Once at the col, there is only one big climb left - the ascent to Cima del Soglio Rosso. There is sporadic ferrata on this ascent, and the lower part of it is just metres from the Strada delle 52 gallerie. In places, it isn't more than 2 steps away.
courtesy PChen
courtesy DBoyd
The top of Cimon del Soglio Rosso is the highest point in the route. The fifth and final summit of the route, Cima dell' Osservatorio, is lower, and there is almost no col, so the walk over to it is very easy. The top of the Cima dell' Osservatorio has a very neat array of metal sighting tubes, along with inscriptions of the various geographic points to which the tubes are pointing.
From the summit of Cima dell' Osservatorio, it is an easy walk down to the end of the sentiero Attrezzato Gaetano Falcipieri and the rifugio Papa. The rifugio is large and in very good shape, and attractively positioned at head of a large ravine. A good place to stop for an inexpensive beer!
As mentioned at the beginning of this description, the return route goes along the Strada delle 52 Gallerie. The start of the route is below the end of the ferrata route, and is well-marked and signed. Doing the route in this manner means you'll be doing it in reverse, so the labelled tunnel plaques will start at 52 and decrement down to 1.
courtesy PChen
courtesy DBoyd
There are many interpretive plaques and other information along the way - mostly in Italian and German, although some have little english sections. It is advisible to have a headlamp for some of the longer tunnels.
courtesy DBoyd
The walk along the Strada is extremely scenic, with many sections of the Strada bisecting sheer cliff. The tunnels are varied in character, with many hewed out in a rough manner, and others finished and lined in concrete. The same goes for the stonework along the route - some of it very finely done, and other parts more crudely.
courtesy PChen
courtesy PChen
Jenn and Andrew on ledge section
Daryl disappears into the dark
courtesy PChen
courtesy PChen
courtesy DBoyd
There are some interesting tunnel complexes near the end (i.e. the beginning of the strada), including one that spirals around to lose altitude. There's also a neat room containing an old world-war one cannon.
Another interpretive plaque
courtesy DBoyd
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