GardaTrek - Top Loop 3: a long descent to the River Sarca

Logo GardaTrek - Top Loop 3: a long descent to the River Sarca
long-distance walking trail
Logo GardaTrek - Top Loop 3: a long descent to the River Sarca
Tour data
20.97km
106 - 1,324m
Distance
1,036hm
1,853hm
Ascent
07:55h
 
Duration
Brief description

From San Pietro hut (1000 m above sea level) to the valley bottom again. Another stage characterized by a great variety of lanscapes as you descend to the Sarca river shores. 

Difficulty
difficult
Rating
Technique
Fitness
Landscape
Experience
Starting point

Mountain hut San Pietro - Monte Calino

Route
Chiesa di San Pietro
0.0 km
Rifugio San Pietro
0.0 km
La me baita
0.1 km
Vedese
2.2 km
Malga Tovo
4.1 km
Prai da Gom
9.1 km
Marcarie
9.7 km
San Giovanni al Monte
10.2 km
Malga San Giovanni al Monte
10.4 km
Doss del Clef (769 m)
13.3 km
Mandrea (620 m)
14.5 km
Arco
16.6 km
Le Fontane
18.0 km
Ceniga
20.9 km


Best season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Description

After climbing Monte Biaina, between Valle Lomasona  Valle del Sarca, this trail takes us back down to the valley again, a gradual descent to the River Sarca at the picturesque Roman bridge of Ceniga.

This is a moderately difficult hike and gives you a chance to catch your breath and enjoy the landscape of Garda Trentino after the first 2 more challenging stages. While you walk in the wood you can clearly see the landscape around you change as you proceed: leaving firs and beech trees, you will meet olive trees and orchards as you approach the end of the stage. 

The only uphill stretch of this stage will take you to the top of Monte Biaina, with its peak cross: a great lookout point above northern lake Garda. The trail then leads to San Giovanni al Monte: this is where the people of Arco traditionally had their mountain cottages among the woods and meadows. 

Directions

From the hut Rifugio San Pietro follow signposts for SAT 401. Head uphill towards Monte Calino and keep on the SAT trail which leads you down to Treni where you walk along a stretch of dirt track as far as the cross of Bondiga; keep going as far as the crossroads and the signpost for SAT 409. Head uphill as far as Bocca di Tovo where you follow SAT 407 for a short stretch, then turn onto SAT 407B. You reach the top of Monte Biaina then head down again until you come back to trail number 407. Head downhill on 407 until you get to Prai da Gom and the hamlet of San Giovanni al Monte. Now follow SAT 408 downhill with stretches of trail alternating with road until you come out above the village of Padaro where you follow the SAT trail which leads to Salt della Cavra. Continue on down keeping to the left on a dirt track until you come to Fontane di Laghel where you take the trail SAT 431 to the Roman bridge of Ceniga and the village shortly after.

Highest point
1,324 m
Endpoint

Ceniga

Height profile
© outdooractive.com

Equipment

You need to wear the right clothing and take the proper gear when you go hiking in the mountains. Even on relatively short easy outings make sure to take all you need so you don't run into trouble if things take an unexpected turn, for example a storm blows up or you have a sudden drop in energy levels.

What should you take when you go on a hike?

Your rucksack (for a day trip a 25/30L capacity should do) should contain:

water canteen (1L) snacks (e.g. mixed dried fruit or chocolate) First aid kit windproof jacket fleece change of t-shirt and socks (in a plastic bag) make sure to wear or at least bring a pair of long trousers hat sun screen sunglasses gloves whistle to attract attention in an emergency

 

Make sure you're wearing the right footwear for the trail and season. The going can get rough and rocky underfoot and a pair of hiking boots will protect you from sprains. When wet, a grassy slope, rocky slab or steep trail can be dangerous unless you are wearing the proper footwear.

And finally... don't forget to bring your camera! You'll need it to capture the stunning views you come across all over Garda Trentino. And if you like, you can share your memories with us at #GardaTrentino.

Emergency telephone number 112.

Safety instructions

Recommended from April to mid-October.

 

Safety Tips

Choose itineraries that suit your physical and technical abilities. Collect information about the area you are visiting and the trail’s conditions and get a detailed trekking map. Wear clothes and take equipment that suit the difficulty and length of your tour. Keep emergency gear in your rucksack, including first aid supplies. Do not go walking alone in the mountains. In any case, tell someone where you are going and report back on returning. Look at the weather forecast before setting off and always keep an eye on the weather. In case of doubt, go back. It is better to give up than risk bad weather or face difficulties beyond your strength, ability and equipment. Do not leave marked paths and do not take shortcuts. All described walks are in a natural environment and therefore their use is at your own risk.

This information is subject to inevitable variations, so none of these indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, it is advisable to check environment and weather conditions before setting out.

Tips

Anybody who is looking for somewhere to stop off and enjoy some local Trentino specialities is advised to take at break at  Malga San Giovanni.

Additional information

If you would like to finish the trek before you get to Ceniga: from the cross Croce di Bondiga turn onto SAT 409. After a descent through the woods, the trail comes out on a forestry road which leads to a paved road: follow this until you come to the town of Varignano. Here there is a bus stop served by the urban transport of the Basso Sarca or lower Sarca Valley which will take you back to Riva del Garda. Bus timetable information.

For more information on routes, services (guides, mountain huts, shops etc.) and hiking friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444

 


Directions

Getting to the mountain hut Rifugio San Pietro:

  • from Ville del Monte 556 metres a.s.l. (hamlet of Sant'Antonio) on trail 406 which passes through Canale 598 m, Case Bastiani 854 m and leads to the mountain hut – 1h 30
  • from Gavazzo Nuova 201 m, on the trail Sentiero di Gola (trail 401) passing through Tenno 427 m - 2h 15
  • from Malga Lomasona pasture 536 m (road from Dasindo) on trail 410 to Sella del Calino 966 m and themountain hut – 2h

Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.

 

Public transportation

To reach San Pietro Hut there is the intercity bus line 211 (Riva del Garda - Tenno - Fiavè - Ponte Arche). Bus stop: Ville del Monte. 

Attention! Buses are not very frequent!

Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.

 

Parking

Available parking close to San Pietro Hut in Loc. Calino. 


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Refreshment stop
A lot of view
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