T.O.1. Legnoncino | Altolagocomo Bike

This exciting route winds along the trails and historic roads of Monte Legnoncino and is designed for experienced cyclists seeking technical and panoramic mountain itineraries. The trail connects the shores of Lake Como with the upper Valvarrone, offering a complete outdoor experience that combines physical challenge, stunning landscapes, and historical heritage.

The route begins in the center of Colico, overlooking the lake. Leaving the town behind, the climb starts along an asphalt road through Villatico and reaches the hamlet of Posallo. From here, the route continues toward Monte Piazzo and Sommafiume, following a mix of secondary roads and mountain paths. The initial gradients are steady and rideable, allowing a gradual gain in elevation.

Beyond the inhabited areas, the ascent becomes progressively more demanding. Heading toward Rifugio Bellano and later Rifugio Roccoli Lorla, the terrain turns more technical and steep, especially after the turn at Subiale, where gradients remain consistently above 10%, with peaks reaching 18%. Several resting points and drinking-water fountains are available along the climb.

Upon reaching Roccoli Lorla, near the small alpine lake at the foot of Monte Legnoncino, riders enter an area of remarkable historical and natural value. From here, a military road follows the remains of the Cadorna Line trenches, leading to the summit cross of Monte Legnoncino. From the top, an extraordinary panorama opens over Lake Como, the Central Alps, and the Valtellina; just below the summit stands the small and evocative Church of San Sfirio. Due to the uneven and sometimes rough surface, skill and caution are essential, particularly on the more exposed sections. From Monte Legnoncino, the route continues along ancient mule tracks, with scenic ups and downs toward Monte Lavadee and back to Subiale, offering wide views over Valvarrone and the surrounding mountains.

The final section descends gently toward the village of Tremenico, the endpoint of the itinerary, reached via historic roads that remain easily rideable even by MTB. Developed along existing public roads and VASP tracks, the main route also offers several alternative connections, making this itinerary a natural link between Lake Como and Valvarrone.

A new cycle network has been created in the Upper Lake Como area. There are 23 routes in two large areas along the lake's shores, for a total of 380 kilometers. Two routes are for beginners, 10 for intermediates, 8 for advanced cyclists, and 3 for experts. The difficulty scale and route tracking were verified by CAI experts, and an international evaluation standard was adopted in agreement with the Lombardy Region.

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Along the routes, there are many panoramic points where you can admire the stunning beauty of Lake Como. The app provides all the information you need to safely navigate the routes, including directions to equipped areas, places of art and culture to visit, and events scheduled in the towns along the chosen route. You can also watch videos of the best panoramic views.

THE CYCLE ROUTES OF THE WESTERN NORTH LAKE COMO - There are 8 new routes at mid-mountain and high altitude, for a total length of 134 kilometers. The routes connect to existing connections between mountain towns and lakeside towns, where there is already a cycle path. The routes start in Sorico and pass through Montemezzo, Vercana, Trezzone, Livo, Peglio, Dosso del Liro, Gravedona ed Uniti, Stazzona, Dongo, Garzeno, Pianello del Lario, Musso, and end in Cremia.

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THE CYCLE ROUTES IN THE VALSASSINA - There are 15 routes that allow you to climb from the lake to the Valsassina and Valvarrone, taking advantage of the trails on Mount Legnoncino; the loop circuits in the North Valsassina; the connections with the Valsassina cycle path; and the routes of the Val d'Esino.

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WHAT ARE INTERNAL AREAS AND THE "UPPER LAKE COMO AND VALLI DEL LARIO" STRATEGY? - The "North Lake Como and Valli del Lario" Area Strategy was launched in 2018 as part of the National Strategy for Internal Areas 2014/2020. It involved 31 municipalities in the Valsassina, Valvarrone, Val d'Esino, and Riviera (Lecco) communities and the Valli del Lario and Ceresio communities (Como). The National Strategy for Internal Areas (SNAI) is a strategic plan designed to enhance and develop internal areas, which are often characterized by challenges such as depopulation, lack of services, and fewer economic opportunities. The goal is to promote the sustainable development of these areas by investing in infrastructure, services, the local economy, and the preservation of cultural and natural resources. The "Upper Lake Como and Valli del Lario" Area Strategy, implemented in the period 2018/2023, has made it possible to implement 31 projects for a total of 20 million euros, of which 5,285,000 euros were used to promote interventions to recover and enhance the heritage and to strengthen the cycle and hiking routes between the lake and the valleys.

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