The Upper Salt Road “Alta via del sale” – Hiking Route
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On foot, by bike or with 4-wheel drive vehicles
For some, it’s the most spectacular gravel road in Europe, but for everyone, this former military road “Monesi-Tenda” is a highlight that you can enjoy step by step or with every turn of the pedal. The 40-kilometer panoramic route winds its way along the mountainsides following the main Alpine watershed at lofty heights (altitudes between 1,800 and 2,100 m) between Piedmont and Liguria and France and Italy. The entirely unsealed road starts at the Pass Colle di Tenda with a destination of Monesi di Triora, with many other roundtrips and detours possible.
The salt road got its name during the centuries of salt trade between the Ligurian Riviera and the Po Valley. You can enjoy its precious natural wonders such as the evocative karst landscapes of the Marguareis or the magnificent larch forest “Bosco delle Navette”. In addition, you will pass by several late19th century military fortifications.
Every year, thousands of cyclists and hikers from Italy and abroad come to the 40-kilometer road. On certain days of the week, it can also be used by suitable motor vehicles after paying a toll.
www.altaviadelsale.it
“Alta via del Sale”, access roads
Access to the “Alta Via del Sale” is regulated in order to maintain and preserve the road and to guarantee the safety of visitors (hikers, cyclists, motorists). There are six access routes you can reach by car: Limone Piemonte, Ormea-Upega di Briga Alta, Triora, Pigna, La Brigue and Tenda. Access points from the Gesso and Pesio valleys are reserved for hikers and mountain bikers (with good physical and technical skill).
Access for hikers and cyclists is free. Motor vehicles must pay a toll which can be ordered here or paid directly on site at the entrances in Limone Piemonte, district Cabanaira, and in Briga Alta, district Ponte Giairetto in the “Bosco delle Navette”.
The road is closed to motor vehicle traffic on Tuesdays and Thursdays but is open to hikers and cyclists everyday.
MOUNTAIN HUT CHIONEA
Tel. 328 213 1183
MOUNTAIN HUT MONGIOIE
Tel. 0174 39 01 96
Operator: mountain guide Silvano Odasso – tel. 335 57 45 001
rifugio.mongioie@gmail.com
www.rifugio-mongioie.com
LOCANDA D’ UPEGA
Tel. 0174 390 401
locanda.upega@gmail.com
www.locandaupega.com
