Where is Cima Ciantiplagna?
Italy, europe
N/A
2,849 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so Cima Ciantiplagna isn't your average Sunday drive! This high-altitude pass, sitting at a whopping 9,347 feet in the Metropolitan City of Turin, promises epic views, but getting there is an adventure in itself. You'll find it tucked away in the northwestern part of Italy, boasting some of the highest roads around.
Forget the car though; this is strictly a trekker's paradise. The old military road – Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia – built way back when, is now closed to vehicles. We're talking a seriously steep climb (averaging around 13%) across just 11km. Post-World War II, they pretty much threw in the towel on maintaining it, so expect rugged terrain and a true taste of off-the-beaten-path exploration. The scenery? Absolutely worth the effort!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,849 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateCan I drive on the 64Н-3 Road?
🌍 Russia
Okay, adventure awaits on Sakhalin Island! 64Н-3 hugs the southwest coast for about 80 kilometers (almost 50 miles), running from Kholmsk, a bustling port town, down to the sleepy village of Shebunino. Think you can handle it? This isn't your average Sunday drive. Most of the road is unpaved, but usually passable in a normal car. Just be warned, you're heading into seriously remote territory. Pack extra supplies, and keep an eye out for thick fog rolling in off the sea. But hey, the payoff? Stunning coastal views that'll make you forget all about the bumpy ride. Get ready for an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience!
easyHow to Get by Car to the Abandoned Terskol Ice Base?
🌍 Russia
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ready to tackle one of Europe's highest and wildest roads? Head to the heart of Russia, near the Georgian border, in the regions of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay–Cherkessia, and aim for the abandoned Terskol Ice Base. We're talking a staggering 3,675m (12,057ft) above sea level! The area is drop-dead gorgeous, with the Terskol Glacier calling all hikers and climbers. Keep an eye out for memorials to WWII soldiers and spooky abandoned buildings – this place has history etched into its landscape. Starting from Terskol (already at a lofty 2,166m), brace yourself for a 11.9 km climb. In that relatively short distance, you'll gain a whopping 1,509 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of almost 13%, with some seriously butt-clenching sections hitting 18%! Nestled in the western Caucasus, this track is strictly for summer thrill-seekers (July-August). It's completely unpaved, so a 4x4 with high clearance is non-negotiable. Trust me, this road will test your skills and your ride. The scenery is incredible, with stunning waterfalls cascading down the mountainside, but the steepness and rugged terrain mean you should definitely NOT be a beginner. And seriously, don't go it alone. It's easy to lose the path, so hook up with a guide through the local tourist office. Let's get those tires dirty!
moderateIs CV800 Road to Port de la Carrasqueta paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the CV800 in sunny southeastern Spain, and life is good. This beauty, also called Carretera de la Carrasqueta, winds its way through the Sierra de la Carrasqueta range, and yes, it's paved the whole way. Clocking in at about 36 kilometers (22 miles), it's best tackled from south to north, starting near Sant Joan d'Alacant (off the N-332) and eventually hooking up with the A7 near La Sarga. Get ready for some climbs, though! You'll hit gradients of over 8%, so keep your engine humming. You can usually drive it any time of year, but watch out for snow and fog in the winter. The road peaks at the Port de la Carrasqueta, a cool 1,023 meters (3,356 feet) above sea level. The views from up there? Totally worth it, with panoramic vistas of the l’Alacantí valley. And pro tip: make a pit stop at Venta Teresa – you'll thank me for the refreshments and even more amazing scenery!
hardThe scary road to Devil’s Throat Cave, an entrance to the underworld, through Trigrad Gorge
🌍 Bulgaria
# The Trigrad Gorge Road: Bulgaria's Most Dramatic Drive Tucked away in the Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria, near the Greek border and just north of the village of Trigrad, lies one of the most spectacular—and nerve-wracking—drives you'll ever attempt. Welcome to the road through Trigrad Gorge, your gateway to the legendary Devil's Throat Cave. Picture this: a narrow, paved ribbon of asphalt snaking through a narrow canyon, with 250-meter-high marble walls towering on both sides like nature's own cathedral. The Trigrad River runs parallel to the road, disappearing mysteriously into Devil's Throat Cave before re-emerging 530 meters downstream as a massive karst spring. The gorge itself is a geological masterpiece, with vertical walls rising over a hundred meters high and an opening so tight (just 20-30 meters wide) that the sky feels like a distant stripe above. At roughly 10.6 km long, this road climbs and winds through the rocks from Teshel to Trigrad, occasionally ducking into tunnels carved directly into the mountainside. The drive takes most people 20-30 minutes if you don't stop—though you'll want to. Here's the catch: the road is so narrow that cars traveling in opposite directions physically cannot pass each other. This isn't a feature; it's definitely a challenge requiring serious focus and patience from every driver. The reward? Devil's Throat Cave, with its dramatic 42-meter underground waterfall, legendary connections to Orpheus's journey to the Underworld, and some of Bulgaria's most stunning natural scenery. Sitting at about 1,200 meters elevation, the gorge stays pleasantly cool even in summer. Winter visits are possible too, though snow can occasionally make an appearance. Peak season hits in July and August, but this remarkable drive is accessible year-round.