Where is Valles Pass?

Where is Valles Pass?

Italy, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,225 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Let's talk Valles Pass, perched high in the breathtaking Dolomites of northeastern Italy. Seriously, the scenery here is next-level gorgeous!

You'll find this beauty straddling the border, with a little unpaved side trip heading north to even higher ground at 2,225m. This road, Strada Provinciale 81 (SP81), has some history, too – it was originally built to supply fortifications during the war.

Clocking in at roughly, it stretches from Paneveggio (Trentino) in the west to Pie' Falcade (Belluno) in the east. Be ready for some climbing! On one side you'll climb with a steep gradient and on the other side you will do the same. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,225 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Where is Tunnel du Mortier?extreme

Where is Tunnel du Mortier?

🇫🇷 France

Nestled in the Isère department of France, you'll find the abandoned Tunnel du Mortier, a relic sitting pretty at 1,370m. This beauty is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the southeastern part of the country. Word on the street is it was first built way back in 1911, then upgraded for the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble. Sadly, this tunnel closed its doors in 1992 after a massive rockfall wiped out the access road. Picture this: around 20,000 m3 of rock giving way, leaving a seriously unstable zone. Because it wasn't a super critical route, the powers that be decided to let it be. Nowadays, hikers and mountain bikers are the only ones who dare venture through. So, can you drive through? Technically, the tunnel itself, built wide enough for two lanes, is still there. But the road leading to it? Not so much. The first part is easy enough, but the middle gets seriously dark. Pro tip: avoid looking directly at the light at the other end; it'll mess with your vision. There's a rock slide that has cut off the road further down the climb, so you need to be very careful to cross. Getting there involves taking the D218, a paved road with some narrow bits. The southeastern side is still drivable up to the tunnel, but the northwestern side? Forget about it—completely collapsed. Expect some steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 12%. Once inside, bring a flashlight, since it’s a long tunnel and completely dark in the middle.

Where is Sally Gap?extreme

Where is Sally Gap?

🌍 Ireland

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through County Wicklow in Ireland, just south of Dublin. You're smack-dab in Wicklow Mountains National Park, heading for Sally Gap – a mountain pass soaring to 500m (1,640ft)! Now, getting there is half the fun. You've got two main routes: First, there's the Military Road (R115). This one's a north-south beauty, stretching almost 39km (24 miles) from Rathfarnham, a Dublin suburb, down to Laragh. It’s got a cool backstory too, built way back in the early 1800s by the British Army! Then you've got the Sally Gap Road itself (R759). This one cuts east-west for 27km (17 miles), connecting the R755 near Roundwood to the N81. Think winding, twisting roads that will keep you on your toes. Both routes are paved, but get ready for narrow bits and plenty of curves. And a heads-up: while usually open year-round, winter can throw a curveball with snow and ice. This area gets seriously cold, and the roads aren't always treated. But if you're up for an adventure with stunning scenery, Sally Gap is calling your name!

Pas du Rochard

Pas du Roc

🇫🇷 France

# Pas du Roc: A Mountain Pass for the Brave Looking for a serious Alpine challenge? Pas du Roc delivers. Sitting pretty at 2,339m (7,673ft) in the Plateau des Glieres area of Haute-Savoie, this isn't your typical scenic mountain drive—it's an adventure that demands respect. Built back in 1830, this old military road is pure gravel and gloriously unforgiving. We're talking single-track-wide passages with thousand-meter drops on either side and zero guardrails to catch you. The winding route features some gnarly hairpin turns and stretches that climb at a jaw-dropping 20%. This is absolutely not the place to learn mountain driving skills—experienced drivers only, please. What makes it extra interesting is the history. Along the way, you'll spot military fortifications and the Ouvrage Pas du Roc, a Maginot Line fortress that's a fascinating remnant of Alpine military heritage. Here's the catch: this road has a serious seasonal personality. Come September, it's locked down until June, making it a summer-only affair. And after heavy rain? Creek crossings turn sketchy fast, mud becomes treacherous, and the whole thing can shut down without warning. If you're an experienced mountain driver looking for something genuinely challenging with some cool historical vibes, Pas du Roc is waiting. Just know what you're getting into.

Where is Maloja Pass?hard

Where is Maloja Pass?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Alright, adventure-seekers, buckle up for the Maloja Pass! This beauty winds through the Swiss Alps in Graubünden, practically kissing the Italian border at an altitude of 1,819m (5,967ft). Dating back to Roman times (and maybe even earlier!), this route really came alive in the 1800s as a crucial link between Northern Italy and Engadin. While tunnels later diverted heavy traffic, the Maloja Pass remains a classic. Clocking in at 23.8 km (14.78 miles), Route 3 twists and turns from Silvaplana to Bregaglia. Don't let the "pass that never was" nickname fool you; its unique geography offers a thrilling drive. Expect some steep climbs (up to 11%) and tight hairpin turns that demand your full attention, especially if you encounter a truck heading the other way. Motion sickness sufferers, you've been warned! While usually open year-round, winter can throw a curveball. Snowfall can lead to temporary closures, so winter tires are a must. Chains might be a good idea, too! Set aside about 30 minutes for this drive, but trust me, you'll want to stop. The views of Lake Sils (Silsersee) and Lake Silvaplana (Silvaplanersee) are simply breathtaking. Plus, you're super close to the swanky resort town of St. Moritz, making this a perfect side trip.