
Where is Coll de Jou?
Spain, europe
14.7 km
1,637 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk Coll de Jou! Nestled way up in the Pyrenees, in Catalonia, Spain, this mountain pass is a real treat for the senses. Picture this: you're winding your way up, up, up to 1,637 meters (that's 5,370 feet!).
The road itself? Well, it's a bit of an adventure. Think mostly paved, with some cool concrete sections thrown in to keep things interesting. It's a bit of a climb, and yeah, some spots are steeper than others, hitting a maximum gradient of 16.0% – get ready for those ramps! It’s fairly narrow, so maybe leave the RV at home for this one.
Clocking in at 14.7 kilometers (or 9.13 miles) stretching from Bruguera to Ogassa, the journey is as rewarding as the destination. And what awaits you at the top? A parking spot with incredible views and a mountain refuge – Refugi De Sant Jordi. The refuge is not maintained, but it consists of two rooms, one with a fireplace. So, pack a picnic, charge your camera, and get ready to be blown away by the scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Spain
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,637 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardRoad trip guide: Conquer the drive from Lefkes to Kamari on Paros island
🇬🇷 Greece
# Lefkes to Kamari: A Hidden Gem in the Cyclades Ready for a stunning drive through Greece? Head to Paros island and tackle the scenic 12-kilometer (7.45-mile) route connecting the charming villages of Lefkes and Kamari. This north-south stretch is pure magic, especially if you're craving those postcard-perfect Aegean Sea views. The real star of this drive? The winding ascent to Mt. Agios Pantes, the island's highest peak. You'll climb to 593 meters (1,945 feet) on a mostly unpaved road with just a few concrete sections thrown in where things get steep. Fair warning: the path narrows in spots and feels genuinely rustic, but that's part of its charm. Most regular passenger cars and RVs can handle it without too much trouble. The whole experience feels like you've discovered something the masses haven't quite found yet. Narrow roads, elevation gains, and those killer views of the sparkling Aegean make this one of those drives you'll be talking about long after you're back home.
hardWhere is Buzi Pass?
🇬🇷 Greece
Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Buzi Pass! This epic mountain road straddles the Ioannina and Grevena regions of Greece, snaking its way through the Pindus mountains in the northwest. We're talking serious altitude here—one of the highest roads in the country, topping out way above sea level. The route from Buzi to Smixi is paved, but don't let that fool you. This is one defiant stretch of road! And while I can't put an exact number on the length from village to village, it's a winding journey you won't soon forget. You'll be cruising through the Kleidi Gorge, past incredible scenery that'll have you pulling over every five minutes for photos. Keep an eye out for the Aradena bridge, too. Just a heads-up: this road is narrow and can be challenging. But the views from up here are worth every white-knuckle moment, especially knowing you are so close to some of the highest villages in the country!
moderateWhere is Fort de la Redoute?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're in the French Alps, near the Italian border, ready for an adventure. You're heading to Fort de la Redoute, a seriously cool historical site perched high in the mountains. This place has seen some stuff! It started as a redoubt back in the day, got a French makeover, and then evolved into a full-blown fort with walls, an observatory, even a drawbridge. It was manned by Alpine troops and visited by presidents. It even saw action during World War II! Now, getting there is half the fun. The road is an old military track, so expect unpaved conditions the whole way. We're talking a rough, rugged climb that's only accessible in the summer. Definitely not a drive to attempt after rain! Starting from the paved D1090, the unpaved section stretches for 2.7 km. It's a rideable climb, and the views from the top are insane. And the fort itself? Exploring its ruins is like stepping back in time. Heads up, though: Access is technically prohibited due to unexploded ordnance! After the war, the area became part of the La Rosière ski resort, and the old military track is now a hiking and trail route.
extremeA military road to Colle della Vecchia
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle della Vecchia: Where Mountain Dreams Meet Gravel Reality Perched at a breathtaking 2,605 meters (8,546 feet) above sea level in Turin Province, Piedmont, Colle della Vecchia ranks among Italy's most impressive mountain passes. This isn't your typical Alpine route—it's a raw, unfiltered adventure that'll test both your nerves and your vehicle. The path to the top follows an old military road called Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia, originally carved out back in the 1880s. Here's the thing: it's closed to motor traffic, which tells you something about what you're getting into. We're talking loose gravel, relentless gradients averaging a gnarly 10.83%, and scenery that's equal parts stunning and soul-crushing depending on your perspective. Winter? Forget about it. This road becomes completely impassable once the snow arrives. Even the Italian government threw in the towel after World War II, officially labeling it "un-useful and difficult to maintain" before essentially abandoning the whole thing. But for hardcore adventurers and mountain enthusiasts, that's exactly what makes it legendary. If you're craving more alpine thrills, nearby routes like the Carzano to Peschiera Maraglio stretch and the Pampeago Pass offer their own heart-pounding charm. Just remember: bring your courage, check the weather, and respect what this mountain demands.