The mule track to the top of Passo della Mulattiera
Mulattiera pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.412m (7,913ft) above the sea level, located in Bardonecchia, an Italian comune located in the Province of Turin, in the Piedmont region, in the western part of Susa Valley.
The road to climb the pass is a demanding old military road that becomes a mule-track. During and after a storm the road may be impassable, even with a four-wheel-drive vehicle and can easily get muddy if it rains making it challenging to get through. At Passo della Mulattiera is a huge barracks ruins. It was built in 1939. The road ends at the pass.
This trail passes through remote areas, so you need to be prepared. Located south of Bardonecchia near the French-Italian border, just below the beautiful cliff of Punta Charra (2,844 m), the pass offers you a great panoramic view on Valle Stretta (Vallée Étroite in french) and all the mountains surrounding the valley of Bardonecchia, Beaulard and Oulx.
The pass can be reached from Bardonecchia and Beaulard. If you dare to take the risk and travel along this dusty and bumpy route, then make sure to be driven by someone who has experience of the road. There are sheer drops virtually along the entire route and enough hairpins to make a whirling dervish dizzy. Make sure you get your vehicle and yourself well-prepared before driving this road. The road bad conditions, with extremely large pot holes could potentially pop a tire, crack a rim, or screw up your cars allignment. Never underestimate this track!
Pic: Marco Savio