Lake Como Mountain Biking Trails & Off-Road Routes

Adventure Awaits on Every Trail

Rent an E-MTB or MTB and explore Lake Como offroad! These mountain bike rides are organized according to level of technical difficulty (singletrack, rocks and roots, steep uphill and downhill, tight switchbacks, stairs, etc.). All of these rides are difficult in terms of elevation gain, so unless you mountain bike regularly and do a lot of climbing, we recommend renting the Bianchi T-Tronik X E-MTB or the Full-Suspension E-Vertic for hard and epic level routes (you will thank yourself later!)

If you have never mountain biked before, please do not attempt the hard or epic rides. The trail networks here are not marked well--a GPS rental is needed for most rides.

Indicates a popular route

Description of Levels by Technical Difficulty

EASY

Trails are dirt, cobblestones, with very few stones and roots. There could be some steep sections uphill but not downhill.

MEDIUM

Trails could have some sections with loose stones and tree roots, some narrow trail sections but no dropoffs. Some small, cobblestone stairs downhill could be present on route.

HARD (Full Suspension E-MTB highly recommended)

Trails with loose stones, tree roots, narrow passages, some singletrack sections, downhill switchbacks and cobbled steps, possible sections with dropoffs.

EPIC (Full Suspension E-MTB highly recommended)

Same as hard, but with more steep sections both up and downhill. Demanding routes on a physical level even with an E-MTB.

EASY

3 routes available

Ghisallo Family E-xperience

Bellagio

The perfect ride to fully enjoy the mountainside above Bellagio, passing by some of the most beautiful viewpoints and along some of the roads that have played a big part in cycling history. Don't miss seeing the Madonna del Ghisallo (protector of cyclists!) chapel and Cycling museum, a must while visiting Lake Como. Halfway down the descent to Bellagio, we recommend stopping at the Baita Belvedere for a coffee break or lunch with a view! Take one our E-MTBs for this route as it consists of paved secondary roads and off-road tracks. *GPS rental recommended

20 km

800 m elevation gain

Cyclists on a Curved Road Near Lake Como

Scenic Route 65

Varenna

For those who love the colorful town of Varenna, travel over from Bellagio on the beautiful ferry ride that offers some of the best views of the quaint town tucked into the hills. Start your ride from the lake shore and head straight up to the peak of one of our most panoramic mountains, where you can take in the beauty of Lake Como and its vast mountain range from a vantage point at 1092 m. The route consists of both paved and dirt roads along the legendary 'Scenic Route 65'. Before cruising down to the starting point, you'll have time to get your batteries charged and visit the Grigna Museum, all about one of Lake Como's most famous mountains that's home to 900 caves which have puzzled many speleologists, even Leonardo da Vinci. This ride offers low traffic roads and visits to remote towns with incredible views.

35 km

1000 m elevation gain

Bicycle Overlooking Lake Como

Rifugio Martina: From Lake to Sky

Bellagio

The perfect family bike ride if you like to climb! You're in for 1000m of elevation gain in 12 kilometers, but no need to fear with our e-bikes! Your ride destination is Rifugio Martina, a characteristic and panoramic mountain lodge nestled on the mountain side where you can try some local, country-style, traditional dishes while you enjoy the view over Lake Como and maybe even relax and lie down on one of the surrounding fields. The route consists of mainly secondary roads and backroads with minimal traffic, and some light gravel sections. You need to have confidence in riding a bike downhill and along switchbacks to do this ride. *Idea for extra vacation fun: Stop at the Jungle Raider Park in Piano Rancio for some fun adventure games for kids and teenagers!

26 km

1000 m elevation gain

Rifugio Martina Family Ride

MEDIUM

6 routes available

Onno & Ghisallino Trail Mix

Bellagio

The Onno & Ghisallino route is one of our classic popular rides, as it's 35km that takes you to admire the diverse aspects of the Lake Como area: lakeside roads, hill climbs through the woods, charming small towns, and the famous Madonna del Ghisallo chapel. Is there a way to make this more fun? Yes, here we are with our 2020 Trail Mix version of the ride, with over 50% of the route being off-road on trails and old mule tracks to allow you to immerse yourself in the nature and views of this popular route even more! At the halfway point, you can take a break at Azienda Agricola Alpe di Megna for a local cheese tasting and to check out their farm-made products. Or stop at Baita Belvedere for lunch before descending to Bellagio. *This route requires mountainbiking experience and confidence in using a bike as there are some medium-level technical sections.

35 km

900 m elevation gain

Onno and Ghisallino Biking Trail Mix

Varenna the Beautiful

Varenna

Around Varenna there are many gems worthy of seeing, two of which are certainly the 'Orrido di Bellano' and 'Castello di Vezio'. On this fun and super panoramic route, we take you to visit both of these special places by bike, all along secondary roads with 3 offroad sections, each a little more technical than its predecessor. We will even cross the 'Bosco delle streghe' or 'Witches' Woods', but have no fear, none of the offroad sections are dangerous. If you want to have a go at mountainbiking while enjoying and visiting some of Lake Como's wonders, then this is the tour for you!

20 km

550 m elevation gain

Cyclist with Bikes Overlooking Lake Como

The North Face: Trail Mix

Cadenabbia/Menaggio

Lake Como is like the front door for the magnificent mountain chain: the Alps. Looking North from Bellagio and Varenna you can see them in the background, white-topped giants even in Summer. Get a closer look by riding the North branch of the lake! From Cadenabbia or Menaggio, ride to Colico, the northernmost town on the Lake along the lakeshore (literally!), and cross the Adda river, the emissary river of Lake Como through the Pian di Spagna park on dirt trails. The “giants” will be closer than ever, and you can see the last of the PreAlps tower above you. The road to Varenna from Colico is very calm, with little traffic, but once again you’ll stay as close to the lake as possible on little town pathways before a final “off the beaten path” climb to take you back to Varenna.

65 km

350 m elevation gain

The North Face: Trail Mix Bike Ride

Menaggio Trail Mix

Cadenabbia/Menaggio

A unique MTB experience that takes inspiration from the famous 'Scenic Lakes Loop,' now in an off-road version! This route guides you along dirt paths and gravel roads, offering an adventurous and immersive alternative to the traditional road version. There are no particularly technical sections, making it accessible even for less experienced riders, though the off-road terrain still requires a good level of endurance. The route reaches Porlezza, on the shores of Lake Lugano, a perfect spot to take a break. Here, you can stop for a coffee or, why not, enjoy lunch with a lake view before continuing your ride. On the way, before descending toward Menaggio, we also recommend a stop at the Vecchia Chioderia, an excellent spot for fish lovers. They farm fresh trout, cooked on the spot, offering a truly authentic gastronomic experience in a charming setting. This tour combines nature, adventure, and local flavors, perfect for those looking to explore Lake Como and Lake Lugano in a unique and unforgettable way!

35 km

850 m elevation gain

Pedalata a Porlezza 1

The Wayfarer's Trail Biking Version

Varenna

The Wayfarer's Trail or Sentiero del Viandante runs along the Eastern Branch of Lake Como from Lecco to Colico, with constant elevation changes between the lake and the mountains. There are many options to hike the trail, but not all of these options can be done by bike too. On this spectacular route, we've designed a version of the Wayfarer's trail that can all be done by bike, and mostly offroad, between the towns of Varenna and Abbadia Lariana. After a short section on the road, we veer off onto cobbled mule tracks connecting ancient villages, deeply transmitting the soul of Lake Como. You won't miss anything, from the olive trees overlooking the lake to the refreshing forests and mountain streams...if it's a hot, summer day then you're in for a treat!

34 km

700 m elevation gain

wayfarers trail mtb 3

Rifugio Martina Offroad

Bellagio

Ride mostly offroad to an amazing viewpoint and back by E-MTB! Your ride destination is Rifugio Martina, a characteristic and panoramic mountain lodge nestled on the mountain side where you can try some local, country-style, traditional dishes while you enjoy the view over Lake Como and maybe even relax and lie down on one of the surrounding fields. The route consists of a 4km paved, uphill start, followed by some fun, intermediate to difficult mountainbike trails in the forests (ask us about the various versions of the route)! None of the trails are dangerous or too technical, but we recommend having intermediate mountainbike handling skills.

30 km

1100 m elevation gain

Mountain Bike with Lake Como View

HARD

5 routes available

Lago e Monti

Varenna

If you're looking for a bike ride that combines the best of three worlds (forest, lake, and mountains) and you're up for a technical challenge, this is the ride for you! Starting in Varenna, the route is almost entirely off-road, featuring challenging trails and technical sections that will test your mountain biking skills. Along the way, you'll ride on ancient mule tracks and forest trails, with spectacular views of Lake Como accompanying you for much of the route. While the loop is relatively short, about 20 km, it's intense and requires very good MTB experience. Wrap up your ride with a well-deserved drink along Varenna’s lakeside, a perfect way to relax before heading back to Bellagio!

20 km

900 m elevation gain

lago e monti varenna 1

Scenic Route 65: Reach the Peak!

Varenna

At 1142 meters above sea level, the Agueglio Pass is the highest paved pass on Lake Como and it starts in Varenna! Conquer this peak and enjoy its unique panorama, before shredding down the opposite side back to Varenna on a fun downhill trail with many little switchbacks! The climb up to the pass is also partly offroad, but never difficult from a technical point of view. What are you waiting for? Reach the peak of the famous Scenic Route 65!

25 km

1050 m elevation gain

mtb varenna 2

Bellagio Flow

Bellagio

The San Primo mountainside above Bellagio has an impressive trail network with some fun, yet challenging sections! On our route you can enjoy all of the best and main singletrack sections that Bellagio's backyard has to offer. This ride is for experienced mountainbikers on a technical level. We recommend renting a full-suspension E-MTB for the ride unless you are in excellent physical condition.

34 km

1200 m elevation gain

MTB Custom Tours 25

Monte Tremezzo: Downhill Dreams

Cadenabbia/Menaggio

This ride's descent is without a doubt the best there is on Lake Como. From the top of Monte Tremezzo (1680m a.s.l.) you descend right to the lakeside, all on trails along the old military roads and forts that were built in the early 1900s to defend the Italian-Swiss border against Northern invasions. The views are spectacular. Climb an old mule track to get to the military road or take the cable car up to Pigra from Argegno, to start on a rugged asphalt road with no traffic until the peak! Before descending, take a break at Rifugio Venini for a snack or lunch. *The cable car from Argegno to Pigra is an option to skip some of the climb. It is closed on Tuesdays, and there can often be long wait times, we suggest to skip it and climb up, after all, the full-suspension E-MTB is powerful.

34 km

1000 m elevation gain

MTB Custom Tours 1

Barni & Bellagio Double Downhill

Bellagio

An unforgettable ride in the Bellagio mountainside for downhill lovers! These two technical descents will put your skills to the test. The first downhill in Barni was recently created for mtb riders in mind, not too extreme but with a few steep sections. The second downhill to Paum is a classic among the local bikers--a narrow singletrek that brings you back close to Bellagio in no time!

35 km

1000 m elevation gain

mtb bellagio 28

EPIC

3 routes available

Dorsale del Triangolo Lariano (Ridge Trail)

Como to Bellagio

The most classic and renown route of the area, it takes you from Como to Bellagio riding along the mountain crest of the Larian Triangle. A transfer to Como will be necessary to begin, unless you’re already staying in the city. We suggest avoiding the first part of the climb out of Como as it’s entirely on asphalt, and instead taking the cable car up to start in Brunate! Along this route, we suggest at least one pit stop at one of the many mountain lodges (‘rifugi’) to enjoy a nice hot meal and wonderful scenery. A guide is recommended for safety reasons and for facilitated navigation.

35 km

1500 m elevation gain

Dorsale del Triangolo Lariano (Ridge Trail) 3

Monte San Primo: Reach the Peak!

Bellagio

Did you know that it's possible to ride all the way up to Monte San Primo at 1,682 meters a.s.l., the highest and most panoramic peak of the Larian Triangle? Except for the first 8km, the ride is entirely on trails, with a lot of technical singletrack and other rocky sections. There are lots of fun climbs with some steep sections that will put you to the test! The descent back to Bellagio is technical, with several single-track trails. This route is for advanced level mountainbikers. A guide is recommended for this ride in order to pick the best route for you from the different trail options available. If you choose to go on your own, then we strongly suggest you rent a GPS with your bike to avoid getting lost as trails are not marked well. If you have your own GPS device, we can provide you with a gpx file.

50 km

1700 m elevation gain

Monte San Primo: Reach the Peak!

L'Epica

Bellagio

The most epic downhill track back to Bellagio has in fact been named 'L'epica' by the local bikers. This route takes you up to nearly 1200m above sea level on some paved and offroad uphill tracks before taking on a fun, windy, technical downhill track all the way back to our shop! This route is for expert level mountainbikers. A guide is recommended for this ride in order to pick the best route for you and for safety reasons. If you choose to go on your own, then we strongly suggest you rent a GPS with your bike to avoid getting lost as trails are not marked well. If you have your own GPS device, we can provide you with a gpx file.

20 km

1000 m elevation gain

MTB Custom Tours 28

Ready to Hit the Trails?

Book your mountain bike or e-MTB rental and start exploring Lake Como's incredible off-road adventures!

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