
Travel Guide to Colletto Campanino
Italy, europe
N/A
2,142 m
hard
Year-round
# Colletto Campanino: A High-Alpine Adventure
If you're craving serious mountain thrills, Colletto Campanino delivers the goods. Sitting pretty at 2,142m (7,027ft) in Italy's Cuneo province, this alpine pass punches well above its weight in terms of drama and adventure.
Tucked into the Ligurian Alps near the French border, this beauty sits north of the legendary Via del Sale in Piedmont's southwestern corner. But here's the thing—this isn't a Sunday drive kind of road. The entire route is completely unpaved, so you'll absolutely need a solid 4x4 to tackle it properly.
Winter? Forget about it. Snow and ice make this pass pretty much unreachable for most of the year, so timing is everything if you want to make the summit run. When conditions do permit, expect narrow passages that'll keep your adrenaline pumping, stomach-churning drops, and seriously steep pitches that demand full concentration and respectful driving.
This is the kind of road that rewards adventurous spirits with incredible views and genuine accomplishment. Just bring your A-game, pack your patience, and come prepared for some proper alpine adventure.
Where is it?
Travel Guide to Colletto Campanino is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.9220, 12.0827
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,142 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.9220, 12.0827
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