Follow the King's Road in Gran Paradiso Park

By Valerio Diotto

The Road from royalty: King's Road, Gran Paradiso Park (Italian Tourism)

There are many ways to explore Gran Paradiso Park in the northwestern Alps, but why not treat yourself like royalty and following the King's Road? Grand Paradiso, once the king's game preserve, is now a sanctuary for wildlife including ibex, deer, marmots, and eagles. As one would expect of a king's preserve, the park is an area of great beauty, with high peaks, larch forests, and rare alpine flora.

King Vittorio Emanuele built the road from Ceresole to the Sella refuge so that he could reach his hunting huts in a carriage. The trail can be followed on foot, mountain bike, or horseback (skis will do in the winter), and there are refuges with food and shelter along the way. The trail is easy, though steep, and can be covered in a week.

Travel Interest Guides

Spring Driving Guide
Top itineraries, family-friendly asphalt-obsessed exploration, global four-wheel touring, tips, photos—it's all here.

Rafting Guide
From riotous to lazy, GORPTravel offers a state-by-state guide to the whitewater of the United States.

Family Travel Guide
Our esteemed travel experts pick the best places, hotels, and attractions, and offer sage travel wisdom and insight.

Beach Guide
Whether you dive, kiteboard, windsurf, or just strive to perfect the art of sun-bathing, our experts have the spot.

More Travel Resources