North of Tehran rise the Alborz mountains, a massive chain including several peaks over 13,000 feet, and Chalus Road snakes its way right through their midst. Approaching from Karaj to the south, the road initially leads through jagged cliffs, then on the north side of the range through endless old-growth beech forests that wolves, lynxes and bears all call home. Then, at last, the Caspian Sea appears on the horizon. How much more can you ask of a road?
Where to stop: The last 18 miles before reaching Chalus, home to the tallest beech trees in the world.