What’s at the summit of Mauria Pass?
Italy, europe
N/A
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through northern Italy, right on the border of Veneto and Friuli, heading up Mauria Pass. We're talking serious altitude here!
At the very top, you'll find a cool wrought iron cross – a memorial to local heroes from WWII. It's a somber, but powerful spot, with a parking area and a restaurant nearby for a quick bite. Just south of the pass is where the Tagliamento River kicks off its journey!
The road itself is the SS52, and while paved, it can get a little tight in places. It’s not crazy steep, but be prepared to hug those curves!
From Pelos di Cadore, it's about 10.6 km to the top, climbing
with an average grade of 4.5%. From Forni di Sopra, it's about 10.8 km and climbing
with an average gradient of 4.4%.
It's a stunning drive, so take your time, enjoy the views, and maybe grab a bite at the summit!
Related Roads in europe
moderateAn epic paved road to Col de Restefond in the Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Restefond: Alpine Thrills at 2,680 Meters Ready for one of France's most epic mountain drives? Welcome to Col de Restefond, sitting pretty at a jaw-dropping 2,680 meters (8,790 feet) above sea level in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This isn't just any pass—it's one of the highest drivable roads in the entire country, and trust me, the views are absolutely worth the altitude. Nestled in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France, this route cuts right through Mercantour National Park, cozying up next to the dramatic Cime de la Bonette. The road itself—known locally as the C4, Route de Nice, or Route du Col de Restefond—stretches a solid 47.2 km (29.32 miles) from Jausiers to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, all of it perfectly paved. The route has some serious history. Originally built back in 1860 to connect Nice and Briançon, it got its modern summit route between 1960-1961. Scattered around are haunting remnants of the Maginot Line's Alpine extension—old blockhouses that remind you this landscape has seen more than just tourism. Coming up from Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, you're looking at a 23 km push with a 1,512-meter elevation gain. That's an average gradient of 6.6%, though around the old Casernes de Restefond military building, things get spicy at 8-9%. One heads-up: this road plays by winter's rules. From November through May, snow and ice make it inaccessible, so plan your visit for the warmer months.
hardEstany de la Coma d'Amitges
🇪🇸 Spain
# Estany de la Coma d'Amitges Ready for an epic high-altitude adventure? This stunning mountain lake sits at 2,382m (7,814ft) in the Pyrenees of Catalonia, Spain—making it one of the country's most elevated drives. And honestly, the journey to get there is half the thrill. Located within the breathtaking Parc Nacional d'Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, this route is strictly 4x4 territory. The road itself is a gnarly mix of gravel and rocky terrain that'll keep you bouncing with every turn. Personal vehicles aren't allowed here; only local Jeeps and Land Rovers make the trek. Once you reach the top, there's a cozy mountain refuge waiting to reward your efforts. Fair warning: this trail is *steep*—like seriously steep. If heights make you queasy, this might not be your ride. Muddy conditions after rain can turn the unpaved sections into a slippery challenge, and winter? Forget about it. Ice and snow completely shut this down, making it dangerous and impassable. The stunning alpine scenery and that rush of conquering such a challenging route makes it totally worth it—but only if you're an experienced off-road driver who's comfortable tackling serious mountain roads. If unpaved mountain tracks aren't your jam, save this one for another day.
hardWhere is Çirisli Geçidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: you're in eastern Turkey, weaving your way through the Erzurum Province on Çirisli Geçidi. This mountain pass climbs to a cool 2,320 meters (that's 7,611 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Eastern Anatolia region. Now, fair warning, this isn't a Sunday drive on a smooth highway. The 58.2 km (36.16 miles) road, linking Çat to Karlıova, is entirely paved, but it's seen better days. It's a pretty rough ride! Plus, it's a favorite for trucks, so share the road. Prepare for some seriously steep climbs, with gradients hitting 11% in places – your engine will definitely get a workout. And speaking of workouts, winter here is no joke. Snowfall turns this pass into a slippery challenge, with winter storms common. But hey, if you're up for an adventure with killer views, Çirisli Geçidi delivers!
extremeCarretera de las Presas (Road GC-605) is not for the faint-hearted
🇪🇸 Spain
# The Carretera de las Presas: Gran Canaria's Wild Mountain Ride Want to experience one of Gran Canaria's most thrilling drives? The GC-605, nicknamed the Carretera de las Presas, winds through the southwestern part of the island with serious mountain road vibes. This 23.3 km beast climbs from the tiny town of Pie de la Cuesta (325m elevation) all the way up to the charming village of Ayacata (1,304m), gaining nearly 1,000 meters of elevation in the process. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely Sunday cruise. The road kicks off with an absolutely epic series of hairpin bends that spiral up the west side of the valley, flanked by striking ochre cliffs and massive boulders. By the time you reach the summit, you'll have conquered more than 30 hairpins, with some sections so narrow that two cars genuinely can't pass each other. The maximum slope hits 10%, and while the road is fully paved, the final 8 km can feel like a bit of a lottery—sometimes decent, sometimes rough as hell. The payoff? Stunning vistas throughout, plus you'll reach the Las Niñas reservoir, one of the island's three biggest dams. There's even a legendary 400-year-old pine tree nearby with a haunting backstory. Nature lovers will appreciate the scenic viewpoints with parking spots scattered along the route. Just come prepared: this route is notorious for landslides, rockfalls, and sudden fog. Bring layers too—it gets cold and windy up there. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, but if you're after an unforgettable mountain driving experience, this is it.