Mountain bike from Schilpario to Campelli pass

Fascinating and extremely panoramic route, featuring long and challenging climbs as well as fast and technical downhill sections. The peaceful start along the cross-country ski trail prepares you for the demanding ascent to Monte Gardena, a panoramic terrace overlooking the Conca dei Campelli amphitheater. The variant toward the ancient Giovetto mining road requires some strong pedaling but offers fantastic views of the Sellero waterfalls. A visit and at least a coffee at Rifugio Campione, near Passo dei Campelli, is a must. The return is technical and adrenaline-filled after passing the Madonnina dei Campelli.

Technical details

Difficulty: MC/BC
Length: 28.5 km
Time in motion: 2 h 51 min
Rideability: (95% uphill)—(95% downhill)
Recommended period: April – October
Asphalt: 30% — Dirt: 40% — Trail: 30%
Min altitude: 1118 m — Max altitude: 1966 m
Elevation gain: Ascent 1509 m — Descent 1503 m
Push sections: YES — Bike carrying sections: NO — GPS track: YES
GPS TRACK IS ESSENTIAL
Tested and approved by: Gian Pietro M., Nicola T., Riccardo P.

Rating: Good
Technical advice: Always carry caution, good manners, respect, and courtesy. Pay attention to marked trail deviations. Evaluate weather conditions carefully before starting.

Route

The starting point is the Piazzale degli Alpini in Schilpario. Following the main road toward Passo del Vivione, enter the first large square on the right and cross a wooden bridge to reach the start of the cross-country ski trail. Proceed left, follow the dirt path into the forest keeping to the left, until you reach near Ristorante Capriolo. From the restaurant square, turn right along the asphalt road leading to Passo del Vivione.

After several kilometers of climbing, you reach Rifugio Baracca Rossa. Pass it, and after a few meters, turn right following the signs for the Campelli. After about 300 meters, before the bridge, keep left and follow the dirt road gaining altitude. Pass the first farmhouse with a watering trough and continue along the dirt road toward Monte Gardena.

WATCH FOR THE NEXT TURN ON OUR RIGHT. Upon seeing a series of watering troughs, leave the road to the right, a few meters before reaching the tanks (potentially useful for a sip of water), stay right and start descending through the meadow along the steepest slope. Immediately keep right; the terrain’s shape will help you find the trail that a few dozen meters downstream turns sharply left onto CAI trail 428, which must be followed faithfully.

Follow the trail, technical in some points, that crosses the whole hillside, reaching a dirt road in loc. Giovetto. Turn right and at the first fork, there is an optional uphill variant that after about 1 km leads to a panoramic terrace overlooking the Sellero waterfalls; here the path ends and descends back along the same route. At the recently passed junction, turn left and follow the dirt road faithfully. At the next intersection, turn left, still climbing until Passo dei Campelli. A few meters after the pass, turn left onto the road leading to Rifugio Campione.

Descend back along the dirt road to Passo dei Campelli, at the junction keep left to continue descending. Continue down to the Madonnina dei Campelli. From here, off-trail, in front of the Madonnina, find the path leading to the beautiful Campelli pond at the foot of Cimon della Bagozza. Resume the descent. Before the bridge, turn left, cross two meadows, keep right, continue descending following the route, cross a dry stream, then after ten meters turn left, climb a few meters, then resume the descent. Keep left to stay on dirt until you reach a cement road, then continue downhill on asphalt back to the starting point.

Original text adapted. For more information and detailed maps, you can download the printable sheet or click here (Route No. 9).
Route published in collaboration with ORANGEMTB
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