
Travel guide to the top of Col de la Ricelle
France, europe
N/A
2,366 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Col de la Ricelle in the Hautes-Alpes of France is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking a legit mountain pass topping out at 2,366 meters (that's 7,762 feet!).
Forget smooth tarmac – the route is a gravelly, rocky rollercoaster that'll test your off-road skills. Think tippy, bumpy, and definitely requiring a 4x4. This baby's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly.
Definitely not for the faint of heart (or those scared of heights!), this trail is steep and demanding. But the views? Absolutely insane! You'll be driving through the Massif des Cerces range, and the scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment. Just make sure you're comfortable navigating unpaved mountain roads before you attempt this beast. Trust me, this isn’t one to try unless you're an experienced off-roader!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,366 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Popova Šapka?
🌍 Macedonia
Get ready for an adventure up to Popova Šapka! This mountain peak sits way up high in North Macedonia, at 1,780m (5,840ft). You'll find it in the northern part of the country, practically waving hello to Kosovo. Ever wonder about the name? Legend has it that "Popova Šapka" – Priest's Hat – comes from a tale of an orthodox priest whose hat was the only thing left after a sad event. At the top, you'll find a Macedonian Army base, a weather station, and a popular ski resort with plenty of hotels. The road to the summit, known as the R1209, is all paved and winds its way through the stunning Šar Mountains, a range that stretches across the Balkans. The journey starts in Tetovo, a city nestled at the foot of the Šar Mountain, bisected by the Pena River. From there, it's an 18km (11.18 miles) climb. Over that distance, you'll gain 1,257m in elevation, with an average gradient of about 7%.
hardHow to get by car to Lac de la Sassiere in the Tarentaise Valley?
🇫🇷 France
# Lac de la Sassière: A High-Alpine Adventure Nestled high in the French Alps at a breathtaking 2,462 meters (8,077 feet), Lac de la Sassière is a stunning alpine gem tucked away in the Savoie department. This pristine mountain lake sits within the Parc national de la Vanoise in the southeastern French Alps, right in the heart of the picturesque Tarentaise Valley. Getting there is half the adventure—and it's not for the faint of heart! The Route de la Sassière is a thrilling 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) climb from the D902 Road, gaining a solid 648 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 6.48%. The first stretch is paved but incredibly steep and narrow, eventually ending at a small dam where you'll find a car park. From there, the final 3.6 kilometers are off-limits to vehicles, but the unpaved road is in excellent condition and perfect for hiking or biking. One of the best parts? You're practically guaranteed to spot wildlife along the way. Keep your camera ready—marmots and chamois are regular visitors to this route, and the chance encounters make the drive even more special. The combination of challenging terrain, stunning alpine scenery, and frequent wildlife sightings makes this journey one of those unforgettable mountain experiences.
hardBistra Lake
🌍 Macedonia
Bistra Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 1.827m (5,994ft) above the sea level, located in the mountainous region of northwestern Republic of North Macedonia. The road to the summit, located on the slopes of Bistra mountain in Mavrovo National Park, is totally unpaved. The road is usually impassable in winters. Great trail for experienced wheelers. Open to all motorized vehicles, however, strongly recommended for high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles. The road is very rough--only try driving it in a 2wd car, if you're planning to buy a new car. At the lake (south direction) is a small gravel road winding its way up to 2.089m (6,853ft) above the sea level. It’s one of the highest roads of the country. Expect a trail pretty steep. Wet conditions may make for tough driving along the muddy road. Driving the wild road to Stogovo 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 Gülizar Tepe?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Gülizar Tepe in eastern Turkey, right near the Iranian border! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,928 meters (that's 9,606 feet!). Seriously, it's one of the highest roads you'll find in Turkey. Now, fair warning: forget the pavement. This 24.6 km (15.28 mile) stretch from Taşkesen to Atadamı is all unpaved, so a 4x4 is your best friend here. Expect a steep climb, and if it's been raining? Get ready for some seriously muddy conditions. But hey, think of the views from the top! You're snaking along the boundary between Ağrı and Van provinces, so get ready for some awesome scenery. This is one for the memory books!