
The road to Col de Saluces is not for the faint of heart
France, europe
13.9 km
2,445 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! Col de Saluces is calling your name, way up in the French Alps (Hautes-Alpes department, to be exact). We're talking a lofty 2,445 meters (8,021 feet) above sea level, so be prepared for some serious altitude.
This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. It's a rugged, unpaved rollercoaster of bumps and patches that demands a 4x4. Think steep climbs, tight hairpin turns, and sections that have seen better days. Winter? Forget about it. This pass is snowed in until late June, maybe even July some years. It's more of a service road for ski lift maintenance and mountain lodges. Oh, and did I mention it's windy up there?
The adventure starts in Vars, and it's a 13.9 km (8.63 mile) climb to the top. You'll be facing some serious gradients, hitting 10.5% in places, so be ready to put your vehicle to the test. But trust me, the views are worth it! You'll be treated to stunning vistas of the Queyras, the Embrunais, and the majestic Pelvoux Massif. Get ready for some unforgettable photo ops!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,445 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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