
Travel guide to the top of Col des Vaux
Switzerland, europe
8 km
2,705 m
hard
Year-round
# Col des Vaux
Want to experience some serious Alpine adventure? Head to Col des Vaux, a jaw-dropping mountain pass sitting at 2,705m (8,874ft) in the Entremont district of Valais, southwestern Switzerland.
This isn't your typical scenic drive. Starting from Verbier, you're looking at roughly 8km (5 miles) of pure unpaved terrain—think loose rocks, gravel, and some seriously steep pitches that'll test both you and your vehicle. Fair warning: you'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle this beast. The road basically serves as access to the chairlift, and it ranks among Switzerland's highest routes.
Planning a visit? Mark your calendar for July through October only. From November until June, this pass is completely impassable, locked down by snow and weather. But when conditions are right, the rugged scenery and the thrill of conquering one of the country's most extreme mountain roads make it absolutely unforgettable.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Col des Vaux is located in Switzerland (europe). Coordinates: 47.0636, 8.3327
Road Details
- Country
- Switzerland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,705 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.0636, 8.3327
Related Roads in europe
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Puerto del Connio
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto del Connio: A Scenic Mountain Adventure in Asturias Tucked away in the heart of Fuentes del Narcea in northern Spain's Asturias region, Puerto del Connio is a gorgeous high-altitude pass that sits at 1,315 meters (4,314 feet) above sea level. It's the kind of place that makes your drive worthwhile. The route up is straightforward enough—you're looking at the AS-348, a fully asphalted road that's definitely on the narrower side. Here's the good news: it's generally accessible year-round, though Mother Nature does have the final say. When winter dumps heavy snow, the pass can close temporarily, so it's worth checking conditions before you head out. Starting from Ventanueva, you're in for an 18.6 km climb that'll gain you a solid 769 meters of elevation. That works out to an average gradient of around 5.65%, which is pleasantly rideable without being overly brutal. The winding ascent rewards you with stunning mountain scenery as you gain altitude, making every switchback feel earned. Whether you're chasing that perfect driving road or just want to experience the raw beauty of the Asturian mountains, Puerto del Connio delivers on both fronts. Pack layers, take your time on the curves, and soak in the views—this pass is a gem worth experiencing.
hardWhat’s the Cap Corse Road?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising the D80, aka Cap Corse Road, in northeastern Corsica, France, is an absolute must-do! This 102 km (63 mile) coastal gem winds from Bastia to Saint-Florent, serving up non-stop ocean views and postcard-perfect villages. Picture this: wild mountains tumbling into sparkling beaches, charming towns clinging to the cliffs, and views for days! The road itself? Let's just say it keeps things interesting. It's paved, but the surface can be a little rough, and some sections get seriously narrow – think "barely enough room for a bus" narrow. Maneuvering past oncoming traffic on those cliffside curves definitely adds a thrill! Trust me, the views are worth it. Drive north to south to hug the seaside for the best panoramas. Pull over often – there are plenty of spots to soak it all in, especially on the west coast with its sweeping views of the Gulf of Saint-Florent. Keep your speed around 40 km/hour on that side; this road hasn't changed much in decades! Pro tip: South of Pino, look for a super-tight, paved road just a few hundred meters from the D80. It's even more exhilarating, but take it slow – there's zero room for error! Get ready for a drive that's both breathtaking and maybe just a little terrifying, in the best possible way!
hardIs the road to Col de Sencours unpaved?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for Col de Sencours, a seriously high mountain pass chilling at 2,378m (7,801ft) in the French Pyrenees. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Forget smooth asphalt—we're talking a completely unpaved track, and a steep one at that. Loose surfaces make it a proper challenge, plus you've got cliff edges and a couple of short tunnels thrown in for good measure. Not for the faint of heart, or inexperienced drivers! Back in the day, this was the "Old Toll Road," even though it's more like a rugged path. Heads up: you might find a gate blocking cars, but hikers and cyclists can squeeze through. At the top, you'll stumble across the ruins of the old l'Hôtellerie de Sencours hotel, which has a wild history. Planning a winter trip? Forget about it. This road is usually snowed in and often impassable until late June. The adventure kicks off near the gift shop at Col du Tourmalet. From there, it's a 3.6 km (2.23 miles) climb, gaining 310 meters in elevation. Expect an average gradient of 8.61%, but be prepared for some sections that crank up to a whopping 24%! So, is it worth the trek? Absolutely! The views are breathtaking, and it's a chance to experience the area in its raw, untamed state. From the Col, you can even push on another 1.5 km to the D918. Get ready for a ride!
moderateA singletrack road from Newbiggin to Westgate
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're in County Durham, North East England, ready for an adventure. Forget the highway – we're talking about a hidden gem snaking from Newbiggin to Westgate. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a proper singletrack road, one of the highest in the UK! We're smack-dab on top of the North Pennine moorland. Yeah, it's paved, but hold on tight – it gets seriously narrow! Newbies, take note: there are sections where two medium-sized cars simply won't squeeze by. Reversing skills *essential*. You'll climb to a breathtaking 610m (2,001ft) above sea level. This route, stretching 11.74 km (7.3 miles), was built for old-school drovers and their livestock, connecting Westgate and Newbiggin. Just be prepared for some steep climbs, like that inhumane ramp to Dowgang Hush with its 17% gradient. This is where memories are made!