Is the road to Coll dels Isards unpaved?
Andorra, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Straddling the border between France and Andorra, way up in the Pyrenees, you'll find Coll dels Isards. This isn't your average scenic route, it's a high-altitude adventure right in the heart of the Grandvalira ski domain.
This track isn't paved; it's a rugged, unsealed service road used for ski station maintenance. Think loose shale and crushed granite under your tires, making traction a real challenge. A proper 4x4 is essential. Word of warning: this road is usually off-limits to personal vehicles. But imagine tackling it and you'll find yourself in a wild, high-mountain landscape where the wind howls and the views of the surrounding peaks are mind-blowing.
Starting near , the road to the top is short, but packs a punch. Over just you climb a seriously steep , resulting in an average gradient of over 15%! That's relentless. Get ready for a constant uphill battle with no breaks. This kind of incline, combined with the loose surface, demands serious driving skills and a vehicle that can handle the torque and keep its cool.
Keep in mind, this track is buried under snow for much of the year and is generally inaccessible during winter. It's usually only passable between . But even in summer, the weather can change in a heartbeat, so always check the forecast before heading up.
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhat you need to know about the 4x4 track to Forcella d’Entova
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forcella d'Entova: Not Your Average Mountain Drive Tucked away in Lombardy's Province of Sondrio, Forcella d'Entova sits pretty at a whopping 2,802 meters (9,192 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical leisurely mountain cruise—it's legitimately extreme terrain that demands respect. Starting from San Giuseppe, you're looking at an 11.9 km (7.4 miles) grind uphill with a gnarly 1,203-meter elevation gain. That translates to an average gradient of about 10%, with some sections pushing the limits even further. Fair warning: this track was originally carved out for a ski resort that never materialized, so you can imagine the state of things. The road itself is narrow, riddled with deep washouts, loose gravel, rocks, and the occasional landslide. After heavy rain? Forget about it—it transforms into a muddy, slippery mess. Honestly, 4x4 vehicles with serious ground clearance are non-negotiable here. This isn't the place to test your sedan's capabilities. The good news is that Forcella d'Entova ranks among Italy's highest roads, and the views absolutely justify the white-knuckle drive. Just know that private vehicles face a barrier blockade during winter months (September through June), and several mountain refuges dot the summit area if you need a rest stop. This one's for hardcore adventurers only.
moderateIs the road through Desfiladero de la Estrechura paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Desfiladero de la Estrechura is a very scenic canyon located in the autonomous community of Asturias, in Spain. It’s one of the most scenic canyon roads of Spain Is the road through Desfiladero de la Estrechura paved? Tucked away within the Ubiñas - La Mesa Natural Park, in the northern part of the country, the road through the canyon is totally paved but pretty narrow in parts. The road is called AS-228 and runs through the canyon, also known as Foz de la Estrechura, an imposing gorge created by the karst erosion of the waters of the Páramo river. How long is Desfiladero de la Estrechura? Situated at the lower part of the Puerto de Ventana in Teverga, the drive spans 5.8km (3.60 miles), stretching from San Salvador to Páramo. Be aware that rockslides or snow might obstruct the road, especially during adverse weather conditions. How to get to Cueva Huerta in Asturias? The road provides access to Cueva Huerta, a cave that is 14 and a half kilometers long. Due to its size, it is the second largest in Asturias, following the 19 kilometers of the Red de Toneyu. Declared a Natural Monument in 2002, both for its dimensions and its hydrogeological and biological complexity, it is a space of great geomorphological and speleological interest, highlighting the presence of significant hibernating colonies of bats. Road suggested by: jorge manuel gómez sánchez Driving the N-340 Road from Nerja to La Rabita: A Scenic Coastal Route in Andalusia Collado del Alamo, a gravel track with magnificent views Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardHow to get by car to Lago di Malciaussia?
🇮🇹 Italy
Lago di Malciaussia is a stunning high mountain lake sitting pretty at 1,823 m (5,980 ft) in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy. Tucked into the upper Valle di Viù in Piedmont's northwestern corner near the French border, this spot is an absolute gem for adventure seekers. Here's the cool part: the lake is named after the locality of Malciaussia, which actually got submerged when the lake was created. Right by the water, you'll find a cozy restaurant and hotel—perfect for refueling after your drive. The road itself, Strada Provinciale 32 (SP32), is a total classic. Built back in the 1920s-30s, it's paved but seriously narrow and relentlessly steep—we're talking sections that hit 23%! The final stretch turns to gravel, which marks the real beginning of alpine exploration territory. This is where the serious climbers and hikers kick off their adventures, including attempts on Rocciamelone (3,538 m) via the Ernesto Tazzetti alpine hut. Starting from the town of Margone at 1,413 m, you're looking at a 5.8 km (3.60 mile) push upward with 14 hairpin turns thrown in for good measure. That climb nets you 410 meters of elevation gain, averaging out to a 7.06% gradient—challenging but absolutely rewarding. The scenery throughout is absolutely phenomenal, and once you arrive at the lake, you're perfectly positioned for serious alpine walking and climbing adventures.
moderateHow long is Pico do Areeiro?
🇵🇹 Portugal
Pico do Areeiro is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.804m (5,918ft) above sea level, located in Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. At this elevation, it is one of the highest roads in the country How long is Pico do Areeiro? The road to the summit, also known as Pico do Arieiro, is totally paved. Starting at the paved ER103, on Paso do Poiso, it’s 6.6 km (4.10 miles) long. How steep is the road to Pico do Areeiro? The road to the top, the third-highest summit on the Island of Madeira, is very steep, with an 11% maximum gradient through some of the ramps. The elevation gain is 421 meters. The average gradient is 6.37%. Is Pico do Areeiro open? Located in the center of Madeira, in the central mountain range, and surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery with jagged peaks, the road is typically open all year round. Fog is common, and the top of the mountain is often above cloud level. Is Pico do Areeiro worth it? The summit hosts a large car park, a restaurant, a souvenir shop, and an Air Defense Radar Station built in 2011. It’s one of the most visited peaks on the island, due to its easy access, extraordinary views, and well-known nature paths to Pico das Torres and Pico Ruivo. The footpath northwards towards Pico Ruivo is an important tourist attraction, with a daily average of 1,000 tourists trekking on it. On the way to Pico do Arieiro, one can admire a unique stone-built pit (looks like a huge igloo) known as “Poço da Neve,” built by an English family who once used to store ice, snow, and hail from the mountains. With good weather, it is possible to see Porto Santo, the neighboring island, 30 nautical miles to the north. The road to Alto de Torre-Serra da Estrela, the highest point of Mainland Portugal Estrada Nacional 2 is the Route 66 of Portugal Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.