Buckle up, road warriors! If you’re tired of the same old highways and byways, it’s
time to shift gears and explore some of the world’s most breathtaking hidden
mountain passes.
These lesser-known routes offer heart-pumping twists, jaw-dropping vistas, and the
kind of adventure that turns a simple drive into an unforgettable journey. Let’s take a
look at 25 hidden gems that’ll make your next road trip one for the books. Ready to
hit the road less traveled?
Hagerman Pass, Colorado, USA
Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, this unpaved mountain pass offers a thrilling ride
through pristine wilderness. Keep your eyes peeled for remnants of old mining
camps as you navigate the switchbacks.
Who knows, you might strike gold with the views alone!
Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania
Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, the Transfagarasan, this twisting
mountain road is a driver’s paradise. As you climb through the Carpathian
Mountains, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
Just don’t get too distracted by the medieval castles dotting the landscape!
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Doi Inthanon, Thailand
Who says mountain passes are just for cold climates? This tropical gem winds its
way up Thailand’s highest peak, offering a unique blend of misty mountains and lush
rainforests.
Don’t forget to stop at the twin chedis near the summit – they’re a sight to behold!
Colle delle Finestre, Italy
This gravel road in the Italian Alps is a favorite among cycling enthusiasts, but it’s
equally thrilling on four wheels. With 55 hairpin turns, it’s not for the faint of heart. But
trust us, the panoramic views of the Susa Valley are worth every white-knuckle
moment.
Sani Pass, South Africa/Lesotho
Straddling the border between South Africa and Lesotho, this rugged pass is a true
test of your driving skills. As you climb nearly 1.86 miles, you’ll pass through ever-
changing landscapes.
Fancy a drink at Africa’s highest pub at the top? You’ve earned it!
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Grimsel Pass, Switzerland
This high mountain pass in the Swiss Alps is a masterpiece of engineering. As you
navigate the hairpin turns, you’ll be treated to views of glaciers, crystalline lakes, and
some of the most impressive dams in Europe.
It’s like driving through a postcard!
Leh-Manali Highway, India
Traversing some of the highest motorable passes in the world, this Himalayan
highway is not for the faint-hearted. But for those brave enough, it offers an
unparalleled journey through stark lunar landscapes and ancient Buddhist cultures.
Just remember to acclimatize – the air gets thin up there!
Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
Carved by hand into the side of a cliff, this tunnel road is a testament to human
determination. As you drive through the ‘window’ carved into the rock face, you’ll
understand why it’s known as one of the world’s most dangerous roads.
But don’t worry, the views are to die for (figuratively speaking, of course)!
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Lysebotn Road, Norway
With 27 hairpin turns packed into just 3.6 miles, this Norwegian marvel is a roller
coaster of a road. As you descend from the mountaintop to the Lysefjord below,
you’ll feel like you’re driving into a scene from a Norse myth.
Thor himself would approve of this thunderous ride!
Shafer Trail, Utah, USA
This unpaved road in Canyonlands National Park offers a thrilling descent into the
heart of Utah’s red rock country. As you navigate the switchbacks, you’ll feel like
you’re driving on Mars.
Just watch out for those cliff edges – they’re closer than they appear!
Gorges du Dadès, Morocco
Known as the ‘Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,’ this winding road through the Atlas
Mountains is a journey through time. The switchbacks near the top offer heart-
stopping views of the rugged landscape.
Don’t forget to stop for a mint tea with the locals – their hospitality is as warm as the Saharan sun!
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Ruta 40, Argentina
While not technically a mountain pass, this legendary road runs parallel to the Andes
for over 3,106.9 miles. From the tropical north to the windswept south, it’s a journey
through the heart and soul of Argentina.
Pack your mate and your sense of adventure!
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Japan
This unique route combines various modes of transport to traverse the Northern
Japan Alps. The highlight? Driving through the ‘Snow Corridor,’ where walls of snow
up to 65.6 feet high tower on either side of the road.
It’s like entering a frozen fairy tale!
Trollstigen, Norway
The ‘Troll’s Ladder’ is a masterpiece of Norwegian engineering. With its 11 hairpin
bends and 9% gradient, it’s not for the faint-hearted. But the views of the Stigfossen
waterfall and the surrounding peaks make it worth every nerve-wracking turn.
Just watch out for trolls!
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Karakoram Highway, Pakistan/China
Known as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World,’ this high-altitude international highway
connects Pakistan and China through some of the most spectacular mountain
scenery on earth. As you drive along the ancient Silk Road, you’ll pass glaciers,
desert oases, and some of the highest peaks in the world.
It’s a road trip, and a history lesson rolled into one!
Caucasus Highway, Georgia
Winding through the heart of the Greater Caucasus, this highway offers a journey
through one of Europe’s last great wildernesses. From the verdant valleys to the
snow-capped peaks, every turn reveals a new wonder.
Don’t forget to stop at the Russia-Georgia Friendship Monument – the views are as impressive as the Soviet- era architecture!
Passage du Gois, France
Okay, this one’s not a mountain pass, but it’s too unique to leave out. This causeway
to the island of Noirmoutier is completely submerged twice a day by the rising tide.
Time your crossing right, and you’ll experience one of the most surreal drives of your
life. Just don’t dawdle – the sea waits for no one!
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Stelvio Pass, Italy
With its 48 hairpin turns, Stelvio is often called the greatest driving road in the world.
As you climb to the summit at 1.7 miles, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world.
Just be prepared to share the road with cyclists – this pass is a favorite in the Giro
d’Italia!
Hana Highway, Hawaii, USA
This tropical paradise road winds along the coast of Maui, offering stunning ocean
views and lush rainforest scenery. With 620 curves and 59 bridges, it’s a test of both
your driving skills and your motion sickness tolerance.
But with waterfalls, black sand beaches, and rainbow eucalyptus trees along the way, it’s worth every twist and turn!
Irohazaka, Japan
This pair of winding roads in Nikko National Park is famous for its 48 hairpin turns,
each traditionally marked with a character from the Japanese alphabet. As you climb
through the forested mountainside, you’ll feel like you’re driving through a living kanji
lesson.
Don’t forget to stop at the Akechidaira Plateau for breathtaking views of Lake
Chuzenji!
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Tizi n’Test, Morocco
Carved into the High Atlas Mountains by French colonials in the 1920s, this
precarious pass offers stunning views of the Souss Valley. As you navigate the
narrow road and hairpin turns, you’ll pass through traditional Berber villages
seemingly untouched by time.
It’s like driving through a living history book!
Beartooth Highway, Montana/Wyoming, USA
Charles Kuralt called it ‘the most beautiful drive in America,’ and who are we to
argue? This 68-mile byway climbs to nearly 11,000 feet, offering spectacular views
of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains.
Watch out for the ‘guardian bear’ rock formation that gives the pass its name!
Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
Often called ‘the best road in the world’ by certain British car shows, this engineering
marvel cuts through the heart of the Carpathian Mountains. With its sharp hairpin
turns, long S-curves, and steep descents, it’s a driver’s dream.
Just be prepared for the occasional shepherd and his flock crossing the road!
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Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria
This high alpine road offers a journey through almost all of Austria’s climate zones in
just 29.8 miles. As you climb to the foot of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak,
you’ll pass through lush meadows, rocky lunar landscapes, and glacial ice fields.
It’s like driving through a nature documentary!
Col de Turini, France
Famous for its role in the Monte Carlo Rally, this mountain pass in the French Alps is
a test of both driver and machine. With its tight hairpins and steep gradients, it’s not
for the faint-hearted.
But the views of the Mediterranean from the top make every white-knuckle moment worth it!
Adventure Awaits Around Every Bend!
There you have it, road trip enthusiasts – 25 hidden mountain passes that promise
adventure, breathtaking views, and the kind of driving experiences that’ll have you
grinning from ear to ear.
Whether you’re navigating hairpin turns in the Alps or braving high-altitude passes in
the Himalayas, these roads offer a chance to get off the beaten path and into the
heart of some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.
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