L'Essevolante dei Laghi™: riding home in style, from the Dolomites to Milan.
Red · demanding
A ride home worth a route of its own: from Ortisei to Milan via the Pale di San Martino, the Valsugana and three lakes, Garda, Ledro and Idro, over six passes from the Sella to the Maniva and down through Val Trompia.
The 6 passes, in order.
| # | Pass | Altitude | Km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Passo Sella | 2,240 m | 19 |
| 2 | Passo Fedaia | 2,057 m | 43 |
| 3 | Passo Valles | 2,032 m | 93 |
| 4 | Passo Rolle | 1,984 m | 106 |
| 5 | Passo Brocon | 1,616 m | 155 |
| 6 | Giogo del Maniva | 1,664 m | 356 |
Before you set off.
Who it suits
Riders used to long days: 496 km and about 9 hours of riding, stops excluded. The Maniva climb from Bagolino is narrow and steep. Best split over two days, for example with a night on Lake Garda.
When to go
June to September. The Maniva is closed in winter and the Dolomite passes can open late in the season: always check before setting off.
Start and finish
One way, from Ortisei to Milan. The route: Ortisei → Sella Pass → Canazei → Fedaia Pass → Falcade → Passo Valles → Rolle Pass → San Martino di Castrozza → Passo Brocon → Borgo Valsugana → Riva del Garda → Lake Ledro → Lake Idro → Maniva → Val Trompia → Milan.
Why the name
On the map the route draws an S: down from the Dolomites, west along the Valsugana, past the lakes and up to the Maniva. It is the return leg of the Ellevolante™, which reaches Ortisei from Milan tracing an L: together they make a round trip without riding the same road twice.
The stage-by-stage story, recommended stops and tips on timing and fuel will come with the complete guide to this route. In the meantime you can download the free sheet with map and stages.
Download the free PDF sheet (Italian)Before you go.
- To stay along the way: motorcycle-friendly hotels in the Dolomites, with garage and declared services.
- Early and late in the season, check which passes are open or closed, with the official sources for today's status.
Frequently asked questions.
- How long is L'Essevolante dei Laghi and how much time does it take?
- 496 km one way, with about 9 h of riding, stops excluded. It is a red route: over 8 hours of riding.
- Which passes does L'Essevolante dei Laghi cross?
- 6 passes, in this order: Passo Sella (2,240 m), Passo Fedaia (2,057 m), Passo Valles (2,032 m), Passo Rolle (1,984 m), Passo Brocon (1,616 m), Giogo del Maniva (1,664 m).
- What is the highest point of the route?
- Passo Sella, at 2,240 m above sea level.
- Where does it start and finish?
- It starts in Ortisei, in Val Gardena, and finishes in Milan: a one-way route designed to ride home from the Dolomites. It is the return leg of the Ellevolante.
- Can it be done in one day?
- It can be, but with over 8 hours of riding it is best split over two days, with a night along the way.
- Where can I find the route to follow?
- The free PDF sheet has the map, stages and passes in order, and the GPX track is a free download from the routes map.
Prefer to ride it with a guide? Guided rides in small groups, six bikes at most. 2027 season, waiting list open.
Join the waiting list