
Is Coll d'Ordino in Andorra paved?
Andorra, europe
18.8 km
1,981 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Andorra, cruising along the CS-240, also known as Carretera del Coll d’Ordino. This fully paved road snakes up to 1,981m (6,499ft), right on the border between Ordino and Canillo.
The views? Stunning. The drive? Not for the faint of heart! We're talking 18.8 km (11.68 miles) of pure adrenaline, with 17 hairpin turns that'll test your skills. Expect steep climbs – some sections hit an 8.5% gradient. Oh, and keep an eye out for potential rock slides!
The climb has even been featured in major cycling races! Starting from Canillo, it's a 9 km ascent, gaining 439 meters. From Ordino, it’s a bit tougher: 10 km, climbing 691 meters. Once you reach the top, there's a small parking lot to soak it all in. Trust me, the panoramic views are worth the white knuckles!
Road Details
- Country
- Andorra
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 18.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,981 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeLe Gros Villan, one of the steepest tracks in the world
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Le Gros Villan, a beast of a peak in the French Alps! You'll find this 2,522-meter (8,274 ft) monster straddling the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys in Savoie. Forget a leisurely Sunday drive; this is a gnarly 2.4 km (1.49 miles) chairlift access trail best tackled in summer. Picture this: insanely steep slopes, hairpin turns that'll test your nerves, and views that'll make it all worthwhile. We're talking a whopping 538-meter climb from the starting point, averaging a ridiculous 22.41% gradient. Definitely a 4x4-only adventure! Be prepared for an adrenaline rush as you conquer this challenging route. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine experience!
moderateColle de Carsene, a truly outstanding SUV adventure
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle de Carsene: A Alpine Adventure Worth Taking Nestled at a breathtaking 2,221 meters (7,286 feet) above sea level in the Cottian Alps, Colle de Carsene sits right on the border between France and Italy. This isn't your typical mountain pass—it's a rugged, no-frills experience on the Via del Sale road. What makes this route so unique? The road itself is a gravel and rocky beast that demands respect from anyone brave enough to tackle it. Originally carved out for military purposes during World War II, this historic route still feels like stepping back in time as you wind through the alpine landscape. Fair warning though: the pass is only open from April through October, so plan your visit accordingly. Once the snow starts falling in November, the gates effectively close until spring arrives. It's a seasonal adventure that rewards the prepared traveler with stunning mountain scenery and a genuine sense of accomplishment. If you're after an authentic high-altitude driving experience without the polished, commercialized feel of more popular Alpine passes, this is your road.
hardA sensational drive through Hoces de Bejo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Hoces de Bejo: Spain's Most Jaw-Dropping Canyon Drive Ready for one of Spain's most breathtaking road trips? The CA-281, known as Hoces de Bejo (also called Peña Bejo or Caos de Bejo), is a stunning 7.9km scenic drive nestled in Cantabria, Northern Spain, that'll have you white-knuckling the steering wheel—but in the best way possible. This fully paved route stretches between La Laguna and La Lastra, carving through an incredible limestone gorge carved out by the Nansa river over millennia. The landscape is absolutely spectacular, with towering canyon walls creating some seriously Instagram-worthy views at every curve. But here's the catch: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. The road is narrow and genuinely challenging, with a significant risk of rockslides keeping things interesting. Winter transforms it into a genuine adventure sport, with snow and ice making the already twisty route properly treacherous. The road's got history too—it was completed back in 1910 and had a major makeover in 1950 when the Cohilla reservoir was constructed. Today, it winds through the heart of the Sierras del Cordel y Cabeceras del Saja y Nansa within the Cantabrian Mountains, offering some of the most dramatic scenery you'll find anywhere. Fair warning: this one demands respect, attention, and solid driving skills. But if you're up for the challenge, the views make every hairpin turn absolutely worth it.
hardRefuge du Grand Plan
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a spot for you that'll blow your mind – the Refuge du Grand Plan in the French Alps. We're talking Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, right in the heart of Vanoise National Park. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The road to the refuge, perched at a cool 2,310 meters (7,578 feet), is a rough-and-tumble gravel track. Expect rocks, bumps, and a whole lot of "hold on tight!" This trail is definitely for experienced off-roaders only, so if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. 4x4 is a must. It's usually closed from October to June, so plan accordingly. Be warned: this road is STEEP. And if you're not a fan of heights, well, let's just say the views might come with a side of vertigo. Rainy weather turns the road into a muddy mess, so be prepared for some seriously challenging driving. But, oh man, the views are WORTH IT. Just imagine: crisp mountain air, stunning alpine scenery, and the satisfaction of conquering one seriously epic road.