4.3
PDI
3.6 mi
DISTANCE
852 ft
GAINED
4.3 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Passo Gardena is one of the classic Dolomite passes and one of the crown jewels of the Sella Ronda. From the Plan de Gralba side, it’s not brutally hard - in fact is the easiest climb on the Sella Ronda. But it's absolutely spectacular the entire way, with huge views of the Sella Group, the Cir peaks, and the surrounding Dolomite walls. It’s a climb you do as much for the setting as for the effort itself: undoubtedly one of the most scenic places to ride in the world.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
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Roadway
Now, this is Dolomites road cycling we're talking about. The pavement here is the best you'll find in the world. Plus, each spring there's a little bike thing called "The Giro", which means frequent repaving.
Traffic
Traffic can be a factor here in the summer, especially on the major Dolomite passes in peak tourist periods like July. Passo Gardena is a famous scenic road and part of the Sella Ronda circuit, so it’s best early in the day if you want the quietest experience; Car-free days like SellaRonda Bike Day are even better. However, if you're like us and used to riding in American traffic, the Dolomites on their worst days are still bliss.
There is an official paid lot in Plan de Gralba with about 350 spaces, a practical place to start if you want to ride Gardena by itself or fold it into a bigger Sella Ronda.
For food and drink, you’re in a very rider-friendly part of the world. Right on or near the pass you’ve got places like Hotel Cir and Frara Hut / Rifugio Frara, both of which are established stops on the Gardena Pass area, and there are more restaurants and hotels down at Plan de Gralba and over in Corvara if you want a full meal before or after the ride.
If you need bike help, Corvara / Alta Badia is the better bet over the pass, with bike rental and repair options including Bike Rental Corvara and other Alta Badia bike shops and rentals.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
If you’re coming to the Dolomites for a few days, Corvara is one of the obvious anchors because it drops you right into the legendary Sella Ronda loop. The classic Sellaronda links Gardena, Sella, Pordoi, and Campolongo into probably the best road ride loop in the world (and not just our opinion), and if you time your trip right, Sellaronda Bike Day gives you the chance to ride the loop on roads closed to motor traffic
ROUTE MAP
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WilliamRoper
This climb and the Sella Ronda is breathtakingly beautiful. I've ridden it 3 times and it never fails to wow me. Even though I want to let'er rip going down I would often slow down to take in the mountains and huge spaces. Post-covid the area and the roads have gotten a lot busier, but luckily the scenery helps all of that melt away. I typically stay in Corvara and ride in the area for 3-4 days. A lot of up and a lot of super fun down! Also a lot of cyclists so that's fun too. You got to go!
gdurkan
Do this as part of the Sella Ronda! 4 climbs in a day and not very tough. Incredible scenery and plenty of restaurants along the loop.
