Where is Col dés Pres?
France, europe
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moderate
Year-round
Okay, so Col dés Pres isn't just any mountain pass—it's a high one, way up there! Nestled west of the Pointe de la Sana (a seriously tall peak itself), you'll find it chilling in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France, practically in the backyard of the famous Val d'Isère ski resort.
Now, about the road… it's a bit of a unique situation. It's essentially a chairlift access trail during the warmer months, so you won't find any regular car traffic here. The path stretches roughly 1.4 km to the summit. Oh, and heads up: because it's within the Vanoise National Park, the road is usually closed completely during the winter season. Get ready for some stunning views.
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extremeWhere is the road to Lagu Terciellu?
🇪🇸 Spain
Located in the southern part of the Principality of Asturias, in northern Spain, is a high mountain lake at an elevation of above sea level. Situated within the Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park , a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the road to the lake is a formidable challenge for off-roaders, known for its sustained verticality and breathtaking Cantabrian scenery. Road facts: Lagu Terciellu Asturias, Spain (Las Ubiñas-La Mesa) Where is the road to Lagu Terciellu? The road to the lake is a rugged mountain track officially known as . It starts from the small settlement of . The route penetrates deep into the central area of the Cantabrian Mountains, climbing through limestone massifs and high-altitude pastures. The area is a land of great beauty, ideal for nature lovers, but the driver's focus must remain on the track due to the technical nature of the climb and the stunning but distracting scenery. Is the road to Lagu Terciellu unpaved? Yes, the road to the summit is totally unpaved, narrow, and very steep with high ground clearance and low-range gearing is strictly required to navigate the Camín de La Poza. The surface consists of natural earth and loose limestone rock, which can be extremely slippery. Due to the high elevations and exposure, the road is subject to strong winds and rapid weather changes. During the ascent, you will be blown away by the raw beauty of the peaks, but the lack of safety barriers means there is no room for error on the narrowest sections. How long is the road to Lagu Terciellu? Starting from Las Vallinas, the drive is 5.6 km (3.4 miles) long . While the distance is relatively short, the climb is very demanding: over this stretch, the road tackles an elevation gain of 634 meters . This results in a brutal average gradient of 11.32% . This high percentage is relentless, with almost no sections for the engine or brakes to cool down. Maintaining constant traction on the 11% slope requires a steady foot and a capable vehicle, as any stop on the steepest unpaved ramps can make restarting the climb very difficult. Is the road to Lagu Terciellu open in winter? Technically, the road is open to traffic throughout the year, but it may be closed for short periods in winter during heavy snowfalls or extreme weather. At 1,435 meters, snow and ice can turn the steep 11.32% grade into an impassable slide. Even in good weather, make for tough driving along the muddy sections of the track. Before attempting this demanding Asturian climb, ensure your vehicle is in top mechanical condition and check the local weather forecast for the Las Ubiñas-La Mesa area, as the weather can turn treacherous in minutes. Discover the Breathtaking AL-5107 Coastal Road and the Scenic Beauty of Almeria Driving the stunning road through Barranco de Guayadeque on the Canary Islands 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.
hardMirador de los Valles
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, so picture this: you're in northeastern Spain, Huesca province, heart of the Pyrenees. You want killer views? Head for Mirador de los Valles. It's a natural lookout and chairlift spot perched way up high at 2,208 meters (that's 7,244 feet!). Now, getting there is an adventure. It's not paved – think gravel, rocks, bumps, and a bit of a tippy-toe feeling. It's basically a chairlift access road for the Aramon Formigal-Panticosa ski resort. Forget about it in winter; snowed in! This is 4x4 territory only, and you need some off-road skills. Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. And if heights make you queasy, definitely skip it! It's a steep climb, and wet weather turns the road into a muddy mess. But the views? Totally worth it for experienced adventurers!
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.
extremeHow to get to Glacier du Varet in Savoie?
🇫🇷 France
# Glacier du Varet: Alpine Adventure Awaits Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Glacier du Varet sits at a breathtaking 2,883 meters (9,458 feet) and ranks among the country's most impressive high-altitude drives. This gem lies within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, protected within the Réserve Naturelle des Hauts de Villaroger—and for good reason. Picture this: a crystal-clear day where you can spin around 360 degrees and see nothing but the snow-capped Alps stretching endlessly in every direction. That's what awaits you here. Now, let's talk real talk about getting there. This isn't your typical scenic cruise. Starting from Col de la Chal, you're looking at 4.6 kilometers (2.85 miles) of pure unpaved road—think service track for the chairlift. It's relentlessly curvy, pinches narrow in places, and climbs at an average gradient of 8.47% while gaining 390 meters of elevation. Translation? You'll need a capable 4x4 to even attempt it. Here's the catch: this road is off-limits to regular vehicles and only opens seasonally from July through September. Even then, avalanches frequently close it without warning. It's not for the faint-hearted, but for those ready to conquer it, the rewards are absolutely unforgettable.