24.2
PDI
10.3 mi
DISTANCE
3,873 ft
GAINED
6.7 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
Colle Melosa from Molini di Triora climbs 16.6 km (10.3 mi) out of the upper Valle Argentina to a 1,556 m (5,106 ft) pass in the Alpi Liguri, gaining 1,180 m (3,873 ft) at a 6.7% average. This is the eastern approach to Colle Melosa; the climb from Pigna, on the other side of the range, joins it at Colle Langan for the final push.
The first half is the hard half. After a gentle first kilometer out of Molini di Triora (456 m), the SP65 climbs steadily and steeply, with several kilometers at 8-10%, before reaching Colle Langan (about 1,127 m) around km 9-10, where the grade eases for a welcome breather. From Langan, the SP67 climbs again at a steadier 6-9% along the flank of the mountains, with a near-flat stretch and one last kick up to the pass.
This side has a rougher reputation than most: rider reports on the lower SP65 between Molini and Colle Langan have described a badly broken surface, with some recommending wider or gravel tires. That may soon change - in September 2026 the Province of Imperia awarded around 600,000 euros of work on the Alta Valle Argentina cycle route, which climbs from Dolceacqua to Colle Langan and descends through Molini di Triora to Taggia. The project includes resurfacing, new signage and e-bike charging stations and is scheduled between autumn 2026 and spring 2027.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Colle Melosa from Molini di Triora covers 16.6 km (10.3 mi) at a 6.7% average, gaining 1,180 m (3,873 ft) from 456 m (1,495 ft) to 1,556 m (5,106 ft), with about 80 m (262 ft) of descending along the way.
After an easy first kilometer, the climb gets serious quickly: from km 1 to km 8 the grade mostly holds between 6% and 9.5%, with the hardest sustained work between km 4 and km 8. Around Colle Langan (km 9-10) the road eases to 3-5%. The second half on the SP67 builds from about 6% to 8.5%, flattens briefly around km 15, then kicks up again over the final kilometer to the pass.
The steepest half kilometer averages 11.6%, the steepest kilometer 10.2%, the steepest mile 8.9%, the steepest 2 km 8.8%, and the steepest 5 km 8.1%.
Roadway: The route is paved throughout - the SP65 from Molini di Triora to Colle Langan, then the SP67 from Langan to Colle Melosa. The lower SP65 is the weak link: riders have reported a rough, broken surface there, and the SP65 has a history of rockfall and landslide repairs. The upper SP67 is in better shape, with occasional loose gravel on the surface. The Province of Imperia's Alta Valle Argentina cycle-route project is scheduled to bring resurfacing to this area between autumn 2026 and spring 2027, so expect possible work zones in that window. Snow can close the upper road in winter.
Traffic: Light. Expect mostly local cars, visitors driving up to the rifugio at the pass, and some motorcyclists on summer weekends.
Parking: Molini di Triora has free parking in the main square, close to where the climb starts, and a larger lot about a five-minute walk above the village if the square is full. Parking at the summit is covered on our Colle Melosa (Pigna) page.
Gear: Compact gearing is enough for the 6.7% average and the 10% pitches on the lower half. The bigger decision is tires: given reports of a rough surface on the SP65 below Colle Langan, wider road tires (30 mm or more) or a gravel bike are a sensible choice until the planned resurfacing is finished - and they'll also let you explore the unpaved Alta Via del Sale beyond the pass.
Provisions: Stock up in Molini di Triora before you start - there are no reliable services on the road between the village and Colle Melosa, where the rifugio serves food and drink in season.
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.
Molini di Triora sits just below Triora, the "village of witches," known for its witch trials of 1587-89. Triora's Museo Etnografico e della Stregoneria, partly housed in the old prisons where the accused women were held, displays original trial documents alongside exhibits on the valley's peasant and pastoral life - an easy side trip a few kilometers up the road from Molini. Molini itself hosts the Sagra della Lumaca, a snail festival, each September.
Colle Langan, at the midpoint, is also where the Pigna approach joins - see our Colle Melosa (Pigna) page for Pigna's thermal spa and spiral-built medieval center. Badalucco, further down the Valle Argentina toward the coast, is the start of our Monte Ceppo sud climb, so the valley makes a good multi-day base.
With the pass above 1,500 m and the road exposed to early- and late-season snow, check current conditions before you go with our Weather tool.
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