Is the road to Forcella Luson unpaved?

Is the road to Forcella Luson unpaved?

Italy, europe

Length

8.2 km

Elevation

2,383 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Italian Dolomites, heading for Forcella Luson, a mountain pass that tops out at a breathtaking 7,818 feet! The locals call it Lüsner Scharte, and trust me, the views are worth the climb.

Speaking of the climb, it's a wild one! Most of the road, known as Via Panoramica Dolomiti or Dolomiten Panoramaweg, is unpaved, adding a real adventurous vibe. Get ready for some seriously curvy and narrow stretches, especially as you near the top. Heads up, this beauty is usually closed during the winter months.

The adventure starts from Strada Provinciale 29 (SP-29), and from there, it's about 5.09 miles (8.2 km) of steep climbing. Once you're up there, check out the gravel chairlift trail that leads to Monte Telegrafo (Plose) on the north side. And don't miss the Plosehütte (Rifugio Plose) near the summit – perfect for a quick breather and soaking in those incredible panoramic views. You won't regret this drive!

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Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
8.2 km
Max Elevation
2,383 m
Difficulty
hard

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