ZANDOBBIO – RIFUGIO GEMBA – ADRARA SAN MARTINO – SAN GIOVANNI DELLE FORMICHE
A wide-ranging, long, and rewarding loop itinerary that unfolds almost entirely on paths and dirt tracks. The expansive traverse from Zandobbio to the G.E.M.B.A. Refuge follows a scenic ridge, offering stunning views over both Val Cavallina and Valcalepio, with glimpses of Lake Iseo sparkling in the distance.
The first single track descent towards Adrara is an exhilarating reward for the effort of the preceding climb, providing an exciting test for your bike’s suspension and handling skills.
The return journey partially retraces the outward route up to the Colle di San Giovanni delle Formiche (San Giovanni delle Formiche Pass), before offering another delightful traverse between Gandosso and Zandobbio. Along technical trails and dirt roads, the route takes you through the Parco del Pitone, culminating in a short but intense technical descent back to Zandobbio. This final stretch immerses you in a captivating forest, providing the perfect conclusion to a memorable ride.
ITINERARY DESCRIPTION
From the center of Zandobbio (1), take the road on the left and follow it until the first turning on the right into via San Giorgio, continuing as far as the cemetery. Shortly afterward, on the right of the small church, take the dirt road of via Gabbione, which leads into the Plis del Malmera dei Montecchi and Colle degli Angeli. Follow the road, keeping left at both the first and second crossroads, and follow the signs for Cascina Gabbione (CAI signpost 651B). Pass through the gate and continue along the dirt road. At the end of the descent, take the detour to the right, marked by a CAI sign on a tree. Follow the dirt track, and at the top of a short climb, turn left where the track becomes a path.
After a few ups and downs, you will reach a hut. Leave it behind and descend to the left onto a dirt track, continuing downhill without detours. After crossing a small bridge over the Malmera River, continue straight. At the first fork, turn right onto the dirt track of via Fornaci, and follow it until it intersects with the road to Selva di Zandobbio. Follow this road for a short distance to the left, then turn right into via Alle Cave and immediately left onto the dirt road of via Carreccio, which leads to via Madonna della Neve. Continue until you reach via Sei; follow it to the end and then turn right onto via Grena.
Shortly afterward, you’ll see a yellow sign reading “Grena”, opposite the entrance to a large quarry. This marks the start of the first climb of the day. The ascent, consisting of nine pleasant hairpin bends on a gravel road, should be completed without detours until it intersects with via Corno, the asphalt road ascending from Entratico. Turn right and continue climbing.
At the Sommi summit (2), when the road begins to descend, take the small dirt road on the left, following the signs for San Giovanni alle Formiche (CAI 616). Shortly afterward, take the path to the left (CAI 616), which leads through a series of up-and-down sections to a wide dirt road near a farmstead surrounded by chestnut trees.
Continue left on the dirt track (signposted Berzo San Fermo – CAI 616). A pleasant descent will take you to the tarmac road of via Gafforelli, which you’ll follow to the locality Casino (3). Here, you will find a scenic balcony with a wooden bench, offering a splendid view of Val Cavallina.
Start again along the cemented ascent to the right of a small chapel, following signs for Col Croce (CAI signpost 701). The road turns into a dirt track, passing a hut and continuing left onto a path that, after a steep section, meets a wide dirt road. Follow it uphill to the right, reaching a path that undulates beautifully through the forest. At another hut, take the downhill dirt road to the left toward Colle Croce (4). Here, take a break to enjoy the view of the Adrara San Martino valley.
Follow the signs for Bescasolo – Berzo San Fermo (CAI 615). Behind the small church, take the path to the left of the concrete road. This scenic traverse leads to a cemented road climbing from Berzo San Fermo. Follow this road uphill, passing a stone farmstead, and continue on the cemented road marked CAI 619 until you reach a scenic trail traversing the hills. Continue onto the dirt track, and at the fork, take the short but steep cemented road to Stalla Fatto (5).
From here, follow the dirt track to the right, heading toward the Fienili di Gaiano (CAI 716B). Enter the Faeto Forest, rich in beech and cherry trees. The dirt road transitions into a path leading to the Faeto Casina Ruin (6), where you can admire a stunning panorama. Below the ruin, continue along the meadow path on the right, following CAI 717B.
This trail descends to a junction with signs for Adrara San Martino (CAI 717). A cemented road to the right leads downhill to the G.E.M.B.A. Hut (7), a perfect spot for a well-deserved break with wonderful views of the Fienili di Gaiano, Adrara Valley, and distant Sebino Mountains.
From the hut, climb toward the first hut and, on the right, take the meadow path following signs for Adrara San Martino (CAI 716). A challenging single track descent begins here, featuring rocky sections, steep stretches, and fun hairpin bends that end at the Madonna della Peste Chapel.
From the chapel, follow the downhill path, which eventually becomes smoother while maintaining technical challenges. After passing through scenic areas and a dry-stone wall, the trail descends to a dirt road leading to the asphalt road of via Gazzi. Follow it to the right, and before the third bend, turn right at a small chapel onto a path that leads to San Rocchino Church.
Behind the church, take a narrow path to the paved road of via Squadra Alta. Follow this road, tackling steep sections, to return to Colle Croce (4). Retrace your steps along the path, following the signs for San Giovanni delle Formiche (CAI 616).
Upon reaching the wide dirt road among chestnut trees, descend left to the asphalt road from Foresto Sparso. This brings you to the Colle di San Giovanni delle Formiche (8). Continue along Via San Giovanni, climbing to the first hairpin bend, where a forest path begins. After several ups and downs, the trail leads to a dirt road separating Val Cavallina and Valle di Gandosso, eventually reaching Python Park (9).
Explore the park and rest at the Alpini Building. Continue to Boca di Senter (10) and take the route toward Gorlago. Conclude with the second single track of the day, ending at via Monte Grappa and the initial parking area in Zandobbio.
Scan the QR code to get information about the parking
