
Is the road to Colle del Preit paved?
Italy, europe
5.4 km
2,065 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: you're cruisin' through southwest Piedmont in Italy, heading east of Cuneo, and you spot it – Colle del Preit. This mountain pass sits way up high at 6,774 feet!
The road? Oh, it's paved, but don't think it's a walk in the park. It’s a twisty, turny climb with some seriously steep sections. They smoothed it out a while back, thank goodness, because it used to be all gravel! Be aware the final stretch is actually closed to cars, even though you'll still see some brave tourists making the trek.
Starting from Pratonevoso, it's about 3.35 miles to the top, and you gain some serious altitude along the way. We're talking an average gradient that keeps things interesting, but those last few ramps before the pass? Hold on tight – they crank up to a maximum gradient of 16%! But hey, the views are totally worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,065 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardGorge du Cians is a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Gorge du Cians: A French Alpine Adventure Ready for one of France's most breathtaking drives? The Gorge du Cians is calling your name. Nestled in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France, this stunning canyon is famous for its dramatic red rock walls that'll have you reaching for your camera every few minutes. The fully paved D28 road stretches 21.7 km (13.48 miles) from Beuil to Touët-sur-Var, taking you on a north-south journey through some seriously impressive scenery. The Cians River has carved this masterpiece over thousands of years, plunging a whopping 1,600 m (5,250 ft) in just 25 km—and the deepest, most jaw-dropping section? That's Pra d'Astier, right in the middle of everything. Plan on about 30 minutes for the drive if you're just cruising through (though we're betting you'll want to stop constantly). This is genuine balcony road territory—the kind of hair-raising alpine route that makes your adrenaline pump as you navigate the cliffsides carved into these striking red formations. The road's been upgraded over the years to handle modern traffic and to serve the popular ski villages of Beuil and Valberg in winter. Modern tunnels now bypass the tightest passages of yesteryear (the legendary Petite Clue and Grande Clue), which have been sealed off. Trust us—they're inaccessible for good reason these days. Want an even better day trip? Link this drive with the nearby Gorge de Daluis to create an unforgettable loop through tunnels, waterfalls, and some of France's most dramatic natural scenery.
hardMas de la Costa
🇪🇸 Spain
Mas de la Costa is a mountain pass tucked away in the Alcalatén region of Castellon, Spain, sitting at a punishing 980 meters (3,215 feet) above sea level. Don't let the short 4km length fool you—this is seriously one of Spain's most brutal cycling climbs, and for good reason. The road itself is paved, but it's narrow and relentlessly steep. You'll be dealing with an average gradient of 13%, which is already no joke, but the real kicker comes with those brutal 22% pitches that'll have you questioning your life choices. Yeah, the Vuelta has featured this beast, so you know it's legitimately tough. If you're thinking about tackling this one on two wheels or four, come prepared. The scenery might be gorgeous, but Mas de la Costa isn't messing around—it's the kind of climb that separates the serious riders from everyone else.
moderateHow to drive to Mount Saleve, the "Balcony of Geneva"?
🇫🇷 France
# Mount Saleve: France's Alpine "Balcony of Geneva" Ready for a wild ride through the French Prealps? Mount Saleve is calling, and trust us, the views are absolutely worth the drive. Located in Haute-Savoie, just a stone's throw from the Swiss border in southeastern France, this 1,379m (4,524ft) mountain pass is the real deal. The entire 29.4 km (18.26 miles) road—technically the D41A—is paved, but don't let that fool you. It's a proper challenge with narrow sections, endless curves, and a few gnarly hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. Some sections hit a brutal 10% gradient, so you'll definitely feel the climb. The route runs north-south from Vétraz-Monthoux (right on the Swiss border) down to Cruseilles, and every switchback brings something new to marvel at. That's why locals call this place the "Balcony of Geneva"—and once you reach the top, you'll understand exactly why. At the summit, the panorama is legitimately spectacular. You're looking out at Geneva and the entire lake basin, the Jura mountains, Mont Blanc, Dents du Midi, Aiguille Verte—basically, if it's an iconic peak in this corner of the Alps, you can see it from up here. The scenery alone makes all those tight curves totally worth it.
moderateThe Ultimate Road Trip To Seyithan Lake
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: Eastern Turkey, near the Iraqi border, and you're craving adventure? Then you HAVE to experience Seyithan Gölü! This glacial lake sits way up high at almost 11,000 feet in the Cilo Mountains. Getting there is half the fun, but listen up: you NEED a 4x4 to tackle this unpaved beast! Think dramatic, snow-capped peaks, and views that will blow your mind. The 14-mile climb kicks off near Hakkâri, and it's a serious workout for your vehicle. Expect some crazy steep sections (we're talking 15% grades!), as you gain over 6,700 feet in elevation, averaging nearly 9% on this climb. Fair warning: this road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly! Trust me, the memories of this incredible drive will last a lifetime.