Picco Palù-Großer Moosstock
Italy, europe
N/A
2,490 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Picco Palù, also known as Großer Moosstock! This South Tyrol gem in Italy hits a whopping 2,490 meters (8,169 feet), so buckle up for some serious altitude.
Nestled inside the Parco Naturale Vedrette di Ries – Aurina, getting to the top isn't your average Sunday drive. Think rocky, think gravel, think chairlift access trail. Yep, this is more of a hike than a road trip! The slope is seriously steep, with loose stones adding to the fun, and it gets even rockier as you climb. We're talking a ski-station service road with sections hitting a wild 25% gradient. The good news? You're in the stunning Venediger Group, so the views are out of this world. The catch? You only have a tiny window (think late August) to tackle this beast.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,490 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardHautacam is a legendary Tour de France climb
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Pyrenees, ready for an epic climb up to Station du Hautacam. This ski resort sits pretty at almost 5,000 feet, and getting there is half the adventure! Starting just outside Argelès-Gazost, you've got about 8.3 miles of paved road ahead of you. "Highland" is what Hautacam translates to, and it lives up to the name. Some sections get seriously narrow, so keep your eyes peeled. Oh, and did I mention it's steep? We're talking gradients hitting a whopping 16% in places. Over the 8.3-mile climb, you'll gain over 3,500 feet in elevation, averaging around 8% grade. Keep an eye out, it's been featured in the Tour de France, so you know it's a leg burner! Once you make it to the top, there's a big parking area and views that'll make it all worthwhile.
moderateCol de Rioupes
🇫🇷 France
Alright, adventurers, let's talk about the Col de Rioupes, a seriously cool mountain pass tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes of southeastern France! We're talking Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur vibes here. So, the road, aka the D17, is paved the whole way, which is a win. But don't get too comfy—there are some spots where the gradient kicks up to 8%. Keep your eyes peeled as you wind your way up to the tippy-top at 1,430 meters (that's 4,691 feet for my American friends!). Expect stunning scenery, and, you know, the usual mountain road fun. Get ready for some tight turns and breathtaking views!
hardCongost del Pas Nou, a road to die for
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're heading to Catalonia in northern Spain, you HAVE to experience the Congost de l'Escala del Pas Nou. This road, nestled in the Serra del Montsec Protected Natural Area (part of the stunning Pre-Pyrenees), is a total stunner. Think epic canyon views, but with a healthy dose of "hold-your-breath" driving. This isn't your average Sunday cruise. We're talking about a seriously narrow paved road that snakes its way along the mountainside. For stretches, it's a single lane, carved right into the cliffs! Imagine hugging those curves, with the Boix river carving out the gorge below. Seriously impressive work, considering the first path here was built way back in the 14th century, and this road itself was built from 1917-1922. The L-913 is only 7.4 km (4.59 miles) long, running from Vilanova de Meià towards Sant Martí de Barcedana. Keep an eye out for rockslides or snow, especially if the weather turns nasty. And yeah, your hands might get a little sweaty, especially when you're navigating the parts without barriers. This road is a total adrenaline rush!
moderateWhere is Passo Duran?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Passo Duran, a crazy-beautiful mountain pass hanging out in the Italian Dolomites! You'll find this gem in the Province of Belluno, Veneto region, snaking its way up to 1,601m (5,253ft). Up top, you're greeted with mountain huts, a sweet little chapel, and views for days. It's also the perfect jumping-off point for some epic Dolomite hikes. The Giro d’Italia loves this climb, and you will too! The road itself, SP347, is paved, but hold on tight – it's a wild ride! Think hairpin turns, super-narrow sections, and some seriously steep climbs, hitting up to 15% in places. Stretching for about 20.4 km (12.67 miles), the pass connects Agordo in the Cordevole Valley with Dont in the Zoldo Valley. Get ready for some stunning scenery as you wind your way up! From Agordo, you're looking at a 12.5 km climb, gaining 992 meters with an average gradient of 7.9%. If you're coming from Dont, it's a shorter but slightly steeper 8.16 km ascent, gaining 671 meters at an 8.2% average gradient. Either way, your car (and maybe your legs!) will get a workout!