
Pas de Cherferie
France, europe
N/A
2,142 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Pas de Cherferie in the French Alps is calling your name! This insane gravel track in Savoie tops out at a cool 2,142 meters (that's over 7,000 feet!). Word to the wise: you NEED a 4x4 for this one, and forget about it in the winter – it's totally impassable. Expect some seriously narrow and steep bits as you climb. The views? Absolutely worth the white knuckles, but be prepared for a wild ride!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,142 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the Scenic Balcony Road through Gorges de Chouvigny
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges de Chouvigny: A Stunning Canyon Drive Through Central France Ready for one of France's most breathtaking balcony road experiences? Head to the Gorges de Chouvigny, a spectacular canyon that straddles the Allier and Puy-de-Dôme departments in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The La Sioule river carved this stunning landscape over millennia, and you get to drive right through it. The magic happens on D915, a 7.5 km (4.66 miles) route running west-east from Le Pont de Menat to Chouvigny. The entire road is paved, which is great—but here's where it gets interesting. This isn't your typical highway. Expect narrow sections that demand your full attention, countless twists and turns that keep you on your toes, and several unlit tunnels that'll add a bit of drama to your drive. The real challenge? Portions of this road run as a single-track path hugging the mountainside, which means passing another vehicle is basically impossible. So time your drive wisely, stay alert, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure through one of France's most scenic gorges. The views alone are absolutely worth the thrilling drive.
extremeLaghi di Palasina
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Laghi di Palasina, a stunning alpine lake nestled high in the Aosta Valley of Italy at a whopping 2,445 meters (that's over 8,000 feet!). The road? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, think rocks, and think sections that will really test your driving skills. A 4x4 is your best friend here, trust me. And keep an eye on the sky – the weather can turn on a dime. Closures are common, so be prepared. Up here, the wind is practically a permanent resident, and the altitude can definitely get to you, so take it easy. But the payoff? Oh, the payoff! You'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping vistas of the Mont Blanc range and the gorgeous Val d'Ayas stretching out beneath you. This is a trip you won't soon forget!
extremeHow is the road surface to Ulagansky Pass in Altai?
🌍 Russia
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Ulaganskiy Pereval! This high-altitude pass punches through the Altai Mountains in the remote Altai Republic of Russia, clocking in at a cool 2,082 meters (6,830 feet) above sea level. Think of it as your gateway to the wild, wild east, especially if you're heading toward the legendary Chulyshman Valley. What makes this drive so special? Picture this: alpine scenery that'll knock your socks off and views stretching across the snow-capped North Chuya and Kurai ridges. Seriously stunning! This 51.7 km (32.12 miles) stretch runs north-south, linking Aktash (right off the main Chuya Highway) to Ulagan. Now, here's the thing: road conditions can be a bit of a wild card. One minute you're cruising on smooth asphalt, the next you're navigating rough and ready Siberian dirt. While it's fairly straight, there are definitely some steep sections that demand your full attention. A gradual climb takes you from wide-open steppes into dense taiga forest before you reach the rocky summit. Word to the wise: be prepared for anything! The surface can switch from pavement to gravel in the blink of an eye, and during spring or after heavy rains, those unpaved bits can get seriously muddy. If you're planning this trip, a vehicle with decent ground clearance is a must – those potholes and washboard sections are no joke. But trust me, conquering Ulagansky Pass is SO worth it. At the summit, you're rewarded with mind-blowing views. And don't miss Ozero Kidelyu near the top – a picturesque high-mountain lake reflecting the surrounding forests and snowy peaks. It's considered a sacred spot, so keep an eye out for the colorful "kyira" ribbons tied to the trees. Plus, conquering this pass makes you ready for the Katu-Yaryk Pass. Ulaganskiy Pereval is an essential first step for any serious Siberian road trip.
extremeThe narrow, bad and old road to the top of Col de Sarenne
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Sarenne: France's Ultimate Alpine Challenge Perched at a heart-pounding 2,004 meters (6,574 ft) in the Isère department, Col de Sarenne ranks among France's most intense mountain passes. Nestled high in the Grandes Rousses massif of the Central French Alps in the Rhône-Alpes region, this beast of a road isn't for the faint-hearted. The 20.9-kilometer (12.98-mile) Route du Col de Sarenne stretches from Mizoën to Huez, climbing relentlessly with gradients hitting 14.1% at their steepest. What makes it truly gnarly? The road surface itself is a mixed bag—mostly paved, but with sketchy unpaved sections that'll keep you white-knuckling the wheel. The asphalt quality ranges from decent to downright sketchy, especially at the edges, and narrow pinch points mean you definitely can't pass an oncoming car. Those steep drops? Unguarded. A 30-meter plunge awaits any mistakes. Guardrails? Forget about it. Bigger vehicles are banned from this road entirely. But here's the thing: despite being relatively close to civilization, Col de Sarenne feels genuinely remote. The rough pavement and quiet atmosphere make it feel like you've discovered some hidden corner of the Alps. There's even a tiny restaurant and parking lot at the summit if you need to catch your breath. The road closes from late October through early June and runs alongside the GR54 hiking trail for much of its length. Oh, and it's famous enough to have been tackled by Tour de France cyclists—so yes, people actually race up this monster.