Mountain biking between Manina pass and Mount Barbarossa

Countless panoramic viewpoints over Val di Scalve and upper Val Seriana will leave you breathless. Shortly before reaching Passo Manina and from the pass to the first water pool, we are forced to push and carry the MTB for about 30–45 minutes. The Manina pass is interesting, with a small place of worship. A long and steep panoramic descent will put our brakes to the test, forcing us to stop occasionally to let them cool down. There are numerous spots to refill water along the entire route.

Technical data

Difficulty: BC/BC
Length: 18.5 km
Moving time: 2 h 40 min
Rideability: (85% uphill) — (95% downhill)
Recommended period: April – October
Asphalt: 40% — Unpaved: 30% — Trail: 30%
Minimum altitude: 1005 m — Maximum altitude: 1923 m
Elevation gain: Ascent 1422 m — Descent 1425 m
Push sections: YES — Carry bike sections: YES — GPS track: YES
GPS TRACK ESSENTIAL
Tested by: Gian Pietro M. – Nicola T. – Alex B.

Rating: Good
Technical advice: Always carry caution, politeness, respect, and courtesy. Pay attention to marked detours. Carefully evaluate the weather conditions before starting.

Route

The starting point is in Vilminore di Scalve, at the parking lot of the gym on via Vittorio Emanuele (a little higher, near the sports field, there are several more parking spots). Follow the main road through the center of Vilminore; after crossing Piazza Papa Giovanni XXII, keep left onto via Locatelli. After the hairpin, take a left at the junction following signs to Colere until reaching, after a few hundred meters, the small church of San Carlo, recognizable by its unusual blue plaster.

A few meters before the church, take the right dirt road that climbs and follow signs to Ponte Gleno. Upon reaching the equipped area of Ponte Gleno, keep left towards the small concrete bridge, cross it, and follow the trail faithfully to the village of Nona, which, due to the uneven surface, forces us in some sections to push the MTB.

Upon entering Nona, at the first junction, take a right on asphalt and immediately left onto via Manina. Follow the long climb and signs to Passo Manina. Near Baita Rossa, at the fork, turn left downhill, then immediately climb steeply along the trail to Passo Manina (another push section) until reaching a junction. At this point, a visit to the nearby little church at Passo della Manina is recommended, offering not only views over Val di Scalve but also interesting glimpses of upper Val Seriana.

Returning to the fork, take the right onto CAI trail 407, which we follow faithfully (trail exposed in some points, requiring us to carry and push the MTB for about thirty minutes) until reaching the first water pool. From here, remount and continue downhill following CAI 407 signage. Pass the upper and lower Baite di Barbarossa and, on a steep descent, follow the dirt road to the first houses of Teveno. A pause is recommended in this section to prevent excessive brake overheating.

Keep left to cross the village center to the main road near an old dark-wood cableway station. Turn left and follow the asphalt road.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING DETOURS.
At a sharp bend, descend right along the mule track to the square of Bueggio, where you will find a fountain. Continue right downhill along a stone-paved path, cross a charming covered wooden bridge, and continue uphill until reaching asphalt. Turn right, pass the church of San Carlo, and, upon reaching the first houses of Vilminore, immediately descend right onto via IV Novembre aiming for the main church, keeping the bell tower as a reference point. After passing under the church’s grand staircase, the starting point is reached.

Original text modified. For more information and detailed route info, you can download the printable sheet or click here (Route No. 11).
Route published in collaboration with ORANGEMTB.COM
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