5.0
(5)
31
riders
05:53
52.4km
2,230m
Mountain biking
This difficult 32.6-mile mountain biking loop around Monte Civetta offers challenging terrain and panoramic views of the Dolomites.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Includes very steep uphill segments
You may need to push your bike.
After 2.62 km for 98 m
After 6.67 km for 672 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
401 m
Highlight • Lake
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Tip by
5.70 km
Highlight • Rest Area
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Tip by
8.70 km
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Tip by
10.5 km
Highlight • Trail
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Tip by
12.1 km
Highlight • Trail
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Tip by
12.3 km
Highlight • Waterfall
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Tip by
26.6 km
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Tip by
31.8 km
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tip by
52.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
18.8 km
17.2 km
5.92 km
5.65 km
3.36 km
1.43 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
18.8 km
11.6 km
11.3 km
10.3 km
213 m
207 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,820 m)
Lowest point (620 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Tuesday 19 May
12°C
3°C
84 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
This loop is classified as a difficult mountain bike ride. It requires very good fitness and advanced riding skills due to its length of approximately 52.4 kilometers and a significant elevation gain of 2,230 meters. Be prepared for some sections where you might need to push your bike.
The route features a diverse mix of terrain, including paved roads, gravel roads, singletrack, and technical descents. The descents are particularly challenging with bends, bumps, and rocky sections. You'll also encounter steep mule tracks and forest roads.
The trail offers spectacular panoramic views of the Dolomites, including Monte Civetta and Monte Pelmo. Notable points along the way include Lake Alleghe, Malga Pioda, Gares Waterfall, and the Durando Plateau.
The best time to ride this loop is typically during the summer months when the weather is most stable and the trails are clear of snow. However, conditions can change rapidly, so always check the forecast before you go.
You can typically find parking in Alleghe or Agordo, which are the main towns at the start and end of the loop. Specific parking areas may vary, so it's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for mountain biking on public trails in the Dolomites. However, always respect local regulations, private property, and any protected areas you might pass through. The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so responsible behavior is crucial.
While many trails in the Dolomites are dog-friendly, it's essential to keep your dog on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or wildlife. Given the technical and challenging nature of this particular route, ensure your dog is fit enough for a long and demanding ride, and be prepared for sections where you might need to dismount and walk.
Yes, the route passes by traditional alpine huts (malghe) like Malga Pioda and Casera Duran, where you can often find refreshments and local food. There are also facilities at Piani di Pezzé.
Yes, this route intersects with several other paths. You'll find sections that are part of the Dream path Munich-Venice, Alta via n. 1 delle Dolomiti - Dolomiten-Höhenweg Nr. 1, Hammer Trail, and Ciclabile Val Cordevole, among others.
The broader Civetta area, which this loop is part of, offers the convenience of using ski lifts during the summer. This can significantly reduce the uphill pedaling effort, especially for e-bikers, allowing you to focus more on the thrilling descents and scenery. Check local lift operating schedules.
Given the trail's difficulty and length, you should pack essential mountain biking gear, including a helmet, gloves, appropriate clothing layers, plenty of water, snacks, a repair kit, a first-aid kit, and navigation tools. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so waterproof and windproof layers are advisable.
The idea was to cycle entirely around the loop, but the elevation gain would be significant and the initial climb wasn't exactly rewarding given the type of roads, so we took the Alleghe lifts to climb to Col dei Baldi. From here, we descend toward Pecol, first along a dirt road and then exiting right onto a nice straight road that takes us right to the bottom of the valley. This trail is best done on dry ground; if damp/wet, it becomes treacherous due to the multitude of roots. From the valley floor, we climb up a dirt road to below the Sun Paradise refuge, which sits practically on Monte della Grava. Here we turned right onto a technical straight road, trail 585, that surmounts Col de la Besadora to reach Forcella della Grava. There are a few impassable sections and one where you need to lift your bike. Not recommended if done in the opposite direction. From the saddle, we descend to Casera della Grava and then down until we find the road that climbs to Duran. We climb it for 3 km and exit right onto a dirt road that leads to the Carestiato refuge. After a significant climb, it levels out a bit, but remains moderately challenging (if you have a non-electric mountain bike, it's a good challenge). Up to the refuge for a rest. Then, backtrack to the end of the first descent (which we just rode for the detour to the refuge). Here, we exit onto trail 547 and begin the long descent towards Agordo. There are ramps, some paved, mixed with dirt and road. We reach a paved road, which we follow downhill for a few hundred meters and exit left onto a wide trail, marked 15km (a local race). We'll follow these signs practically all the way to Agordo. There's a beautiful final road, S2. Truly worth it. We had to double-park to avoid going through the dangerous and poisonous Listolade tunnel, whose outer detour on the old state road is still closed and impassable due to a landslide. Let's hope they fix it, because, especially for bikes, it's a major limitation in the area.