
Piz Cartas
Switzerland, europe
N/A
2,704 m
hard
Year-round
# Piz Cartas: A High Alpine Adventure
Piz Cartas rises up to 2,704 meters (8,871 feet) in the Oberhalbstein Alps, right in the heart of Switzerland's Grisons canton within the Albula district. This stunning peak is no casual stroll—it's a serious alpine challenge that demands respect.
The route up is a ski resort service road that'll test your legs and your nerve. You're looking at steep grades that hit 30% in places, with a surface that's basically rocks and loose gravel the entire way. The upper sections get even more rugged and unforgiving, with exposed rocky terrain that keeps you honest.
Timing is everything here. You've got a super tight window to attempt this—basically just the tail end of August when conditions align. Even then, don't get complacent. Summer snowfall isn't uncommon, and the wind is relentless year-round, howling across these heights with genuine intensity. Winter temperatures? Brutally cold, the kind that demands serious preparation.
This isn't a summer stroll through the Alps—it's an expedition that requires proper planning, solid fitness, and respect for the mountain's moods. But if you nail the conditions, you're rewarded with an unforgettable high-altitude experience in one of Europe's most dramatic mountain ranges.
Where is it?
Piz Cartas is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 46.5692, 9.5142
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,704 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.5692, 9.5142
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Zlaté Návrší?
🌍 Czech Republic
Zlaté Návrší is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1.391m (4,563ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Liberec and Hradec Králové regions of the Czech Republic. Where is Zlaté Návrší? The peak is located within the Krkonoše National Park, in the north of the country, near the border with Poland. Is Zlaté Návrší paved? The road to the summit is totally paved but the tarmac conditions are not great higher up the mountain. Is Zlaté Návrší open? Set high in the Krkonoše mountain range, part of the Sudetes mountain system, the road is closed to private vehicles and impassable in winters due to the snow. How long is Zlaté Návrší? The road to the summit is 10.6km (6.58 miles) long starting at Vítkovice. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 760 meters. The average percentage is 7.16%. Vyssi Brod Pass: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide The unfinished Borovsko Bridge (or Hitler's Bridge) Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
hardTravel guide to Biadós Refuge
🇪🇸 Spain
# Refugio de Biadós: A Thrilling High-Altitude Adventure Nestled at 1,779 meters (5,836 feet) in the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees, Refugio de Biadós sits pretty in Huesca's Ribagorza region. This mountain refuge is surrounded by the stunning Posets-Maladeta Natural Park—a landscape that'll take your breath away (literally, given the elevation). Now, let's talk about getting there. The road is definitely not your typical Sunday drive. You're looking at gravel and rocky terrain that gets seriously bumpy and tippy in places. This isn't a route for the faint of heart or inexperienced off-roaders—a 4x4 is absolutely essential. Winter? Forget about it. The road becomes completely impassable when snow rolls in. Here's the real talk: if steep inclines make you nervous or unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, you might want to skip this one. Throw in wet conditions and you've got a muddy, slippery challenge on your hands. But if you're an experienced wheeler who loves a good adrenaline rush and doesn't mind heights, this is your kind of adventure. The payoff? Epic mountain scenery and the satisfaction of conquering one seriously gnarly road to reach an incredible refuge in one of Europe's most dramatic mountain ranges.
An iconic road to Staulanza Pass in the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Staulanza: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious mountain driving? Passo Staulanza sits pretty at 1,773 meters (5,817 feet) in the Belluno province of Italy's Veneto region, and it's absolutely worth the detour. This charming pass—also called Forcella Staulanza—connects the scenic Zoldo Valley to the south with the Cadore Valley up north, nestled in a cozy little valley between the impressive Mount Coldai (2,395m) and the towering Pelmo (3,168m). The 21.6-kilometer (13.42-mile) route runs south to north from Dont to Selva di Cadore, and let me tell you—it's not your average Sunday drive. This fully paved stretch of Strada Provinciale 251 (SP251) winds through the heart of the Dolomites with switchback after switchback and plenty of dramatic elevation changes that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The road has even earned its stripes as a Giro d'Italia mountain stage, so you know it's legit. When you finally reach the summit, you'll find a small village with a handful of houses and a cozy restaurant complete with a parking area—the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the stunning alpine scenery before tackling the descent.
moderateWhere is Col du Raspaillon?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France, ready for an adventure. Next up: Col du Raspaillon – also known as Col des Granges Communes – a high mountain pass topping out at 8,284 feet! You'll find this beauty nestled near the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes, practically straddling the border of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments. Yep, you're smack-dab in the middle of Mercantour National Park! Heads up, history buffs: at the summit, you'll find Ouvrage Granges Communes, part of the Maginot Line's Alpine extension. The road itself, heading south from Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, is fully paved and was originally built in the 1930s! But keep in mind this isn't a year-round cruise. The road is traditionally closed from late October through late June or early July. Get ready for some serious views!