How long is the old road to Gavia Pass?

Okay, picture this: You're in the Italian Alps, Lombardy region, ready to tackle the legendary Gavia Pass. But hold up! There's a secret, gnarly detour – the *old* Gavia Road. It's only about 500 meters, but those 500 meters are a wild ride.

See, they built a tunnel to bypass this old section (a tunnel with its own, shall we say, *unique* challenges – more on that later). This isn't your perfectly paved scenic route. We're talking gravel, seriously washed out sections, and remnants of where guardrails *used* to be. Think of it as an off-road adventure squeezed into a tiny package.

The elevation change over this short stretch is about 39 meters, making for a pretty steep 7.8% average gradient. Oh, and did I mention the cliff views? Absolutely stunning, but definitely not for the faint of heart.

Now, the police have blocked it off because people were getting a little *too* adventurous. But a little walk to experience the views is more than worth it. And about that tunnel bypass? It's a long, dark, steep, unlit abyss. It's gravelly and scary, with a 9% grade that'll definitely get your heart pumping. Be careful because local police often radar the exit of the tunnel. It’s an unforgettable, and sometimes expensive, experience.