Is Anfo Ridge Road unpaved?

Is Anfo Ridge Road unpaved?

Italy, europe

Length

20.1 km

Elevation

1,527 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Lombardy region of Italy, nestled in the province of Brescia, you'll find the wild and wonderful Passo del Dosso Alto. This bad boy tops out at 1,727m (5,666ft) and is traversed by the legendary Anfo Ridge Road!

So, is Anfo Ridge Road paved? Mostly, the answer is NO! This is an old military route, maybe even dating back to Roman times, and it feels like it. Think dusty, stony, and raw. The road stretches for 20.1km (12.48 miles) from Anfo, climbing and dipping as it goes.

Now, let's be real – this isn't a Sunday drive. You'll be tackling some serious hairpin turns, navigating a narrow path riddled with holes, and praying to the gods of motoring that no rogue rocks decide to join you for the ride. Oh, and did I mention the unsecured precipices and dangerous drop-offs? Maximum grade hits 12% in places. They limit your speed to 20 km/h, and trust me, you won't want to go faster! Keep an eye out for 4 short, unlit tunnels. There are restrictions: vehicles wider than 2.50m and taller than 3.20m need not apply.

You'll actually be summiting four passes: Passo del Maniva (1,450m / 4,757ft), Passo di Baremone (1,521m / 4,990ft), Passo di Valledrane (1,527m / 5,009ft), and finally, Passo del Dosso Alto (1,727m / 5,666ft).

The road is usually open from June to the end of October, weather permitting. Heavy rains can shut it down, so check conditions before you go. It was closed for 6 years because of a landslide.

In short, Anfo Ridge Road is hard, scenic, beautiful, and not for the faint of heart. But if you're craving an adrenaline-pumping, off-the-beaten-path adventure, this is your ticket. Just be prepared for a dusty, stony, and unforgettable ride!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
20.1 km
Max Elevation
1,527 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Crete du Lyshard

Crete du Lys

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're in the French Pyrenees, smack-dab in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park. You're heading up to Crete du Lys, a mountaintop perch at a cool 2,421 meters (that's 7,942 feet!). Now, this isn't your typical paved highway. We're talking rocky, gravelly goodness all the way, a service road for the Cauterets-Le Lys ski station's chairlift. Think steep, like seriously steep – some sections crank up to a wild 30%! Loose stones under your tires will keep things interesting, and the higher you climb, the rockier it gets. Word to the wise: this adventure is best saved for a *very* small window at the end of August. The wind? Intense! It whips around up there year-round. And don't be surprised if you encounter snow, even in summer. Winter here is downright frigid. But if you're up for a challenge and crave breathtaking mountain views, Crete du Lys promises an unforgettable ride.

Driving the Scenic Balcony Road through Gorges de Chouvignymoderate

Driving the Scenic Balcony Road through Gorges de Chouvigny

🇫🇷 France

# Gorges de Chouvigny: A Stunning Canyon Drive Through Central France Ready for one of France's most breathtaking balcony road experiences? Head to the Gorges de Chouvigny, a spectacular canyon that straddles the Allier and Puy-de-Dôme departments in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The La Sioule river carved this stunning landscape over millennia, and you get to drive right through it. The magic happens on D915, a 7.5 km (4.66 miles) route running west-east from Le Pont de Menat to Chouvigny. The entire road is paved, which is great—but here's where it gets interesting. This isn't your typical highway. Expect narrow sections that demand your full attention, countless twists and turns that keep you on your toes, and several unlit tunnels that'll add a bit of drama to your drive. The real challenge? Portions of this road run as a single-track path hugging the mountainside, which means passing another vehicle is basically impossible. So time your drive wisely, stay alert, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure through one of France's most scenic gorges. The views alone are absolutely worth the thrilling drive.

Where is Porlock Hill?extreme

Where is Porlock Hill?

🇬🇧 England

Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Porlock Hill in Somerset is about to test your mettle! This legendary stretch of tarmac, just west of the charming village of Porlock, isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking the steepest A road in England, folks! Clocking in at around 2 miles, it throws you straight into the Exmoor hills, climbing a hefty 1,300 feet. Expect narrow sections and two seriously tight 180-degree hairpin bends that'll make your palms sweat. Porlock Hill's claim to fame? A gut-busting 25% gradient! The final stretch is a killer, averaging 8% but with bursts over 25%. You might even catch a whiff of burning brakes from folks who've just conquered the descent. Speaking of which, there are two escape lanes for runaway vehicles—yikes! Opened way back in 1843, this road is not for the faint of heart (or those towing caravans!). Seriously, caravans and HGVs should find another way. Cyclists? You might want to walk this one. But if you're up for a challenge and some breathtaking views, Porlock Hill is an unforgettable experience. Just remember, there's a toll road alternative if you need a breather.

A narrow unpaved road to Covas do Monte in Portugalhard

A narrow unpaved road to Covas do Monte in Portugal

🇵🇹 Portugal

# Covas do Monte: A Mountain Drive Worth the Challenge Nestled in the Serra da Gralheira mountains of central Portugal, Covas do Monte is a charming little town sitting pretty at 536 meters (1,758 feet) above sea level. You'll find it tucked away in the São Pedro do Sul municipality, right in the heart of the Viseu district. Here's where it gets interesting: the road up to town is gloriously unpaved and genuinely steep. Think narrow switchbacks and legitimate elevation challenges—this isn't your average leisurely drive. The route maxes out at 554 meters (1,817 feet), so you're basically climbing as you go. The main event starts from the M559-1 road and stretches for 3.8 kilometers (2.36 miles) of pure ascent. You're gaining 241 meters of elevation over that distance, which translates to an average gradient of about 6.34%. Don't be fooled by "average" though—some sections crank up to a punishing 10% gradient that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve. If you're after authentic mountain driving through spectacular Portuguese terrain, this serpentine route delivers exactly that. Just come prepared: take it slow, mind those hairpins, and enjoy the stunning views this corner of the Serra da Gralheira has to offer.