Here's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Kemer Dağı

Here's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Kemer Dağı

Turkey, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,582 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Kemer Dağı! This high-altitude mountain pass tops out at a whopping 8,471 feet in Turkey's Black Sea region. We're talking Bayburt Province, people!

Now, let's be real – this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is gravel, rocky, and loves to keep you on your toes with bumps and tippy sections. Think proper 4x4 vehicle only, and maybe a good dose of off-road experience. Mother Nature calls the shots here, and from October to June, the road is usually buried in snow. Even in good weather, storms can roll in fast, turning the road into a serious 4x4 challenge (or worse!).

But hey, if you're up for it, the views are insane. Just remember, respect the mountain, and don't attempt this one if unpaved, steep roads aren't your thing. Happy trails!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Turkey
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,582 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Driving the Awe-Inspiring Snaefell Mountain Road in the Isle of Manhard

Driving the Awe-Inspiring Snaefell Mountain Road in the Isle of Man

🇬🇧 England

Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Get ready to experience the legendary Snaefell Mountain Road on the Isle of Man's northeast side. We’re talking the A18, also known as Mountain Road, that links Douglas (the island's capital) to the coastal charm of Ramsey. This isn't just any road trip; it's a 15.3-mile (24.62 km) ribbon of asphalt carved from old roads way back in the mid-1800s. You'll climb to a breathtaking 1,385 feet (422m) near Snaefell Mountain. Heads up, though – there's a landslide risk to keep in mind! But the real kicker? This road is part of the famous Snaefell Mountain Course, a racing circuit that's been a motorsport mecca since way back. Think of it: over 200 corners (60 with their own nicknames!), no speed limits, and scenery that'll blow your mind. Just remember to be safe and respect the road!

The Wild Road to Mina de Riosol in northern Spainhard

The Wild Road to Mina de Riosol in northern Spain

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're in northern Spain, high up in the Cordillera Cantábrica mountains, exploring the wild Cabañas Valley. You're headed to an abandoned mercury mine called Mina de Riosol (or Mina Carmina, if you're feeling fancy). The road? Well, it's strictly off-road. Forget pavement; you'll need a 4x4 to tackle this baby. This mine, tucked away in the Riosol valley near Buecicardiel, operated for less than a decade, and the road is still there waiting to be discovered. You can usually get there year-round, but winter can throw a wrench in the works with snow and ice. Starting from the CL-635 paved road, it's only 2.8 km (a little over a mile and half), but it packs a punch. Get ready for some seriously steep climbs, with gradients hitting up to 14% in spots! You'll gain 259 meters in elevation, making for an average gradient of over 9%. The views though? Totally worth it.

The old military road to Col de l’Infernet in the Hautes-Alpeshard

The old military road to Col de l’Infernet in the Hautes-Alpes

🇫🇷 France

# Col de l'Infernet: A Wild Alpine Adventure Ready for a seriously intense mountain drive? Col de l'Infernet sits pretty at 2,355m (7,726ft) in France's Hautes-Alpes, just outside the charming town of Briançon in the southeastern Alps. This isn't your typical scenic byway—it's a full-on adventure. The real star here is Fort de l'Infernet, a jaw-dropping 19th-century fortress perched even higher at 2,380m. Built between 1876-1878, this beauty was the last French fort constructed with traditional cut stone masonry and was designed to keep potential Italian invaders at bay. During WWII, this place actually saw action, trading fire with Italian forces across the valley. The fort housed 210 soldiers and packed some serious firepower—think 138mm, 155mm, and 220mm guns. Pretty cool, right? Now, about that drive. Fair warning: this ain't for the faint of heart. Starting from the paved D902, you're looking at roughly 9km (5.5 miles) of pure unpaved military trail. You'll climb nearly 1,000 meters with an average gradient of 10.45%—steep doesn't even begin to describe it. The road is narrow, exposed, and features sketchy slippery sections with some seriously gnarly drops. You'll absolutely need a 4x4, no exceptions. But here's the payoff: stunning panoramic views across the Clarée, Guisane valleys, and beyond. Plus, you'll pass scattered old military installations, gun emplacements, and barracks dotting the landscape. Winter? Basically forget about it. Snow can close this route anytime, typically making it impassable from late autumn through spring. Plan accordingly and you've got yourself an unforgettable mountain experience.

An Iconic Road to Col du Joly in the French Alpshard

An Iconic Road to Col du Joly in the French Alps

🇫🇷 France

Col du Joly is a stunning high mountain pass sitting at 1,989m (6,525ft) in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France, straddling the border between Haute-Savoie and Savoie departments. The drive runs south to north, connecting Beaufort-sur-Doron with Les Contamines-Montjoie, and it's genuinely worth the effort. The southern approach is mostly paved, while the northern side switches to unpaved road—but don't worry, it's well-maintained. Fair warning though: it gets narrow in stretches, and you'll share the route with other travelers heading up to the summit restaurant, Chez Gaston Col du Joly Hauteluce, where hikers typically kick off their Tour du Mont Blanc adventures. Expect some serious climbs along the way, with gradients hitting up to 10.9% on the steeper sections. Your legs (and your car) will feel it, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. Once you reach the top, you're treated to one of the most breathtaking views of Mont Blanc you'll find anywhere—seriously close and impossibly beautiful. It's the kind of vista that makes those hairpin turns feel totally justified.