How to drive the unpaved road to Col des Encombrés
Col des Encombrés is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.367m (7,765ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.
Where is Col des Encombrés?
The pass is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the southeastern part of the country.
Why is there a road to Col des Encombrés?
Most of the single-lane road was originally built for the construction of an overland line, and since then it has scarcely been maintained.
Is the road to Col des Encombrés unpaved?
The road to the summit is totally unpaved and rocky. A 4x4 vehicle is required. Expect steep serpentine turns, loose gravel, deep washouts…
How long is the road to Col des Encombrés?
Starting from Gittamelon, the road to the summit is 8.7 km long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 720 m and the average gradient is 8.27%.
Is the road to Col des Encombrés open year-round?
Set high in the Alps, the road is not plowed in winters.
Pic: Cyril Dewez