Alpe Rossa by bike
A challenging course from both the sporting a technical perspectives, reserved for experienced and fit hikers. From the Dock of Colico you reach the Alpe Rossa at an altitude 1122 m passing the ancient village of Fontanedo on the way back.
From the dock of Colico in Piazza Garibaldi take Via Mazzini, cross the SP72 and continue straight uphill onto Via Villatico. At the crossroads before the church turn right in Via Perlino; at the junction in front of the cemetery, turn left into Via alla Calchera, then right into Via Legnoncino.
Follow the driveway with concrete bottom until Posallo (direction (AI Sentiero del Torrenti), where it meets the river Perlino (425 m): do not cross the river because the path goes left (direction Sentiero del Viandante / Chiesa di San Rocco). An abrupt climb follows a technical section of rough and disjointed path. Arriving in front of the church of St. Rocco (500 m), continue on an easy dirt road that leads you onto the asphalted road to Alpe Rossa.
The climb of about 6 km takes you on a succession of dirt roads and stretches with cement bases; the route, mostly shaded, alternating climbs and slight slopes, allowing an easy climb. Arrived at Alpe Rossa (1122 m) there is drinking water at the fountain near the common house. The descent it retraces the same path. After approximately 4.5 km, just past a narrow double “S” curve, near a signpost CAI6 and a vertical wooden pole, turn right leaving the roadway for a downhill path through the woods. The first section is quite steep and bumpy, so it requires attention and skill. Passing a hut with a small fountain on the right, the road becomes smoother and after about 400 meters comes to a dirt road running parallel to the Inganna stream; continue straight, cross the river and take a short slight slope that leads to the characteristic village of Fontanedo.
The route passes through the houses of the village, past a fountain (on the right) and turns left downhill arriving at the church of St. Helena (599 m).
Shortly after passing the church, leave the asphalt road to follow, on the right, the trail marked by a vertical pole of the CAl Anello Fontanedo. Turning right at a crossroads you pass a stream, and after about 500 meters on a single lane trail, you come to the Tower of Fontanedo (540 m); turning left you can visit the charming medieval village, while the route continues right downhill on a mule trail; at the next fork go left onto the concrete road leading to Robustello. At the asphalt, turn right onto Via Chiaro.
After about 1.2 km downhill turn left into Via Suor Maria Laura Mainetti, then right into Via Peschi. After the S$36, you come to an intersection near a chapel: go straight down the hill and at the roundabout on the SP72, proceed straight ahead in Via al Monteggiolo. At the junction turn left, cross the bridge and take a right on Via Forte di Fuentes; at the roundabout turn right into Via alle Torri and continue until you reach Piazza Garibaldi again.
Departure and arrival: pier of Colico
Distance: 21km
Difficulty level: difficult
Elevation gradient: min 200-max 1122m
Estimated time: 4h 30 min
Reccomended period: from March to November
Condividi #colico