down below. Trust me, if you're up for the challenge, the scenery is absolutely worth it.