Passo San Marco & Culmine

Route Details

Distance

158 km

Elevation

3000 m elevation gain

Starting Point

Varenna

Description

Start in Varenna for an epic and challenging ride that includes two long climbs! You'll start ascending as soon as you reach the Northernmost point of Lake Como. Once arriving in Morbegno, shortly after the northern lake border, you will start the real climb: the never-ending climb to 'Passo San Marco' or San Marco Gap. 26km that will catapult you from the beech and olive trees of the Lario region to the typical alpine scenery, arriving just over 2000m above sea level! A long descent awaits you into the province of Bergamo, which then takes you to the base of another challenging climb: the Culmine di San Pietro at 1300. You'll be riding up narrow and seemingly suspended valley roads, and with hardly any cars in sight it feels like being on the edge of nothingness. After reaching the second peak of the day it's all downhill to Lecco, then just 18km more to Bellagio!

Route Map

Elevation Profile

Gallery

Passo San Marco
Passo San Marco

Overall epic!

Get a taste of alpine climbing with this 26km long ascent

Ready to Ride?

Book your bike rental and start exploring this incredible route around Lake Como!