Route des Crêtes Vosges Mountain Pass Motorcycle Ride

The Route des Crêtes is situated in the Vosges region of France, crossing the Vosges mountain range. This road passes through protected natural areas including the Réserve naturelle des hautes chaumes du Rothenbach and the Réserve biologique dirigée de Guebwiller. The road is located within the administrative region of Alsace (AL) and is part of the broader Vosges massif. The mountain pass along this route is the Col d'Hahnenbrunnen, which sits at an elevation of 1186 m (3,891 ft). An interactive map showing the exact section of the Route des Crêtes discussed here can be found at the end of this article.

The Route des Crêtes section covered here is approximately 24.7 kilometers (15.3 miles) long and is primarily surfaced with high-quality asphalt, rated 4.9 out of 5 for surface condition. The road is moderately curvy, with a curviness rating of 1.09, offering a balanced riding experience that is neither too technical nor too straightforward. Most of the road (about 89%) consists of two lanes, with a small portion (around 5%) being single-lane. The width varies, with the majority (about 64%) being wide enough for comfortable motorcycle riding, while narrower sections account for about 6% of the route.

Speed limits vary along the route, with maximum speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph), 70 km/h (44 mph), and 50 km/h (31 mph) depending on the segment. The road passes through inhabited areas for approximately 7.1% of its length, which may require additional caution. The route is designated as D 430 and also referenced as N°36.

The Col d'Hahnenbrunnen is the key mountain pass on this route, providing an elevation point of 1186 m (3,891 ft). This pass is well-known locally and is a significant feature of the Route des Crêtes. The road traverses two protected natural reserves: the Réserve naturelle des hautes chaumes du Rothenbach and the Réserve biologique dirigée de Guebwiller. These reserves contribute to the road's natural surroundings and require riders to respect environmental regulations while enjoying the ride.

More information about the Col d'Hahnenbrunnen can be found on its Wikipedia page, and details about the Vosges mountain range are available on the Massif des Vosges Wikipedia page.

The Route des Crêtes is accessible year-round, although winter conditions in the Vosges mountains may affect road safety and accessibility. There are no specific motorcycle restrictions or seasonal closures reported for this section. Riders should be aware of potential weather-related impacts, especially during colder months.

Currently, there are no tolls or entrance fees associated with this road. However, toll policies can change, so riders are advised to check the latest information on French road tolls and fees at the official French government transport website or relevant regional portals.

This article has focused on the Route des Crêtes section in the Vosges mountains, highlighting its moderate curviness, excellent asphalt surface, and passage through notable natural reserves and a mountain pass. The road offers a balanced and enjoyable ride for motorcyclists seeking a mountain route with good infrastructure and natural surroundings.

An interactive map showing the exact section of the Route des Crêtes discussed here is provided below for reference.