
Where is Passo della Mulattiera?
Italy, europe
N/A
2,412 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Let's talk about Passo della Mulattiera, a crazy high mountain pass chilling at 2,412 meters (7,913 feet) in the Turin province of Italy's Piedmont region.
You'll find this gem nestled near the French border, right by Bardonecchia in the Susa Valley. Getting there? Buckle up, because the road is unpaved, rocky, and seriously narrow. Think old military road turned mule track – built way back in 1939, and ending right at the pass.
You can kick things off in Bardonecchia, winding through Mount Colomion, or hop on midway from Beaulard. Is it worth it? Absolutely! At the top, you'll stumble upon a massive barrack ruin. Plus, this trail cruises through seriously remote areas, so come prepared!
Perched just below the stunning Punta Charra cliff (2,844 m), south of Bardonecchia, you're treated to killer panoramic views. We're talking the Valle Stretta (Vallée Étroite in French), and all the surrounding mountains of the Bardonecchia, Beaulard, and Oulx valleys. Trust me, the views are worth the white-knuckle drive!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,412 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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