Preda Rossa

Preda Rossa

Italy, europe

Length

24 km

Elevation

1,955 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Preda Rossa: A Mountain Pass with a Comeback Story

Nestled in Lombardy's Province of Sondrio, Preda Rossa sits pretty at 1,955 meters (6,414 feet) above sea level. But here's the thing—this pass has quite the tale to tell.

Back in 1991, a massive landslide absolutely wreaked havoc on the original road. For over two decades, travelers had to make do with a rough gravel route snaking around the valley as their only option. Not exactly ideal, but that's what it took to get to the top.

Fast forward to 2012, and things got a major upgrade. The road is now mostly paved, with just a short 300-meter gravel section remaining as a reminder of those rougher days. Don't let that fool you though—this pass means business.

Starting from Masino, you're looking at a serious 24-kilometer climb that'll gain you 1,675 meters of elevation. The average grade sits at 7%, but buckle up for some gnarly sections that hit 14%—seriously steep in places. It's the kind of drive that'll test your car and your nerve, but the payoff is a genuine Alpine experience.

Where is it?

Preda Rossa is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.8478, 12.9733

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
24 km
Max Elevation
1,955 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
41.8478, 12.9733

Related Roads in europe

The road to Monte Paularo is not for the faint of hearthard

The road to Monte Paularo is not for the faint of heart

🇮🇹 Italy

# Monte Paularo: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Perched at 1,970 meters (6,463 feet) in the Province of Udine, Monte Paularo—also known as Monte Dimon—is a stunning peak tucked away in Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Sitting just north of Tolmezzo near the Austrian border, this gem rises high in the Carnic Alps and rewards visitors with glacial lakes like Lago Dimon and even a working cattle farm at the summit. Getting there is half the adventure. The route up, called Strada Provinciale 24 (SP24), is an old military road that's completely unpaved and seriously scenic. Starting from the small town of Ligosullo, you're looking at a 10.3-kilometer (6.4-mile) climb with a brutal 937-meter elevation gain and an average grade of 9.09%. Here's the thing: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The road narrows dramatically in sections—we're talking barely-room-for-one-car-width tight. Meeting another vehicle head-on means someone's playing a nerve-wracking game of reverse. Those hairpin turns? Many require multiple attempts to get through safely, and the steep drop-offs alongside the narrow stretches definitely keep your adrenaline pumping. This route demands respect and experience. If you're an experienced driver who thrives on challenging mountain roads and can handle some serious exposure, Monte Paularo's dramatic alpine scenery and spectacular views make it an unforgettable drive. Just make sure you know what you're getting into before you point your car up that mountain.

Is Qafa e Asters unpaved?moderate

Is Qafa e Asters unpaved?

🇦🇱 Albania

Okay, picture this: Qafa e Asters, snaking through the northwestern part of the country, offering a totally mind-blowing mountain panorama. This isn't your average Sunday drive though. We're talking a completely unpaved road to the summit. Seriously, it's rough! This isn't a route for your everyday sedan; you'll need a 4x4 with serious ground clearance to handle the rocky terrain. Some sections are so gnarly, they're impassable for 2WD vehicles. While I don't have the exact length of the road, know that the journey is very remote, quiet, and secluded. Just you, your trusty ride, and some seriously epic views! It's not easy, but if you're up for the challenge, Qafa e Asters is an adventure you won't forget.

Is the road to Monte Lussari paved?extreme

Is the road to Monte Lussari paved?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, heading towards this epic peak called Monte Lussari. At 1,745 meters up, the views are insane! The road up, also known as Monte Santo di Lussari, is a recent addition, fully paved and ready for adventure. It’s become the only way by car to reach the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Lussari and a charming collection of hotels that were previously only accessible by cable car or hiking. Starting from Strada Statale 54 (SS54) south of Tarvisio, this 10-kilometer climb is no joke. They call it "the balcony of the Julian Alps" for good reason. Get ready for a serious workout as you gain 1098 meters in elevation – some sections hit a wild 22-23% gradient as you wind through the woods. It's a narrow, one-way road that's as twisty as it gets.

How is the road to Pic del Maià?extreme

How is the road to Pic del Maià?

🌍 Andorra

Okay, picture this: you're in Andorra, near the French border, ready to tackle a seriously epic climb to Pic del Maià. This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking a steep gravel track that snakes its way up to a major communication tower, making it one of the highest roads in the country. The stats: get ready for about 7 seriously tight hairpin turns and a constant uphill battle, averaging around an 8% grade, gaining 211 meters. The surface? Think bumpy, loose rock, and that high-altitude soil that's more like dust. You'll absolutely need proper tires to get up these steep sections, especially with the ruts that erosion has carved. Heads up, this road is usually closed from late autumn to early summer because of snow and ice. Even in July, you might still hit some snow around those hairpin turns. And after it rains? Forget about it. The dirt turns into a slippery mud pit. Always scope out the weather around Envalira before you even think about heading up. The main things to watch out for? Huge drops with no safety barriers. The road's super narrow, so meeting another car on the hairpins can get interesting, requiring some skilled reversing on unstable ground. Plus, at over 2,600 meters, your engine's going to feel the altitude, so keep it in low gear. The summit can also get crazy windy with super fast-changing weather, so lightning is a real threat if a storm rolls in. Before you leave the paved road at Port d'Envalira, deflate your tire pressure! The rocks up there are no joke. And there are no facilities at the top—just the communication tower. Make sure your car's cooling system is in tip-top shape. This climb, while short, is intense and in thin air, so overheating is a real risk. Only try this during the day with perfect visibility. You have been warned.