Where is Col de Caron?
France, europe
28.3 km
2,996 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for an epic adventure to Col de Caron! This insane mountain pass climbs to a dizzying 2,996m (that's 9,829ft!) in the French Alps, near Orelle. We're talking about one of Europe's highest drives here!
You'll find this gem in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. Forget smooth asphalt – this is a rugged, unpaved service road that stretches 28.3 km (17.58 miles) between Val Thorens ski resort and the village of Orelle.
The "Val Thorens-Orelle road" isn't for the faint of heart. It throws a staggering 55 hairpin turns at you, each one numbered as you climb! Be warned: this route is strictly 4x4 territory. You'll be hugging the chairlift line as you grind your way up, tackling average gradients of 10.4% with some sections spiking to a crazy 17-18%.
The views, though? Unbelievable! Think panoramic vistas of a thousand summits across France, Switzerland, and Italy. Just remember, this alpine beast is usually only accessible in July and August.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 28.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,996 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateAlto del Golobar: enjoy a road among the clouds
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto del Golobar: Spain's Hidden Mountain Gem Nestled in the Cantabrian Mountains within the stunning Fuentes Carrionas and Fuente Cobre-Montaña Palentina Natural Park, Alto del Golobar is a mountain lover's dream destination. This peak sits at 1,778 meters (5,833 feet) and claims the title of Palencia province's highest paved road—quite the bragging right! The route up is entirely paved via the PP-2203, which might sound easy until you realize just how steep things get. Starting from Brañosera (Spain's oldest town, no less), you're looking at a 6.5-kilometer climb with 417 meters of elevation gain. Don't let the relatively modest 6.41% average gradient fool you—this ascent is seriously intense in places. Once you reach the top, you're greeted with a massive 250-vehicle parking lot and the quirky ruins of an abandoned mountain refuge. There's an interesting backstory here: back in the late 1960s, someone had big dreams of building a ski resort complete with lifts and a luxury Parador hotel. The project never quite came together, leaving behind these atmospheric relics of ambition. The road stays open year-round, though winter storms occasionally force temporary closures. Weather permitting, it's accessible whenever you need your mountain fix. And if you're up for more exploring, a hiking path from the summit leads onward to Valdecebollas peak—the adventure doesn't have to stop at the parking lot.
moderateThe Ultimate Road Trip to Petrohan Pass in the Balkan Mountains
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, so you're heading from Sofia to northwestern Bulgaria (or maybe even Romania)? Then Petrohan Pass is your ticket! This paved beauty, also known as Route 81, clocks in at about 41 kilometers (25 miles) and snakes its way up to a cool 1,407 meters (4,616 feet) in the Balkan Mountains. You'll find it nestled right on the border of Montana and Sofia provinces. Keep in mind, while it's usually open year-round, winter can throw a curveball with closures and restrictions. Oh, and word on the street is they might be building a tunnel and widening the road sometime soon. Apparently, this project would shorten the trip by a whopping 70 km! The scenery is pretty epic, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!
hardWhere is Mount Ararat?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about a wild ride up Ağrı Dağı (Mount Ararat) in eastern Turkey, right near the borders of Armenia and Iran. This dormant volcano boasts one of Turkey's highest roads, topping out at a breathtaking 3,297 meters! Think biblical history (Noah's Ark, anyone?) meets rugged terrain. The road itself stretches for about 17.4 kilometers from Gölyüzü up to the Mount Ararat Base Camp. Don't let the distance fool you; you'll climb a hefty 1,803 meters, making for an average gradient of over 10%. Word to the wise: This isn't a Sunday drive. The entire route is unpaved, so a 4x4 is an absolute must. The road is generally only open in the summer due to permanent snow, ice, and glaciers. But getting up close to this peak requires a special permit from the Turkish government, and, oh yeah, keep an eye out for smugglers, Kurdish terrorists, crazy weather, and maybe even a wild beast or two! So pack your courage, your sense of adventure, and get ready for some seriously unforgettable scenery!
extremeAlpe di Gesero
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Alpe di Gesero: A High Alpine Adventure in Ticino Tucked away in the Lepontine Alps of Switzerland's Ticino canton, Alpe di Gesero sits at a challenging 1,774 meters (5,816 feet) above sea level. If you're up for tackling this mountain pass, you've got two distinct routes to choose from. Coming up from Arbedo, you're looking at a 15.7 km (9.8 mi) climb with an average gradient of 9.7%—though it can spike up to a gnarly 18% in places. The road is paved, which sounds nice in theory, but don't expect wide lanes. It's narrow and demands your full attention. Prefer the Roveredo approach? That's a similar 15.5 km (9.6 mi) haul with a slightly steeper average gradient of 9.8% and a maximum of 13%. Here's where it gets interesting: the surface is rough and ready—a sketchy mix of gravel, asphalt, and grass growing right down the middle. And it's *incredibly* narrow. This route definitely feels more raw and less forgiving than its Arbedo counterpart. One thing to watch for: as you approach Alpe di Cadinello, you'll encounter the Galleria di Cadolcia, an unlit tunnel carved into the mountain. It's long, it's dark, and let's just say it'll get your heart racing. Definitely not for the faint of heart—keep your headlights on and your nerves steady.