You can’t have a grand mountain region like the Alps without also having some dangerous roads in it well. The Col du Chassy is a high mountain pass in France which is at an elevation of 5,029 feet. It is one of the most stunning drives in the world. It’s also one of the most amazing examples of mountainside engineering. It has 17 hairpin turns, which allow the road to climb a cliff face. This is about the last place you want your breaks to stop working.
The road is a type of balcony road. If you have a fear of heights, this is one road you’ll definitely want to avoid. The slope is around 7-8% most of the way, but looking at the view can make your stomach turn, although the view is unbeatable and you may just want to peek.
Furka Pass
The Furka Pass is a high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps. While it is a paved wide road, it has a large number of switchbacks and hairpin turns, which will make even the biggest roller coaster enthusiast dizzy.
When you combine that with the fact that you’re driving on the side of cliffs plus the fact that you’ll have to drive up and down steep gradients, you can imagine why this road is so challenging. And if you’re thinking about driving this road in the winter, you better rethink that idea.
Oh-My-God Road
This trail in Colorado might offer you some stunning scenery, but it will definitely have you saying “Oh my god” while driving through it. The 8.46 mile road is a two-way road, but it doesn’t fit much more than a car and three quarters. So, passing anybody on this road can result in an accident. The road has no guard rails and washed out shoulders not to mention it has incredibly steep cliffs.
The road is also poorly maintained during the winter so it’s not recommended to drive on it unless you’re in a 4WD vehicle and you’re an experienced driver. Formerly, the road was used as a main passageway between mining camps. These days, it’s simply reserved for those amongst us who are daring enough and in seek of an exhilarating and rustic driving experience.
Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road
The Tianmen Shan Big Gate Road can be found in the Hunan Province in China. Like its name suggests, it is in the Tianmen Mountain National Park. The road climbs up 3,600 feet for over 6 miles. If you have the courage to make it up to the top, you will be rewarded with a priceless view and a natural rock arch.
And if you don’t have what it takes, then you’re also in luck! There is a cable car which goes up the mountain and allows you to avoid tackling the scary road on your own.
Gorges du Dadès
There’s no denying that the higher you go up a mountain, the prettier the views become. There is a very scenic drive in Morocco which culminates in the Dades Gorge. Of course, the views here are stunning, but they aren’t 100% priceless, as the drive is risky and can come with a price.
While the roads are fortunately paved, there isn’t so much space between your car and the side of the mountain. Moroccan drivers don’t exactly have the reputation for being the safest drivers. So, if you’re not an experienced driver, you’ll want to let somebody else take the wheel.