Elba Cielo Alto

Beautiful and challenging hike in the western part of the #elba Island. Start from Colle d'Orano and climb to Marciana by asphalt and then take the forest path to San Cerbone. Before taking the path down to San Cerbone take the path on the right that goes up to connect with the GTE. This section is a technical but well rideable (99%) climb.At the intersection with the GTE take a left and a spectacular and very scenic section begins, in the first part slightly uphill on granite slabs and in the second part slightly downhill with flowing sections and more technical sections on firm rock and some climbing (98% rideability). You come to the road that climbs from Poggio to Monte Perone and take a right.

Once at the top of the hill, a short descent and then to the right to climb on a trail up to the pistini of San Piero (here a couple of fallen trees on the trail create a bit of difficulty, though surmountable). Once in the section with the pistini towards Poggio, take to the right the hard climb to Masso alla Quata, now all rideable thanks to a short variation that avoids a fallen tree. At Masso alla Quata the legendary Cielo Alto descent begins, which then continues as Masso alla Guata to Cavoli. For me it is among the most beautiful trails on the island with technical sections bordering on trialistic, big steps, passages on rock and firm stone, canyons, flow sections, a real bike park. Some short sections with dirt bottom have been a bit dug out by the recent downpours, but rideability is 99%. Once in Cavoli, barring a short dirt variant, follow the SP to Colle d'Orano.