Driving the steep unpaved road to Spikor Geçidi
Spikor Geçidi, also known as Sipikör Geçidi, is a high mountain pass reaching 2,394 meters (7,854 ft) above sea level on the boundary between the provinces of Erzincan and Gümüşhane in Turkey. This is not a road for a casual road trip; it is a raw, unpaved mountain track that cuts through the high Anatolian ridges. Driving here means leaving the asphalt behind for 10.7 kilometers of loose soil, jagged rocks, and thin air where the weather can shift from sun to a blinding storm in minutes. It is a technical climb where the mechanical limits of your vehicle and your ability to choose the right line on a steep, unstable surface are the only things that matter.
| Road facts: Spikor Geçidi | |
|---|---|
| Location | Erzincan / Gümüşhane border, Turkey |
| Elevation | 2,394m (7,854ft) |
| Length | 10.7 km (6.6 miles) |
| Surface | Totally unpaved / Dirt & Rocks |
How difficult is the drive to Spikor Geçidi?
The 10.7-kilometer track between Devekorusu and Turnaçayırı is a grueling test of traction. The road is totally unpaved and the climb is steep, featuring several sections where the incline spikes, making it difficult for two-wheel-drive vehicles to maintain forward momentum. A 4x4 vehicle is required here; the surface is a mix of hard-packed dirt and loose stones that can become incredibly slippery after the slightest rainfall. Navigating the switchbacks requires a slow, disciplined pace to avoid damaging your tires or underbody on the larger rocks that are often unearthed by the heavy mountain winds and erosion.
What are the main hazards on the Sipikör mountain track?
The primary hazard at Spikor Geçidi is the altitude combined with the instability of the terrain. At nearly 2,400 meters, your engine's power is significantly reduced, meaning you have less torque to push through the muddy or rocky ramps. The pass is also subject to violent winter storms that can bury the track under meters of snow, making it impassable for most of the year. During the summer, the main risk is the lack of safety barriers; the road is narrow and carved directly into the steep slopes, leaving no room for error if you slide on the loose gravel. Sudden fogs can also roll in, reducing visibility to just a few meters, making the narrow ledges even more dangerous.
What mechanical prep is needed for the Spikor crossing?
Before you commit to the climb from Turnaçayırı, ensure your 4WD system and tires are in top condition. The high-altitude ascent puts a massive load on the radiator; with slow speeds and restricted airflow, your cooling fan must be fully operational to avoid a boil-over. Check your tire sidewalls for any cuts, as the sharp Anatolian stones are unforgiving. On the descent toward Devekorusu, do not ride your brakes. The sustained steep grade on an unpaved surface will overheat your pads instantly. Stay in a low gear and let engine braking hold the weight of your vehicle. Carry extra water, a full-sized spare, and recovery gear, as the isolation on this mountain border means help could be hours away.
Pic: hasan ali Kaya