The abandoned military road to Cima Ciantiplagna
Italy, europe
N/A
2,849 m
hard
Year-round
# Cima Ciantiplagna
Perched at 2,849 meters (9,347 feet) above sea level in Turin's Metropolitan City, Cima Ciantiplagna ranks among Italy's highest mountain passes. Tucked away in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, this spot offers some seriously impressive elevation gains.
The route follows the Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia, an old military road that dates back to the 1880s. Here's the thing though—it's off-limits to regular cars. This is a purist's route: gravel all the way, with relentless grades averaging 10.83% that'll make your legs burn if you're hiking it, or test your vehicle's mettle if you manage to get permission somehow.
The road's history tells its own story. After World War II, authorities basically threw up their hands and declared it "unusable and difficult to maintain," which is a fancy way of saying they abandoned it to the elements. That was decades ago, and nature's had plenty of time to reclaim what was built.
If you're after that off-the-beaten-path alpine experience with serious elevation and minimal development, this is exactly the kind of hidden gem that makes for unforgettable mountain exploration—just don't expect smooth asphalt or easy cruising.
Where is it?
The abandoned military road to Cima Ciantiplagna is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.0879, 12.6927
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,849 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.0879, 12.6927
Related Roads in europe
hardPunta del Cavallo Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
Punta del Cavallo is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.290m (7,513ft) above the sea level, located in the Province of Cuneo in the Italian region Piedmont. The road to the summit is gravel and bumpy. Steep, narrow, full of hairpins, the route is partly washed and bumpy. It’s impassable from September to June due the snow. The track is an old military route. The surface is loamy and grassy, so you should avoid driving in wet weather. At the summit there are some military constructions. 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.
moderateAn Unforgettable Drive to Lac d’Emosson in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Lac d'Emosson: A High-Alpine Hidden Gem Nestled in the Swiss Alps near the French border, Lac d'Emosson sits pretty at 1,970m (6,463ft) elevation in the canton of Valais. This stunning high-mountain reservoir is a seriously underrated driving destination. The paved road to the lake stretches just 6.2 km (3.85 miles) from the village of Finhaut, climbing a respectable 576 meters with an average gradient of 9.29%. Sure, you'll hit some steep pitches up to 16%, and the switchbacks near the top will keep you engaged, but here's the thing—the road is blissfully quiet. Traffic is minimal, which means you can actually enjoy the unbelievable views of Mont Blanc as you wind your way up. Built back in 1925, this road has serious character. As you climb, you'll notice the scenery getting progressively more spectacular. The road typically opens from late May through October or early November, depending on snow conditions. Once you reach the top, you'll find a charming restaurant, a little chapel (Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-neiges de La Gueulaz), and a parking area. If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue on foot to Lac du Vieux Emosson, an even higher dam at 2,205m, built in 1955. Pro tip: If you'd rather skip the driving entirely, check out the Barberine Railway—a jaw-dropping funicular built in 1920 with an 87% gradient. It's literally the world's steepest two-carriage funicular. The road to Emosson even hosted a Tour de France mountain finish, which tells you everything you need to know about its credentials.
extremePunta Alvarosa
🇪🇸 Spain
Punta Alvarosa is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.023m (6,637ft) above the sea level, located in the province of Huesca, Aragon, Spain. The road to the summit is gravel, rocky and treacherous in parts. Weather conditions can change quickly and be harsh. 4wd vehicle required. Altitude and extreme weather are always a factor at any time of year. The road is very steep, via 28 hairpin turns. A wild road to El Doctor Refuge, in southern Spain 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.
hardWhere is Wurzen Pass?
🇦🇹 Austria
Wurzenpass-Korensko Sedlo: high five to this epic mountain pass straddling Austria and Slovenia! You'll find yourself cruising at a cool 1,073m (3,520ft) above sea level, right on the border between Carinthia (Austria) and the Upper Carniola region (Slovenia). This route has been a go-to since way back in the 15th century, with a proper road carved out in 1734. Winding through the Karawanks, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, the B109 Wurzenpass Straße (in Austria) and Slovenian highway No. 201 (in Slovenia) is fully paved. Hold on tight though, this 11.2 km stretch from Radendorf (Austria) to Kranjska Gora (Slovenia) is a rollercoaster of curves and steep climbs, with gradients hitting a max of 18%! And because it's a popular border crossing, especially during summer, expect some company along the way. The views? Totally worth it.