MTB loop in the heart of Adamello Brenta park, in Trentino

Trentino is a land that never ceases to amaze. If you think you know every single trail in the Brenta Dolomites, you probably haven't yet ventured into that borderland where limestone spires meet the glaciers of Adamello and Presanella. Today, we’re taking you to discover an off-the-beaten-path MTB itinerary—a loop that smells of resin, hard work, and primordial landscapes. Departure and arrival? The Giudicarie Esteriori, with their capital of wellbeing, Comano Terme.

The downloadable GPX track refers to the easier route that bypasses Mount Cargadur. For information on the more technical route, I suggest consulting Denis from the bike hotel Alchimia Wellresort.

Departure from Comano Terme

Did you know that in Trentino there is a mountain from which you can see several of the province's most famous lakes at the same time?

Our journey begins at the Alchimia WellResort in Comano Terme. This isn't just a random starting point: choosing a bike-hotel in this area means having not only a perfect logistical base but also the expertise of those who live these trails every day.

Together with a group of friends and our exceptional guide, Denis, we unloaded the bikes and geared up for what promised to be a "breathtaking" ride – and not just because of the incline.

The morning air in the Giudicarie is crisp and full of promise. After a quick check of tire pressure and suspension, we leave the resort, heading immediately uphill.

Climbing towards history: Stenico and the Rio Bianco waterfalls

The first part of the route is an intense muscle warm-up. You are immediately immersed in the woods, climbing the slopes that lead to Stenico. The village is dominated by the imposing mass of its castle, one of the oldest and best-preserved fortresses in Trentino, which seems to watch over cyclists from the height of its medieval walls.

Shortly after passing the village, nature takes over again with force. The Rio Bianco waterfalls offer the first true spectacle of the day: a thunderous waterfall fed by the karstic springs of the Brenta, which cools the air and provides the energy needed to face the next section. Here, the gradient is unforgiving, but the beauty of the surroundings mitigates the effort.

Entering the temple of nature: Val d’Algone

Leaving the waterfalls behind, the surface remains paved for a short connecting stretch. We turn right and are welcomed by the sign marking the official entrance to the Adamello Brenta Natural Park. Welcome to Val d’Algone. This valley is one of the wildest gateways to the Brenta group. The road climbs with a gentle but steady incline, allowing you to admire the rocky walls that tighten on both sides.

It is a paradise for those who love solitude: here, the sound of engines is a distant memory, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the beat of your own heart.

We pass the Rifugio Ghedina, nestled in a bright green pasture, and continue towards Malga Nambi. The rural architecture of the Trentino mountain huts (malghe) adds a touch of poetry to the landscape, reminding us of the deep bond between man and mountain in these valleys.

Beyond the Dolomiti di Brenta Bike

Up to this point, our route has retraced the itinerary of the famous Dolomiti di Brenta Bike in reverse. However, today's goal is to explore the unusual. Just before reaching Valico Bregn da l'Ors (which would lead towards Val d'Agola and Madonna di Campiglio), Denis signals us to deviate left. Here, the real adventure begins. We take a trail that cuts across the mountainside to begin the return towards the Giudicarie Esteriori.

Effort, technique, and adrenaline: towards the Gras da li Zerli bivouac

While the riding up to now has been pleasant and "flowy", the trail ahead tests even the most experienced bikers. The terrain becomes technical, with roots and loose rocks requiring balance and explosive strength. At times, the incline is such that it forces portage: carrying the bike on your shoulder or pushing it is part of the game when you're looking for the best views.

An important notice: this section is not for everyone. If you suffer from vertigo or do not feel confident on exposed trails, the advice is to continue towards Malga Plan, turning left immediately to bypass Mount Cargadur and re-enter Val Manéz from the small village of Binio where this itinerary reconnects. Or, continue to the Bregn da l'Ors pass and return via the Val Rendena cycle path.

But if you decide to grit your teeth, the reward will be unforgettable. Upon reaching the Gras da li Zerli bivouac, the view suddenly opens up to the west. Before you, in all its majesty, appears the Adamello massif with its perennial glaciers. It is a moment of pure contemplation, where fatigue vanishes in the face of nature's grandeur.

The ridge and the plunge: from Val Manéz to Comano

The route continues with one last narrow passage along the side and a few steps to overcome with the bike on your shoulder.

We find ourselves suspended between Monte Tof and Monte Cargadur, in a ridge area that gives a sense of absolute freedom. It is here that the high-altitude trail ends to make way for the descent towards Val Manéz.

The fun changes shape: from extreme technicality, we move to a fast, guided dirt road that allows us to let off the brakes (but with caution!). The trees fly by as we rapidly lose altitude following the stream that gives the valley its name.

We hit the asphalt again near Binio, a small village that seems frozen in time. The valley floor is now close. We dive into an adrenaline-fueled plunge towards Ragoli, with hairpins that invite you to lean the bike. From here, just a few flat pedal strokes are enough to close the loop and return to Stenico first and finally Comano Terme.

The perfect finale: wellness and hospitality

Closing a ride of this magnitude – with its elevation changes and technical challenges – requires a worthy finale. There is nothing better than returning to Alchimia Wellresort and sliding directly into the warm water of the pool or relaxing your muscles in the hotel spa.

It’s the moment when you share the day's photos, laugh about the small falls, and already start planning the next outing.

If you want to replicate my experience and enjoy an escape from daily life, here you can find the Bike Experience offer from Alchimia WellResort including bike tours, overnight stay, massage, and cryotherapy.

Alchimia WellResort

Staying in Comano Terme

Alchimia WellResort is your ideal base in Comano Terme, equipped with a Bike Room, SPA, and vertical wellness with ample spaces to relax after discovering the surroundings on two wheels.