This stage goes from a hut to the next, from Nino Pernici to San Pietro, touching the verdant shores of lake Tenno and the evocative medieval village of Canale di Tenno.
This stretch of the route is mostly downhill: it winds by the bottom part of the rocky rampart of Monte Tofino to reach Tenno's valley floor, a viewpoint onto the Alto Garda, well known for its medieval hamlets. It rises on the hillside of Monte Misone as up as San Pietro'mountain hut, a breathtaking observation post.
Less challenging than the previous one, this lengthily excursion still needs great effort nonetheless with great rewards. In fact, along the trail it is possible to admire the stunning intense shade of lake Tenno and visit the medieval village of Canale di Tenno, recognized from the association "Borghi più belli d'Italia" as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Countless are the places to freshen up if tired.
Leaving Canale in about one hour following an old mule track trough woods and chestnut grove, you reach the San Pietromoutain hut, the last stop and a natural scenic place with a magnificent overview of lake Garda.
Attention: check the condition of the trail with the manager of the mountain hut Rifugio Nino Pernici. Otherwise use the alternative route.
For more information on routes, services (guides, mountain huts, shops etc.) and hiking friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
While not involving any particular technical difficulties, this trek should only be undertaken by hikers with a good level of fitness and plenty of experience since there are some very exposed stretches which require due caution. The trail Sentiero della Regina from the Pernici hut to Monte Vender is often prone to avalanches during the winter season and in such cases is impassable until the debris is cleared.
You'd better check the condition of the trail with the manager of the mountain hut Rifugio Nino Pernici or contact the SAT club in Riva del Garda when you are planning the excursion. Be prepared if needs be to descend to Campi along SAT 402 (see the alternative route) where you can follow directions for Garda Trek - Medium Loop to take you to Canale di Tenno and from there to the Rifugio San Pietro hut.
From late autumn to the end of spring you can come across icy stretches which make the going treacherous unless you have the proper equipment. In any case, avoid this stretch in case of bad weather due to the risk of landslides or rockfalls in the gulleys along the way. Be sure to wear footwear and clothing suited to hiking in alpine conditions. This trail is only recommended from June to mid-October.
Safety Tips
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.
From Rifugio Nino Pernici you head for Bocca Trat where you turn onto Sat 445. The track called “Sentiero della Regina” (the Queen's Way) cuts across the eastern slopes of Monte Tofino. The trail is quite exposed, winding up and down with few flat stretches. From Monte Vender take the trail SAT 445 down to Lake Tenno. Follow the lake shore, taking the trail on the right, then head uphill past the kiosk bar until you come to the medieval village of Canale di Tenno. On the other side of the village follow signposts for SAT 406 which leads to the Rifugio San Pietro hut where you have fabulous views of Lake Garda.
No public transport available for this tour.
How to get to Rifugio Nino Pernici:
The nearest available car park is located near Malga Grassi in Località San Martino.
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:
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.
