How to drive the steep 4x4 track to Colma di Marucolo?
Colma di Marucolo is a mountain peak at an elevation of 1,857 meters (6,092 ft) above sea level, located in the Prealps within the Province of Brescia, Lombardy, in Italy. Occupied by a telecommunications tower at the summit, the unpaved track is an extension of the road starting from Colle San Zeno.
| Road facts: Colma di Marucolo | |
|---|---|
| Location | Brescia, Lombardy (Italy) |
| Elevation | 1,857 m (6,092 ft) |
| Length | 3.8 km (2.36 miles) from Colle San Zeno |
| Elevation Gain | 433 m (1,420 ft) |
| Average Gradient | 11.39% |
| Surface | Unpaved (Earth, grass, loose stones, and deep ruts) |
| Vehicle Required | High-clearance 4x4 with low-range gearing |
Where is the road to Colma di Marucolo located?
The track begins at the Colle San Zeno pass between Val Trompia and Val Camonica. The 3.8-kilometer unpaved route climbs the grassy ridge line to the antenna station at the 1,857-meter summit.
How steep is the drive to Colma di Marucolo?
Starting from Colle San Zeno, the track gains 433 vertical meters over 3.8 kilometers, resulting in a steep average gradient of 11.39%. The dirt surface features deep, parallel vehicle ruts, exposed rocks, and grass strips. Four-wheel drive with high ground clearance and low-range gearing is required to clear the high center ridges and prevent drive wheels from spinning.
What hazards exist on the Colma di Marucolo track?
The single-lane ridge track lacks safety barriers along exposed slopes. Rain transforms the clay-based soil into thick mud, filling the ruts and causing severe loss of tire traction. On the 433-meter descent back toward Colle San Zeno, drivers must select low-range gears to engine brake and control vehicle speed on the steep earth ramps.
Is the road to Colma di Marucolo open year-round?
No. Deep snow accumulation blocks the 3.8-kilometer track from late autumn through spring. Snowplows do not clear this secondary antenna service trail, leaving the peak inaccessible to motor vehicles until the spring thaw.