
Where is Forcella di Monte Rest?
Italy, europe
25.6 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! Let's talk about Forcella di Monte Rest, a seriously stunning mountain pass nestled in the Province of Pordenone, Italy. You'll find this beauty in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, in the northeastern part of the country.
What's it like? Think paved perfection...but with a twist! This scenic route, also known as Strada Regionale 552 del Passo Rest, is delightfully narrow. We're talking about a 25.6 km (15.90 miles) adventure, winding from Priuso to Tramonti di Sopra.
Now, don't let the "paved" part fool you – this climb is no joke! It's been featured in races for a reason! Get ready for some seriously steep sections, hitting a maximum gradient of 10.6% in places. Starting from, you'll be climbing for, with an elevation gain of. That's an average gradient of! And remember to watch out for potential hazards. But, trust me, the views? Totally worth it. Get ready for some unforgettable Italian scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 25.6 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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