Passo Maniva
This pass connects Valle Trompia with Val di Caffaro and its
Lago d'Idro. At the top of the pass a road crosses, leading
to higher points in both directions. One of them is the
Passo dell Spina, which is reportedly often impassable. In
the other direction is Passo Crocedomini, which was still
closed because of snow, during a time when practically all
other passes above 2000m had been opened already. I don't
think this pass has high priority in snow removal (if any at
all), because it only serves tourist traffic.
There is however one attraction common to all these
crossings which is never closed, and for somebody not living
here, it may be the most interesting view in the entire
area, and that is the town of Bagolino, located where the
routes to Maniva and Crocedomini divide. See pictures.
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1.(390m,00.0km)
START-END EAST: SS237 crosses Fiume Caffaro north east
of Lago d'Idro
2.(690m,09.6km) intermediate high point
3.(740m,12.4km) Bagolino
4.(1664m,26.0km) TOP: Passo Maniva
5.(950m,35.3km) San Colombano
6.(840m,34.0km) Collio
7.(510m,48.6km) START-END WEST ALT: jct with road to
Stravignino, Sant Apollonio and Colle San Zemo
8.(270m,71.7km) START-END WEST: Concesio
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 Approaches
From East. Before starting this
climb, one can rest up emotionally by rolling along the smooth
straight bike path along the Valli Guidicarie. The road along
Lago d'Idro begins to climb here and there is already the
turnoff to Bagolino on a trusty roundabout. The road rises high
above the lake and the area around the lake has a modern, spread
out look. Only on the opposing hillside do the houses cluster
together.
The road turns away from the lake and reaches a flat point, even
rolls down a few meters. For the occasion a crucifix appears
next to the road and the first really impressive mountain view
appears. There are two paved routes to mountain passes from
here. They separate in Bagolino, and after seeing Bagolino and
looking around, there is a danger that there may not be enough
time left for either one.
.
The reason is a cathedral that takes a stretegic lookout
position above the town. I just had to walk up there. A good
bench with a scenic view for lunch is also available below. Then
comes the decision about which pass to climb, Crocedomini or
Maniva. In my case it was very easy. Crocedomini was still
closed because of snow, so Maniva it is.
The road to Passo Maniva starts with a series of switchbacks to
climb the slope across from Bagolino. It's steep enough and
consequently slow enough on a bicycle, that you still notice it,
when the tree branches form a perfect frame around Bagolino from
yet another new vantange point. Still - the switchbacks seem to
take forever, and it is not until just before the last one that
the road completely climbs above tree line. The snowy ridge in
direction Passo Crocedomini is partially obscured from sight by
lower hills.
The top is a ski area, so the pass itself is gigantic parking
lot with an albergo at one end
From East. (described downwards). There are actually 3
roads on this side. Two climb higher, Crocedomini, and also
Passo dell'Spina, approaching from Anfo. But after having
dragged all my heavy touring bags up here, I was very much in a
mood to roll down. The stature of the peaks quickly rises as the
road descends past quiet villages with a couple of interesting
church towers
A Day on a tour:
PARTIALLY PAVED / UNPAVED:
(< Passo
Lagostrello | Colle di San
Zeno >)
Passo della Maniva , Passo dell'
Ampolo : Torbole > Riva de Garda > up Ponente >
Molina di Ledro > Passo dell'Ampolo > Storo > Lodrone
> Bagolino > Passo del Maniva > San Colombano :
50.6miles with 7289ft of climbing in 6:08hrs (Garmin etre30
m4:14.6.5)
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