Garda Trek - Alto Circuit 1: from Riva del Garda to Rifugio Pernici

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Garda Trek - Alto Circuit 1: from Riva del Garda to Rifugio Pernici

Riva del Garda, Ledro

Category

Difficulty

Difficult

Duration

7:00

Duration in hours

Distance

13.7

Distance in km

Status

open

Suggested period

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

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Description Details Turn-by-turn directions How to get there Equipment Points of interest

This stage includes almost 1600 meters of elevation gain, from the Mediterranean shores of Lake Garda to the alpine peaks between Garda Trentino and the Ledro Valley.

The first stage of Garda Trek takes you from the Mediterranean environment of the center of Riva del Garda to the alpine environment of the ridges, which lead you step by step to the alpine hut Rifugio Pernici.

This path starts with a very demanding section, quickly gaining altitude as you face the steep slopes of Monte Rocchetta on path SAT 418. The elevation change is about 1550 m, but it is worth it because you can enjoy fabulous views on both sides once you reach the ridge.

Note that along the route there are no places to replenish food or drinks. So bring plenty of water and snacks with you.

Near the Rifugio Pernici, you can find some trenches dating back to the First World War. This was in fact part of the Austrian defensive line. The building that now houses the hut was built during that period as an officers’ cellar.

On the ridge along the route between Ledro and Garda

G.P. Calzà ©APT Garda Trentino , Garda Trentino

View of Lake Garda from the route

Archivio APT Garda Trentino (ph. Calzà) , Garda Trentino

The path along the ridge between Lake Garda and the Ledro Valley

G.P. Calzà ©APT Garda Trentino , Garda Trentino

Lake Ledro from Dromaè

Alice Russolo, Garda Trentino

From Bocca Saval to the Nino Pernici hut

N. Pellegrini, Garda Trentino

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Further information and useful links

You have chosen the perfect route – now make sure you are ready to enjoy it to the fullest. Local hiking experts are here to help you: guides, shops and specialists with advice and support for every step of the way.

details

Multi-stage route
Scenic
Summit route

Route info

Difficult

Route number

Distance

13,7 km

Duration

7 h 00 min

Altitude difference (+)

1.822 m

Altitude difference (-)

317 m

Physical effort

Scenary

Highest point

1.794 m

Lowest point

88 m

Suggestions

At the Pernici hut you absolutely must try the potato polenta: a hearty dish ideal for regaining strength after the hike.

If you want to return to Riva del Garda after staying overnight at the hut, we recommend this route: SAT 402 path, the “pinza” path: outside the hut take SAT 402 which descends towards Riva del Garda. The path crosses Campi and then joins the old “pinza” road, one of the ancient communication routes in Garda Trentino. Near Riva del Garda, the paths pass close to the ruins of San Giovanni and the chapel of Santa Maria Maddalena; once you reach the fork with SAT 404 you can choose to continue towards Bastione to enjoy the wonderful lake view or descend directly towards the town center.

Safety guidelines

Although it does not present particular technical difficulties, this trekking should only be undertaken by hikers in good physical shape and with a lot of experience because there are some very exposed sections that require due caution.
From late autumn to late spring you might encounter icy sections that make the route treacherous and require having appropriate equipment. Most of the path runs along the ridge and in case of bad weather it can be subject to severe weather conditions, especially during storms. Make sure you have footwear and clothing suitable for walking in alpine conditions.
This hike is recommended only from June to mid-October.

Safety tips

Choose routes suitable to your physical and technical abilities. Gather information about the area you will visit and about the path conditions and get a detailed trekking map.
Wear clothes and carry equipment suitable to the difficulty and length of the route. Keep emergency equipment in your backpack, including first aid materials.
Do not hike alone in the mountains. In any case, inform someone of your itinerary and let them know when you return.
Check the weather forecast before leaving and always keep an eye on the weather.
If in doubt, turn back. Better to give up than risk bad weather or difficulties beyond your strength, skills and equipment.
Do not leave marked paths and do not take shortcuts.
All described walks take place in a natural environment, therefore their use is at your own risk.

This information is subject to inevitable changes, so none of these indications are absolute. It is not possible to completely avoid inaccurate or incorrect information, given the rapid changes in environmental and weather conditions. For this reason, we disclaim any responsibility for changes the user may encounter. In any case, it is advisable to check environmental and weather conditions before leaving.

Punto di partenza

Riva del Garda - Via Monte Oro

Directions

The SAT 404 climbs from Riva del Garda towards the Bastione which offers a splendid view of Lake Garda. Continue until you reach the fork where you must take the right onto SAT 402. Follow a section of the old “pinza” road until the fork with SAT 418. Follow this path along the mountainside, entering and exiting the forest, until you reach the Cima Sat area. Now follow SAT 413 which goes up and down with a series of panoramic points over the Tenno area and Lake Garda until you arrive at the alpine hut Rifugio Nino Pernici.

public transportation

The main locations of Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and interurban bus lines that will take you to the starting points of the routes or to the immediate surroundings.

You can also reach Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by public ferry service.

Updated information on schedules and routes.

How to get there

The SAT 404 path starts from Riva del Garda, Via Monte Oro, near the covered parking lot.

Find out how to get to Garda Trentino.

Where to park

Free parking near the former hospital (Via Rosmini).

Parking for a fee: Terme Romane (Viale Roma), Vecchia stazione (Largo Medaglie d’Oro), Ex-agraria (Via Lutti).

You must wear the right clothing and bring appropriate equipment when you go mountain hiking. Even for relatively short and easy outings make sure to carry everything necessary so you don't have problems if things take an unexpected turn, such as a sudden storm or an unexpected drop in energy.

What should you bring when you go hiking?

Your backpack (for a day trip a capacity of 25/30L should be fine) should contain:

water bottle (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)
be sure to wear or at least bring a pair of long pants
hat
sunscreen
sunglasses
gloves
whistle to attract attention in case of emergency

Make sure to wear footwear suitable for the trail and the season. The terrain can become stony and uneven and a pair of hiking boots will protect you from sprains. When wet, a grassy slope, a rock slab or a steep path can be dangerous unless you wear appropriate footwear.

And finally... don't forget the camera! You will need it to capture the beautiful panoramas you will encounter throughout Garda Trentino. And if you want, you can share your memories with us using #GardaTrentino.

Emergency phone number 112.