Val Minor e Lago del Monte

Stratospheric itinerary in that of Livigno, but only for those who do not disdain technical trails and a bit of pushing bikes.

We start in Livigno and follow the bike path to Forcola. The valley is a sight, a little less so the final ramp that takes us to the pass, luckily it is not long and was put in place in 2022.

From the pass begins the phenomenal trail that connects Livigno to Bernina, built specifically for bikes. With good technique and a good leg you do it all, also because it is mostly uphill with Bernina watching us.

Arriving above Val Minor we abandon it (signs) and opt for the tougher version. Wanting to avoid Val Minor follow this trail. I tell you this because the trail is quite technical, particularly when it is flat because of the many rocks in the landslides that force you to descend and push several times. They are embedded in the earth, but lack the speed to overcome them. In any case, the valley is beautiful, with its two lakes inviting a break.

As you continue, the trail becomes more flowing and increasingly fun. You come out at the Lagalp cable car valley station, follow the road to the Diavolezza cable car, and shortly after turn right into the Fain valley. Magnificent, too, both for the view in front of us....

. and for the one behind us, with Bernina and its glaciers. The road is never too steep, and if you need water, the streams to your left are drinkable (not the ones where you see cow tracks). I have been drinking that water for years and have never had a single problem.

Thus we arrive at the La Stretta Alp, where the dirt road ends and there is a fountain, as well as the possibility of refreshment. From here starts the beautiful false-floor trail that takes us to La Stretta.

Here we have two options: descend into the Livigno valley on trail that is steep and rocky in the first part (ebike option), or push the bike for 45 minutes up 300 meters of elevation gain. The trail is easy, you treat this part, which is then why I do not recommend doing it with a heavy ebike:

In short, you have to be sure of what you are doing, otherwise it is better to leave it alone. From that point on you are scattered in the mountains, moonscape and wilderness, complete with ibex passing you by. The one in the photo then came down to graze on the trail where I had just passed, so there is no one around.

All the effort is paid off when you get above Mt. Lake:

From an elevation of 2700 meters, where we descend, a Thousand and One Nights trail starts up to just above the Livigno valley. Rocky, with lots of fairly wide switchbacks and fast sections. Magnificent.

We then come out onto a rather rutted dirt road, which we follow back to the bike path we rode previously. The trail ends at an ice cream parlor. You will need it, after which you can have a beer; they have that too.

Note to boaters: the trail to Lake Monte looks cyclable on the uphill map, but it is very eroded and you will find yourself pushing hard. Even with the ebike. It's best to do it downhill.

#livigno