Alpine Rhine Gravel Route

This route follows the upper Rhine basin through Graubünden using a mix of alpine gravel roads, military access tracks, and remote valley connectors. Riders regularly climb above 2200 meters and encounter steep loose gradients requiring sustained power output at altitude.

The route includes long sections with limited services, especially between mountain passes where weather changes rapidly. Snow can remain on higher roads until late June. Afternoon storms are common during summer and temperatures can fall below freezing overnight even in July.

Terrain varies from smooth gravel to broken rock and old jeep roads damaged by snowmelt. Several descents are rough enough to punish lightweight setups. Water is abundant through streams and fountains but food resupply requires planning. Some valleys contain no shops for 80 to 120 kilometers.

Navigation is mostly manageable with modern GPX files but fog and weather exposure complicate higher sections. Completion usually takes six to nine days for experienced bikepackers.