Why was the road to Colle d’Ancoccia built?

Why was the road to Colle d’Ancoccia built?

Italy, europe

Length

37.1 km

Elevation

2,533 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Colle d’Ancoccia in Italy's Piedmont region is calling! Nestled in the province of Cuneo, this high mountain pass tops out at a cool 2,533m (8,310ft).

Originally built for military use (spot the abandoned bunkers!), this route south of Rocca la Meja and Lago della Meja is not for the faint of heart. We're talking 37.1 km (23.05 miles) of unpaved, rocky terrain that starts from the SP113 south of Marmora. You'll need a trusty 4x4 with high clearance to tackle the precipitous sections and those crazy 25% inclines!

Keep in mind, this beauty is tucked high in the Cottian Alps, so expect it to be closed during the winter months. But when it's open? Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery and a proper off-road adventure!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
37.1 km
Max Elevation
2,533 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Is the road to Col des Vaux unpaved?hard

Is the road to Col des Vaux unpaved?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Col des Vaux is calling, and it's a beast of a climb up to 2,705 meters (8,874 feet) in the Swiss Alps. Picture this: eight kilometers (five miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road heaven (or hell, depending on your perspective). We're talking loose rocks, gravel, and slopes so steep they'll make your stomach churn. Seriously, 4x4 vehicles are not just recommended; they're practically mandatory. Oh, and forget about it from November to June – Mother Nature slams the door shut with snow. But if you're brave enough to tackle it, you'll be rewarded with some seriously killer views from one of the highest roads in the country. Just be prepared for an epic, unforgettable ride!

Akçaağıl Gölüextreme

Akçaağıl Gölü

🇹🇷 Turkey

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! I've just discovered a killer spot: Akçaağıl Gölü, a glacial lake chilling way up at 3,107 meters (that's over 10,000 feet!) on the Rize/Bayburt border in Turkey. Seriously, it's one of the highest drives in the country! Now, getting there is half the fun (and half the challenge!). The road? Think gravel, rocks, bumps, and a whole lotta tippy. You're gonna need a 4x4, no question. The climb is steep, and be warned: this is a mountain road with serious dropoffs. Keep your eyes on the prize (and the road!). The best time to visit is July and August, but pack for cold and wind – it's always blowing up there! Speaking of air, be ready for thin air, as there's extremely low oxygen for engine combustion. The lake itself is only about 2.5 meters deep. The views, though? Totally worth it. Untamed scenery, crisp mountain air, and bragging rights galore. Go get it!

A Narrow Paved Road to Pragel Pass in the Swiss Alpshard

A Narrow Paved Road to Pragel Pass in the Swiss Alps

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Pragelpass Nestled in the Swiss canton of Schwyz, the Pragelpass is a thrilling alpine experience sitting at 1,550 meters (5,085 feet). This scenic route stretches about 31 kilometers across the eastern Swiss Alps, connecting the Glarus municipality of Riedern with the charming village of Muotathal. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road is fully paved but decidedly narrow and narrow-minded about going easy on you—especially with those gnarly 18-percent grades that'll make your knuckles white. But that's part of the charm, right? The summit rewards brave drivers with a little parking area and a restaurant, perfect for catching your breath and soaking in those Alpine views. Just keep in mind that the pass shuts down from mid-October through May when winter decides to throw its weight around. Here's a pro tip for cyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts: the east side of the pass closes to motorized traffic on weekends, turning Saturdays and Sundays into an absolute playground for two-wheeled adventurers. If you're planning a weekend ride through some serious Alpine terrain, this is calling your name.

The breathtaking road to Kuskunkıran Geçidihard

The breathtaking road to Kuskunkıran Geçidi

🇹🇷 Turkey

Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because we're heading to Kuskunkıran Geçidi! This awesome mountain pass sits way up high in eastern Turkey's Van Province, clocking in at 2,245 meters (that's 7,365 feet for those of us who like to measure in freedom units!). The good news is, you'll be cruising on smooth asphalt the whole way – it's part of the D300 highway. You'll find it nestled between the towns of Gevaş and Tatvan. But don't get *too* comfy, because this climb is a bit of a beast! Get ready for some seriously steep sections and hairpin turns that will test your driving skills. One last thing – keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter, as this area is prone to some intense storms! It’s worth the adventure for the incredible views, though!