Where is Col du Grand Colombier?
France, europe
30 km
1,501 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk about the Col du Grand Colombier! This stunner of a mountain pass sits pretty at 1,501m (4,925ft) in the Ain department of France, nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
You'll find this paved beauty, also known as the D120, tucked away in the Jura mountains, just north of the Alps. It's a 30 km (19 miles) stretch of near-deserted road that winds from the D69 down to Culoz.
Cyclists, take note! This climb is no joke, with sections hitting a brutal 19% gradient and hairpin turns galore. The Lacets du Grand Colombier, in particular, will test your legs.
But trust me, it's all worth it for the views from the top. There's a big parking lot where you can soak in the scenery – we're talking panoramic vistas of the Rhône valley, Lac du Bourget, the Gorges de Val-de-Fier, and even the distant Alps. Prepare to be wowed!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,501 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateIs Anfo Ridge Road unpaved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Lombardy region of Italy, nestled in the province of Brescia, you'll find the wild and wonderful Passo del Dosso Alto. This bad boy tops out at 1,727m (5,666ft) and is traversed by the legendary Anfo Ridge Road! So, is Anfo Ridge Road paved? Mostly, the answer is NO! This is an old military route, maybe even dating back to Roman times, and it feels like it. Think dusty, stony, and raw. The road stretches for 20.1km (12.48 miles) from Anfo, climbing and dipping as it goes. Now, let's be real – this isn't a Sunday drive. You'll be tackling some serious hairpin turns, navigating a narrow path riddled with holes, and praying to the gods of motoring that no rogue rocks decide to join you for the ride. Oh, and did I mention the unsecured precipices and dangerous drop-offs? Maximum grade hits 12% in places. They limit your speed to 20 km/h, and trust me, you won't want to go faster! Keep an eye out for 4 short, unlit tunnels. There are restrictions: vehicles wider than 2.50m and taller than 3.20m need not apply. You'll actually be summiting four passes: Passo del Maniva (1,450m / 4,757ft), Passo di Baremone (1,521m / 4,990ft), Passo di Valledrane (1,527m / 5,009ft), and finally, Passo del Dosso Alto (1,727m / 5,666ft). The road is usually open from June to the end of October, weather permitting. Heavy rains can shut it down, so check conditions before you go. It was closed for 6 years because of a landslide. In short, Anfo Ridge Road is hard, scenic, beautiful, and not for the faint of heart. But if you're craving an adrenaline-pumping, off-the-beaten-path adventure, this is your ticket. Just be prepared for a dusty, stony, and unforgettable ride!
hardRoad Beniarres-Vilallonga
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in the Valencian Community of Spain, ready for a thrilling drive. Buckle up for the Beniarres-Vilallonga road! This isn't your average Sunday cruise; it's a twisty, turny, asphalt adventure spanning about 23 kilometers. Linking the charming towns of Beniarres and Vilallonga via the CV701, this route is seriously steep and winding. Think stunning scenery paired with challenging bends that'll keep you on your toes. Word to the wise: if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale. Also, keep an eye out for concrete sections and be ready to slow down – you'll see some 20 km/h speed limits along the way. But trust me, the views are so worth it!
hardLlanada del Mulhacen: The Road That Has It All
🇪🇸 Spain
# Llanada del Mulhacén: Spain's Sky-High Alpine Adventure Ready to experience one of Europe's most dramatic mountain plateaus? Welcome to Llanada del Mulhacén, sitting pretty at a jaw-dropping 3,408m (11,181ft) in Granada's Sierra Nevada National Park. This isn't just any high-altitude spot—it's legitimately one of the continent's loftiest roads. Nestled in Andalusia's stunning Penibética range, this historic track has quite the backstory. Built way back in the 19th century to haul equipment for a geodesic survey connecting Europe and Africa, the old unpaved route starts from Alto del Chorrillo and climbs toward Mulhacén, Spain's highest peak. Pretty cool, right? Here's the thing though: while the trail used to welcome motor vehicles, it's been closed to all traffic (cars, bikes, you name it) since the early 1990s. The park authorities want to keep this place wild and pristine. Plus, the current state of the road is pretty rough—maintenance has taken a backseat to conservation. Fair warning: this isn't your typical summer drive. Winter conditions? Absolutely brutal. Expect treacherous snow fields and relentless winds that'll test your nerve. Come prepared. But here's what you get in return: views that'll absolutely take your breath away. From up here, you'll drink in panoramic vistas of nearly every major peak in Sierra Nevada—Veleta, Alcazaba, Caballo, Vacares, and more stretching out before you like a feast for the eyes. Few places on Earth offer perspectives quite like this.
hardColl del Cintó
🇪🇸 Spain
# Coll del Cintó Ready for a proper adventure? Coll del Cintó sits pretty at 1,889 meters (6,197 feet) in Spain's Lleida province, nestled right in the heart of the Pyrenees. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—we're talking gravel, rocks, and terrain that'll have your vehicle bouncing around like it's on a trampoline. Here's the real talk: this pass is seriously challenging. You'll need a 4x4 to even think about tackling it, and honestly? Only experienced off-road drivers should bother. The road gets steep, really steep, and if heights make you queasy, you might want to reconsider your life choices here. Winter? Forget about it—this place becomes completely impassable when the snow rolls in. Throw some rain into the mix, and that gravel turns into a slippery mud fest that'll test every ounce of skill you've got. It's not a road for the faint of heart or anyone still getting comfortable with unpaved mountain routes. But if you're the type who lives for that off-road thrill and can handle a challenging high-altitude route, this Pyrenean gem delivers an unforgettable experience.