Monte Pizzoc

Monte Pizzoc

Italy, europe

Length

24.18 km

Elevation

1,565 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Monte Pizzoc: A Thrilling Alpine Climb in Northern Italy

Looking for an epic mountain drive? Monte Pizzoc delivers. This stunning pass sits at 1,565m (5,135ft) in the Veneto region of Italy and makes for an absolutely exhilarating road trip.

The route climbing up from Vittorio Veneto is no joke—we're talking 24.18 km of steep, narrow asphalt that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The elevation gain totals a serious 1,406 meters, which works out to an average gradient of 5.8%. It's definitely a workout for your car and your driving skills, but that's part of the appeal.

What really makes this worth the effort? At the summit, you'll find a cozy mountain refuge where you can catch your breath, refuel, and soak in those incredible Alpine views. Whether you're tackling this as a serious cycling challenge or cruising it in your vehicle, Monte Pizzoc offers the kind of authentic mountain experience that stays with you long after you've descended.

Where is it?

Monte Pizzoc is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.2804, 13.3820

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
24.18 km
Max Elevation
1,565 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
42.2804, 13.3820

Related Roads in europe

How Long is the Road Through Gorges de l’Asco?hard

How Long is the Road Through Gorges de l’Asco?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: Corsica, that stunning French island in the Mediterranean, hiding a secret canyon called Gorges de l’Asco. Carved out by the Asco River, this gorge is home to the D147, a twisting road that’s basically a balcony clinging to the mountainside. This 41 km (25+ mile) ribbon of pavement winds its way from Moltifao all the way up to the abandoned Station de Ski du Haut Asco, perched at a cool 1,509m (almost 5,000ft!). Now, heads up – this isn’t your average Sunday drive. The road's in decent shape, but it’s narrow, often just one lane wide, and those guardrails? Nowhere to be seen. Once you pass the village of Asco and turn towards the gorge (easy to find even without a sign), be prepared for a steep climb. The pavement ends abruptly after a bend, offering just a rocky path and zero room to turn around. If you’re rocking a larger vehicle or aren’t a confident driver, you might be doing a bit of reversing down a steep, winding kilometer to find a safe spot to maneuver. Motorbikes? They’ll have a slightly easier time. And for those in super-long vehicles, anything over 11m is a no-go. But here’s the reward: just a little further down, you'll find a gorgeous old bridge that's begging for a photo. And on those scorching summer days? The river's crystal-clear water is irresistible for a quick dip. Driving down into the gorge is pretty manageable (check those brakes!), but getting back up can be a bit of a puzzle. With no “no parking” signs, folks sometimes leave their cars right on the roadside, making things tight, even for bikes! So, is it worth the drive? Absolutely! Nestled in the Asco Valley within the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse, this road, partially built by the Foreign Legionnaires back in the '60s, is a total stunner. Prepare for a rugged, desolate landscape of red granite and sparse vegetation. The untouched natural beauty of the area will leave you speechless.

Road F903 (Hvannalindavegur)extreme

Road F903 (Hvannalindavegur)

🇮🇸 Iceland

Get ready for an Icelandic adventure on the F903, also known as Hvannalindavegur! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a rugged trek through the Eastern Region, smack-dab in the Vatnajokull National Park. Think stunning, raw landscapes as you follow (and cross!) a small river – twice! Heads up: this road is strictly for serious 4x4s with real fording chops. We're talking full-size, high-clearance vehicles only. Seriously, don't even think about attempting this in a dinky rental car; it's just plain irresponsible. You'll be bouncing over potholes and sandy stretches on this rough and remote track, which connects the F910 and F902 roads on its way through Hvannalindir toward the Vatnajökull glacier. Open only during the summer (late June to early September, give or take), expect everything from steep, rocky slopes to broken terrain, massive rocks, and boggy muskeg. And solitude! This road is seriously off the beaten path. No cell service in many spots, so be prepared. Known locally as the Kverkfjöll road, going solo isn't recommended. The Lindá river crossings are the stuff of legends. River crossings demand respect (and experience!). Never attempt it alone or during heavy rain. Water levels can rise fast, making it super treacherous. Always scout the river depth first! Remember, rental car insurance usually doesn't cover water damage from river crossings. But if you're prepared, this road promises epic views and a true taste of Iceland's wild heart. Just be aware it can be dangerous during the dark night.

Where is Col d'Allos?hard

Where is Col d'Allos?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: the Col d'Allos, a seriously high mountain pass nestled way up in the French Alps. We're talking 2,250 meters (that's 7,382 feet!) above sea level, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, chilling west of the Parc National du Mercantour. This pass has some history! Built back in 1891, supposedly to defend against potential Italian and German attacks, so it's got a story to tell. Now, getting there...the D908 is completely paved, but let's be real, it's not exactly smooth sailing. Think bumpy surfaces, hairpin turns galore, and a road that feels a little narrow at times. Definitely not for the faint of heart, especially with those dramatic drop-offs! Caravan and truck drivers, consider yourselves warned. It's STEEP too – hitting a maximum gradient of 9% in places. It's a Tour de France favorite, so you know it's intense. The whole pass stretches for about 39.1 km (24.29 miles), connecting Colmars-les-Alpes and Barcelonnette in a south-north direction. But trust me, it's worth the trek! At the summit, you'll find a parking area and a mountain refuge (Refuge du Col d'Allos). Keep your eyes peeled along the way for marmots, sheep, and cows just living their best lives in the fields. Heads up: the road is usually closed from October to July due to snow. And if you're planning a visit in July or August, Friday mornings are reserved for cyclists. Oh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a minor gravel road south of the pass that climbs up to a mountain peak at 2,350m (7,709ft). Get ready for some incredible views!

Is the Road to Gardetta Pass Unpaved?moderate

Is the Road to Gardetta Pass Unpaved?

🇮🇹 Italy

Ciao, adventurers! Let's talk about Passo della Gardetta, a seriously epic mountain pass way up in Italy's Province of Cuneo. We're talking 2,442m (8,011ft) above sea level! Forget smooth asphalt, because this road is all about that rugged, unpaved life. Yep, it's an old military road that winds its way through the Piedmont region. The adventure kicks off from Marmora, stretching for 15.1 km (9.38 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road fun. Word to the wise: leave the family sedan at home. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 for this one and private vehicles are not allowed! Heads up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect this pass to be snowed in and totally impassable from around October to June. Plan accordingly! So, is it worth the trek? Absolutely! You'll cruise through the stunning Altopiano della Gardetta, soaking up those incredible views. Keep an eye out for crumbling old military barracks and a memorial honoring soldiers from WWI. Plus, near the top, you can explore WWII bunkers and a restored military barrack that's now the Gardetta shelter. And the views from the summit? Picture wild, untouched landscapes of the Oronaje mountains and the Unerzio Valley. It's a view you won't soon forget!