3.5
(26)
163
riders
Corona dei Pinci MTB Loop
04:24
40.4km
1,380m
Mountain biking
The Corona dei Pinci MTB Loop is a difficult 25.1-mile mountain bike trail with 4517 feet of gain, offering epic views of Lago Maggiore.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Includes very steep uphill segments
You may need to push your bike.
After 7.11 km for 120 m
After 14.8 km for 64 m
After 22.7 km for 533 m
After 27.5 km for 208 m
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
3.30 km
Suspension Bridge Over the Melezza
Highlight • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
14.9 km
Lago di Palagnedra
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
22.9 km
Rasa
Highlight • Settlement
Translated by Google •
Tip by
23.0 km
Rasa Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
29.3 km
Oratory of Madonna del Pozzuolo
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
37.0 km
Wooden Sculpture Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
40.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
21.5 km
8.36 km
6.87 km
3.43 km
141 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
17.2 km
11.0 km
4.66 km
3.64 km
2.79 km
1.03 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,290 m)
Lowest point (210 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Saturday 16 May
16°C
3°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Corona dei Pinci MTB Loop suitable for beginners?
No, this trail is generally considered suitable for experienced and advanced mountain bikers. It features technical sections with S2/S3 difficulty, including root carpets, larger rock steps, and stony ground. The descent is particularly demanding, rated 8/10 in difficulty.
What is the terrain like on the Corona dei Pinci MTB Loop?
The terrain is highly varied. You'll encounter flowy sections on earthy ground with occasional rock steps and gentle switchbacks. As you progress, it becomes significantly more technical with root carpets, larger rock steps, and stony ground. The route also includes mulattieras (old mule tracks), and some passages, particularly in the lower part and sections with stairs, may require you to push your bike.
What are the main points of interest and viewpoints along the route?
The trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lago Maggiore, the Maggia Delta, and surrounding mountains. Notable highlights include the Suspension Bridge Over the Melezza, the serene Lago di Palagnedra, and the charming settlement of Rasa. You'll also pass the Oratory of Madonna del Pozzuolo and traverse a unique Wooden Sculpture Trail.
What is the best time of year to ride this trail?
The ideal time to ride the Corona dei Pinci MTB Loop is from spring to autumn. It's crucial to ride in dry conditions to ensure maximum grip on the rocky and rooted surfaces, as wet conditions can make the technical sections even more challenging.
Is the Corona dei Pinci MTB Loop dog-friendly?
While dogs are generally allowed on trails in the region, given the technical and challenging nature of this specific route, it might not be ideal for all dogs. If you bring your dog, ensure they are fit for difficult terrain and keep them on a leash, especially in areas with steep drops or other trail users.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this trail?
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to ride the Corona dei Pinci MTB Loop. However, it's important to note that this is an unsanctioned route, so riders proceed at their own risk.
Where can I park to access the Corona dei Pinci MTB Loop?
Specific parking information for the Corona dei Pinci MTB Loop is not detailed, but riders often start from areas near Ascona or Locarno. It's advisable to check local parking options in these towns, which may include paid parking lots, and then cycle to the trailhead or use public transport connections if available.
Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?
Yes, the route intersects with several other paths. You'll find sections that overlap with the Ciclovia Svizzera mare, the Corona dei Pinci trail itself, and parts of the Biasca - Cannero and Cannero - Biasca routes. Other intersecting paths include Naccio - Termine, Bordei - Rasa, and the Percorso Valle Maggia.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the trail?
While the trail itself is quite remote in parts, you can find cafes and restaurants in nearby settlements like Rasa or in the larger towns of Ascona and Locarno, which are typically used as starting or ending points for the loop. It's best to plan for refreshments before or after your ride.
What should I bring for a ride on the Corona dei Pinci MTB Loop?
Given the trail's difficulty and length, you should bring plenty of water, energy snacks, a first-aid kit, and essential bike repair tools. Appropriate mountain biking gear, including a helmet, gloves, and protective padding, is highly recommended due to the technical terrain. Always check the weather forecast and dress in layers.
How long does it take to mountain bike the Corona dei Pinci MTB Loop?
The Corona dei Pinci MTB Loop is approximately 40.4 km (25 miles) long with about 1,377 meters (4,518 feet) of elevation gain. For an experienced rider, it typically takes around 4 hours and 24 minutes to complete, but this can vary significantly based on skill level and stops for views.
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Trail Reviews
Today Ticino surpasses itself again in terms of trail, views and weather. I couldn't resist the wonderful autumn weather because the Rasatrail has been on my wish list for two years now. Today was finally the day and it was worth it. From Ascona we went steeply up towards Monte Sassello and then turned left onto the Rasa Trail. This already leads towards Centovalli. The S3 Trail between Terra Veccia and Bordei was not passable for me - too steep and too blocked. Therefore, I mostly pushed my bike both downhill and uphill and even carried it where necessary. Nevertheless, all in all it was a wonderful tour that certainly offers many options from Monte Sassello onwards. So it's definitely not the last time I've been up here.
Leaving early this morning. From Tenero along the lake promenade to Locarno. Continue on the cycle path to Ascona. From there, the partly steep ascent begins on Terrstrasse up to the top. The trail begins there, first in the direction of Alpe di Naccio. After around 200 m, the S2 and S3 trail goes down to Rasa. Technically sophisticated. From Rasa continue up and down on an S3 to Bordei. Very tedious with the e-bike, since almost everything has to be pushed and carried up and down. From Bordei it goes on "normal" roads down past the Melazza reservoir to Intragna. Here the navigation gave up the ghost 😭. Along the Maggia to Locarno and then back to Tenero. Total length 58 km.
Ticino doesn't seem that mtb friendly. The racing bike is much better off here. Hiking trails can only be partially driven, as it feels like coarse roots or blocked stones every 30m make driving only possible for enduro riders. So pushing and wearing a lot is trendy. This is confirmed by designated mtb routes, there is not much of that in ticino.
The 1000 m ascent is easy to navigate on good ground and a regular gradient. The start of the Rasa Trail was tough at first, but I soon got used to the sharp stones and the many! Roots, of course, all on a slightly sloping track. In contrast, the S3 (Rasa-Bordei) on the part I drove on (after construction work!) was only an S1. Since I always have a tendency to push myself to my limits and beyond, this was quite a pleasant surprise.