BERZO SAN FERMO – FORC. DI VALLE ROSSA – C.LE GALLO
This is an unconventional proposal to climb to the Forcella della Valle Rossa and then, via trails and small roads, to Colle Gallo. The ascent follows roads with very little traffic but significant gradients. Overall, the route does not present major technical difficulties, except for the short and challenging path from Cesulì down to Vigano. The views over the Val Cavallina, the San Fermo hills, and Lake Endine are truly priceless. Enjoy the journey!
ITINERARY DESCRIPTION
When you reach Berzo San Fermo (1), cross the river Cherio and park on via dei Tigli, near the cemetery, where you begin following the cycle path towards Lake Endine. At Casazza (2), at the end of via Vittorio Emanuele, leave the cycle path and cross the Cherio, continuing along via XXIV Maggio to the provincial road, which you follow to the right. Shortly afterward, turn left at the traffic lights and follow viale della Vittoria to piazza della Pieve. Turn right, and you will reach the sports center by way of via delle Rimembranze, via Broli, and via Moroni, flanked by a cycle path.
Begin climbing on via Torre, which curves widely to the left. After a flat section, you arrive at a small square where you turn right and ascend via Garibaldi. The climb becomes steeper as you continue along via Fonti and via Forcella. The last houses give way to meadows, and you begin to enjoy a stunning view of the valley. When you reach the intersection with via Toreto, turn right and continue uphill through meadows, farmsteads, and woods until, after another climb, you arrive at the locality of Torè. Here, turn right, where you will see a sign for Ranzanico. The climb ends at the beautiful Roccolo di Torè, a natural terrace overlooking the valley.
Continue cycling on asphalt, with slight ups and downs, until you reach the village of Bianzano (3). At the crossroads with the provincial road leading up to the Forcella della Valle Rossa, turn left and continue to the forcella. Near a water depot, turn left onto a dirt track running along the wooded side of Valle Rossa. After about 600 meters, when you reach the valley, pay close attention not to miss the fork where the path branches off uphill to the left (CAI trail marker 513). This stretch involves a mix of pushing and cycling and leads to a fork where you return to the southern slope overlooking Val Cavallina.
Turn right and, following the signs for Colle Gallo (CAI marker 513), pedal along a concrete-surfaced road until you reach a B&B. Continue climbing along a path, cycling where possible. Eventually, you’ll emerge onto a dirt road that climbs steadily. At a fork, turn right, always following the signs for Colle Gallo. Near the Torè stable, turn left onto asphalt, crossing Prati d’Altinello (4). A mix of level stretches, short climbs, and descents brings you to Colle Gallo (5). From here, descend for a few dozen meters, then immediately turn right, continuing on asphalt toward Faisecco (6).
Beyond the Country Village, the path (CAI marker 621) to Cesulì begins. This section is mostly a half-hike: you can pedal in parts, but some short, steep climbs require pushing. Along the way, the track ascends over bumps and emerges from the forest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. At the end, you reach the little church of Cesulì (7), perched on a panoramic hillock along the ridge descending from the Creste di Pranzà. The view is spectacular: upstream, the green slopes of the valley converge into Lake Endine; downstream, Val Cavallina is nestled between the hills of Val Calepio, beyond which lies the plain.
Now take the path (CAI marker 622) that descends along the ridge before sharply turning right and ending at Stalle Fu. This short section is highly rewarding, with flowing stretches interspersed with technical passages over steps and rock outcrops. From the stables, descend a steep cemented road toward Vigano (you can cut a few hairpin bends by following the original path on the right, though it is more challenging and trial-like). Once in Vigano San Martino, cross the village to the provincial road, cross the Cherio, and rejoin the cycle path to return to your starting point.
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