Is the road to Forcella d’Entova unpaved?

Is the road to Forcella d’Entova unpaved?

Italy, europe

Length

11.9 km

Elevation

2,802 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about Forcella d’Entova! Nestled high in Lombardy, Italy, in the Province of Sondrio, this mountain pass sits at a whopping 2,802m (9,192ft).

Reaching the top is no joke, though. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking extreme 4x4 territory ONLY. Think super narrow tracks, deep ruts, and gravel that's just begging to send you sliding. The road gets progressively gnarlier, with stones, rocks, and even landslide debris to navigate. Rain? Forget about it – you'll be dealing with mud slicker than an eel. Apparently, it was built for a ski station that never materialized, which explains…a lot!

Clocking in at just under 12 km (7.4 miles) from San Giuseppe, you'll be climbing a hefty 1203m, making for an average gradient of 10.10%. And don't think you'll catch a break – some sections max out at a leg-burning 10%!

FYI, you can only access this road in the summer months, as it’s usually blocked off by a barrier to private vehicles from September to June. But when it’s open, the views and the bragging rights are SO worth it. Plus, there are mountain refuges near the top where you can soak it all in. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
11.9 km
Max Elevation
2,802 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

Here's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Montaña Rajadamoderate

Here's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Montaña Rajada

🇪🇸 Spain

# Montaña Rajada: Spain's Sky-High Summit Road Ready for an adventure that'll take you literally to the top of Spain? Montaña Rajada sits at a jaw-dropping 2,463 meters (8,080 feet) in Tenerife's Teide National Park, making it one of the highest drivable peaks in the entire country. Here's the thing—this isn't your typical scenic highway. The route to the summit is completely unpaved and only open to 4x4 vehicles (no regular cars allowed). You'll also need to time your visit carefully: the road is typically locked down from October through June, depending on weather conditions. Speaking of weather, don't underestimate it. Mountain conditions here can flip on a dime, and wind is basically a permanent resident at this elevation—we're talking relentless, powerful gusts year-round. Pack layers and expect the unexpected. The payoff? Reaching a weather observatory perched at the summit, surrounded by some of the most dramatic high-altitude scenery Spain has to offer. Just come prepared, respect the terrain, and check conditions before you head out. This peak isn't for casual Sunday drivers, but for those ready to tackle it properly, it's an unforgettable experience.

Travel guide to the top of Col du Festremoderate

Travel guide to the top of Col du Festre

🇫🇷 France

# Col du Festre Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France sits Col du Festre, a mountain pass that rises to 1,441 meters (4,727 feet) above sea level. This is proper Alpine territory in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and it's got the credentials to prove it—the Tour de France has tackled this climb before. The road up is fully asphalted, following the D937, which keeps things relatively civilized compared to some Alpine passes. You've got options depending on where you start your ascent. From Barrage du Sautet, you're looking at a 22.1 km grind with 648 meters of elevation gain—that works out to a mellow 2.9% average gradient, making it a pretty forgiving climb as mountain passes go. If you're starting from La Madeleine instead, you'll cover 14.4 km with 591 meters of elevation gain, bringing the gradient up to 4.1% on average. It's slightly steeper but shorter, so take your pick depending on your mood and fitness level. Either way, you're in for some stunning Alpine scenery as you wind your way toward the summit.

How long is Strada degli Scarubbi?hard

How long is Strada degli Scarubbi?

🇮🇹 Italy

Strada degli Scarubbi, nestled between Veneto and Trentino-South Tyrol in Italy, is a mountain road with a serious backstory, built during World War I. Forget your car though, this route is off-limits to private vehicles now. Clocking in at 10.5km (6.52 miles), this old military road winds its way from Passo Xomo (1,058m) up to Rifugio Generale Achille Papa on Porte del Pasubio, soaring to 1,928m (6,325ft). Back in 1915, the Italian Army carved out this mule track to reach the Pasubio summit. It was a risky route back then, exposed to Austrian artillery fire, forcing drivers to get creative with hiding in bends. Prepare for stunning views, but also for a demanding trek. Legend has it, one visit to this road is never enough. The temperature difference from bottom to top can be a real shocker! Its northern exposure meant it was snowed in for much of winter and spring, hence the need for the safer (but car-free) Strada delle 52 Gallerie. For a while after the war, Scarubbi was the go-to route for early motoring adventurers. Heads up – the initial section from Xomo Pass climbs steeply, hitting around 10% before splitting off towards the 52 galleries. After a descent and climb to Caneve of Campiglia, get ready for 12 switchbacks over 5.7 km at a 9.5% gradient. For about a mile, it levels out, carved into the rock overlooking the Scarubbi spires. This section is exposed and prone to landslides, especially after spring rains. The final stretch winds upwards to the Gates of Pasubio, continuing to the church of Santa Maria del Pasubio. Since the 80s, it's been closed to most motorized vehicles. Today, it's really the only way up Pasubio for the refuge managers. While the flat section can get dicey with landslides, it's a popular descent for hikers and bikers alike. The Italian government has also closed off sections to prevent accidents.

Where is Popova Šapka?moderate

Where is Popova Šapka?

🌍 Macedonia

Get ready for an adventure up to Popova Šapka! This mountain peak sits way up high in North Macedonia, at 1,780m (5,840ft). You'll find it in the northern part of the country, practically waving hello to Kosovo. Ever wonder about the name? Legend has it that "Popova Šapka" – Priest's Hat – comes from a tale of an orthodox priest whose hat was the only thing left after a sad event. At the top, you'll find a Macedonian Army base, a weather station, and a popular ski resort with plenty of hotels. The road to the summit, known as the R1209, is all paved and winds its way through the stunning Šar Mountains, a range that stretches across the Balkans. The journey starts in Tetovo, a city nestled at the foot of the Šar Mountain, bisected by the Pena River. From there, it's an 18km (11.18 miles) climb. Over that distance, you'll gain 1,257m in elevation, with an average gradient of about 7%.