Where is Colle Lauson?
Italy, europe
39.3 km
2,497 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Colle Lauson, a super-high mountain pass sitting way up in the Italian Alps (Turino Province to be exact) at a cool 8,192 feet above sea level! You'll find it nestled inside the Parco Naturale del Gran Bosco di Salbertrand.
We're talking about the Strada Provinciale 173, or what the locals call the Assietta Road. It's nearly 40km of mostly unpaved awesomeness, clinging to the mountainside, almost entirely above 2,000m!
Now, here's the catch: this beauty is only open from June to October, and they're super strict about vehicle size. The road was built in the early 1900s by the 3rd Reggimento Alpini.
Plus, during July and August you can only drive it on certain days and times: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plan ahead and prepare for some unreal views!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 39.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,497 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
easyRoads of Albacete: 8 spectacular drives through the heart of Castilla-La Mancha
🇪🇸 Spain
# Hidden Gems: Eight Epic Drives Through Albacete's Mountains Tucked away in southeastern Spain, Albacete is one of those places that surprises you. Sure, the center's all flat plains, but venture south into the Sierra de Alcaraz and Sierra del Segura? That's where the magic happens. We're talking dramatic gorges, twisting river canyons, and limestone cliffs that'll make your jaw drop. Best part? You can actually *drive* these roads without battling tourist crowds. This region is basically a dream for road-trippers. The routes weave through thick forests and follow the curves of the Mundo and Segura rivers like they were made for each other. Ready to explore? Here are eight routes that absolutely deserve a spot on your bucket list. **Liétor to CM-3203 Junction** (13.2 km / 8.20 miles) This one's pure driving bliss. The road plunges toward Rio Mundo through a series of knee-knocking hairpins and sharp curves. Fair warning: there's minimal guardrailing on many sections, with some seriously steep drops hugging those shrub-covered slopes. You'll need to stay sharp, but the rush is totally worth it. **The "Swiss of La Mancha"** (12.9 km / 8.01 miles) Starting near the CM-3216 junction, this stretch takes you through the jaw-dropping village of Ayna, clinging to a canyon's edge. The real showstoppers? The Mirador del Diablo and Mirador del Infierno viewpoints—just steps from the pavement—offering vertigo-inducing views of those towering limestone walls. **CM-3203 to AB-515 (Towards Alcaraz)** (24.7 km / 15.34 miles) This is what a perfect mountain road looks like. Fully paved, well-maintained, and beautifully rhythmic as it carves through high plateau terrain. Pure flow, pure joy. **A-24 and A-4 to Peñascosa** (17.1 km / 10.62 miles) Want to escape the world? This secluded drive into the Sierra de Alcaraz delivers exactly that—just you, the silence, and endless landscapes stretching to the horizon. **CM-412: N-322 Junction to Fuente Higuera** (47.6 km / 29.57 miles) One of the longer routes on this list, this is essential for exploring southern Albacete. You'll get everything—open stretches, forested sections, the works. **Access to Los Chorros del RÃo Mundo** (7.5 km / 4.66 miles) Short but unforgettable. This road leads to one of Spain's most spectacular natural attractions, winding through dense, lush forest that feels more like the north than central Spain. Totally transportive. **Molinicos to CM-3206** (13.4 km / 8.32 miles) If you're after soul rather than adrenaline, this "vista" road delivers. The dense forest and peaceful valley views are perfect for slowing down and just soaking it in. **Route Towards Yeste** (14.0 km / 8.69 miles) This one's full of surprises—a spectacular bridge crossing Rio Tus and a series of tunnels carved straight into the rock. It's mountain engineering at its finest, hugging the river through the gorge beautifully.
moderateWhere is Port de Tudons?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, so you're near Alicante and itching for a ride? Check out Port de Tudons! This popular pass in the mountains of Valencia is a must-do. The pavement is generally good, but don't get complacent – it's a challenging drive! You'll be wrestling with some serious switchbacks and feeling the burn on those 13% grades. This route is super popular with cyclists and motorcyclists, especially as a jumping-off point to climb Aitana, the highest peak in Alicante. It's best to avoid it during the hot summer weekends, as it tends to get crowded. Clocking in at roughly , this south-to-north route from is packed with stunning scenery. Just a heads up - this is a mountain pass, so keep an eye on the weather. It's usually open, but expect heavy snow during winter months, making things tricky. The climate is Mediterranean, but the high elevation brings a continental influence. Summers can be sweltering, and temps vary depending on your altitude. So pack accordingly and get ready for an epic drive!
hardHow to get to Palinkopf in the Samnaun Alps
🇨🇠Switzerland
# Palinkopf: Alpine Adventure on Four Wheels Ready for a seriously epic drive? Palinkopf sits pretty at 2,863m (9,393ft) on the Swiss-Austrian border, straddling Tyrol and Grisons. It's legitimately one of the highest roads you can drive in the country. Here's the deal: this isn't your typical paved highway. It's a raw, unpaved service road that keeps the chairlifts running at the Samnaun-Ischgl ski area. You'll absolutely need 4x4 credentials for this one—we're talking gnarly 20% gradients that'll test your nerves and your vehicle's limits. Starting from Ischgl on the Austrian side, you're looking at 12km (7.4 miles) of pure elevation gain: 1,505m of climbing at an average 12.5% gradient. Yeah, it's steep. But the payoff? You're threading through the stunning Samnaun Alps with views that'll make your Instagram followers jealous. The catch? This is a summer-only adventure. The window for driving this beauty is narrow and weather-dependent, so timing is everything. But if you nail it, you'll experience one of the Alps' most thrilling high-altitude drives.
moderateWhere is Mount Honaz?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Honaz Dağı in Turkey's Denizli Province! This beast clocks in at a whopping 2,519 meters (8,264 ft) – one of the highest paved roads you'll find in the country, not to mention the highest peak in the Aegean Region! The climb kicks off near Cankurtaran, starting at 911 meters and winding upwards for 20.4 kilometers (12.67 miles) of pure, paved adrenaline. Get ready for a seriously steep ride, because you're gaining 1,691 meters in elevation – that's an average gradient of over 8%! You'll find it smack-dab in the middle of Honaz National Park. Word to the wise: winter is a no-go, as the road is usually snowed under. Summer, on the other hand, sees plenty of traffic, so plan accordingly. Be prepared for a bumpy, but amazing, ride. Trust me, the views are worth it!