Where is Col de la Cayolle?
France, europe
40.2 km
2,339 m
moderate
Year-round
Col de la Cayolle is a seriously high mountain pass, topping out at 2,339m (7,673ft) in the French Alps. You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, specifically the Ubaye Valley within the Parc National du Mercantour, right on the border of the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments. Picture this: you're driving along the D2202, part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes, tracing the source of the Var River as it heads towards Nice.
This paved but narrow road stretches for 40.2km (24.97 miles) from Uvernet-Fours in the north to Entraunes in the south. Keep in mind, though, that it's typically closed from October to June/July due to snow. When it's open, you'll find a mountain refuge and parking at the summit. Heads up, though: heavier vehicles and caravans aren't allowed.
Originally built by the army in 1914, the Cayolle has some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 10%. Plus, a portion north of the pass is famous as one of France's best "balcony roads". It gets a fair amount of traffic in the summer, so be prepared to share the road! The views alone make the trip worthwhile.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 40.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,339 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Cerro del Gorro?
🇪🇸 Spain
Cerro del Gorro is a high mountain peak at an elevation of above sea level, located in the province of Leon, in Spain. Where is Cerro del Gorro? The peak is located in the northwestern part of the autonomous community of , in the northern part of the country, within the Why is there a road to Cerro del Gorro? The road leading to the peak is . It was originally built to provide access for the construction of a at the mountain’s summit. Is the road to Cerro del Gorro unpaved? Located in the region of , high in the Montes de León mountain range, there are a couple of roads to reach the summit. Starting from , on the west side, the road is Driving the scenic EM513 Road to Alto de Vaires Peña Angulo Pass: Exploring the Abandoned BU-550 Road in Burgos 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.
hardWhy is the Road A229 famous?
🇬🇧 England
Ever heard of the A229, snaking its way through Kent and Sussex in South East England? Forget your typical scenic route – this paved road is famous for a completely different reason: ghosts! Locals whisper spine-chilling tales, especially around the Blue Bell Hill stretch. The most common story? A woman in white, with captivating eyes, appears and then vanishes into thin air. Legend says it's the ghost of Judith Langham, a bride tragically killed on her wedding day in 1965. Since then, drivers have reported her ghostly figure wandering near Blue Bell Hill, often stepping out in front of vehicles only to disappear in the blink of an eye. There are even stories of a hitchhiker who gets in your car to complain, only to vanish mid-journey. So, if you're brave enough, take a drive. Just keep an eye out for any unexpected apparitions – you might just meet the bride of death!
moderateWhere is Monte Specie?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in the Italian Dolomites, specifically in South Tyrol, heading towards Monte Specie—or Strudelkopf, as the locals call it. This peak sits pretty at 2,308m (that's 7,572ft!). You'll find it nestled in the Braies Valley, right in the heart of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. Heads up: the road to the top is all gravel. It's a 5km (3.1 mile) climb from Parkplatz Plätzwiese, gaining 334 meters along the way, so expect an average gradient of about 6.7%. Private cars aren't allowed, adding to the off-the-beaten-path feel. But here's the cool part: this isn't just any road. It's an old military road from World War I. Keep an eye out for the ruins of the Unità d'alloggio I - Landro e Prato Piazza, an old Austro-Hungarian building along the former border. It’s basically just the fortified stone walls left now, but it's super atmospheric. And the view from the top? Unreal. There's a cross up there dedicated to Val Pusteria freedom fighters, and from this vantage point, you can see the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the jagged Cadini di Misurina, the glittering Cristallo Group, and even the Tofane Group. Trust me, it's a panorama you won't forget.
hardWhere is Rifugio Barbara Lowrie?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Italy, near Turin, itching for an adventure. Head towards the Cottian Alps because that's where you'll find Rifugio Barbara Lowrie, sitting pretty at a seriously high elevation. The hut is nestled right in the heart of a plateau, surrounded by dreamy larch woods and grazing pastures, with the imposing Monte Granero watching over the scene. Getting there? That's where the fun – and the challenge – begins! The road...well, let's just say it's an experience. We're talking unpaved, and not in a charming, rustic way. Think rough, with some seriously steep sections hitting a max gradient of almost 15%! It’s a proper workout and makes for one of the most challenging cycling climbs in Italy, so much so that they hold a race there. The road to the rifugio is just shy of 7 miles, climbing almost 3,000 feet. Keep in mind this is a mountain road in the Alps, which means it's usually closed during the winter months. So, if you're planning a visit, aim for the warmer seasons for a truly unforgettable Italian adventure with views that'll knock your socks off!