ITRS - International Trail Rating System

The ITRS is an objective way to assess trails and routes from a biker’s perspective, evaluating four aspects:

• Technical Difficulty: riding skill level needed
• Endurance: combined effect of length, uphill and downhill
• Wilderness: amount of planning required based on mobile phone reception, rescue options, water supply and wildlife
• Exposure: consequences of a fall

Discover more about the ITRS system and check the classification of this tour in the photo gallery.

Safety Tips

1. Always wear your helmet.
2. Plan your ride.
3. You share the trail with other users. Yield right of way to hikers.
4. Let your speed be determined by your experience.
5. Ride slowly on crowded trails, overtake with politeness and respect.
6. Cycle only on authorized and open trails.
7. Avoid muddy trails in order not to damage them further.
8. Respect public and private property.
9. Always be self-sufficient.
10. Do not cycle solo in remote areas.

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.

The track provided gives the starting point as Arco; the cycle path near the Caneve car park, to be exact. Following the initial directions you head towards the town centre where you will find no signposts telling you which way to go. Nonetheless, it is easy to see and get to the church in the town centre, and cross Piazza III Novembre leaving the building behind you. At the left end of the square, at the start of via Vergolano, turn into the lane on your right and immediately turn left into Via del Dosso. Follow the old-fashioned laneway which leads into the historic part of Arco and continue on down via Stranfora. Keep on straight leaving the little church of San Bernardino on your left. When you have passed the old fountain, head uphill a short distance before turning left through the ancient walls (Porta Stranfora). Continue on to the right past the entrance to the Parco Arciducale and then turn left. At the next junctions you will find signposting for our trail which is marked number 743, leading across the olive groves, the Olivaia di Arco. In some stretches here the gradient is really demanding.

When you come to the paved road, keep to the right and follow directions for Padaro, about a kilometre away. Continue for another 4.5 km on the main road with a constant gradient of close to 10%. Shortly after the panoramic viewing point called Sas della Vecia, you come to Doss del Cléf. Follow directions and take the forest roadl which you find on your left. Pass the barrier and, finally on a dirt track, continue your climb with the classic panoramas for which the Alto Garda area is renowned.

Following the main track, you come to the highest point on this trail at Bocca di Tovo. Here take the trail on your left and you immediately find yourself on the most difficult part. The terrain is initially rocky and loose but then it gets gradually more stable with a series of narrow bends. When you come to the end of the trail, keep going down the well-signposted forest roads, passing through Treni and Ranciom. When you come to the open space at the Calino Cross, a minor detour will take you to one of the most panoramic mountain huts on this side: Rifugio San Pietro, which is clearly signposted from here.

Otherwise, keep following the trail signposting and continue with your descent on the paved road, going down as far as the junction with the road for Tenno. You are now in the vicinity of Ville del Monte. At the stop sign continue to the left until you come to the nearby church where you immediately turn right. The directions for the trail will only be visible when you are in front of the church. Follow the directions, take the dirt road which leads in the direction of Tenno. You will come back onto the main road near the medieval village, then turn left uphill for a short stretch. On the second bend in the road, follow directions and stay on the right and continue on side roads in the direction of Volta di No. Once you get there, follow the directions towards Varignano where the descent comes to an end. All that remains is for you to head back to the nearby centre of Arco where you originally started from.

The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of tours or in the immediate surroundings.

You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.

Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.

Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.

Parking in Caneve (5 minutes walk to the town centre).

Paid parking: Foro Boario, near the bridge (Via Caproni Maini) or the post office (Via Monache).

Riding your bike requires specific clothing and equipment, even for relatively short and easy trips. It is always better to be prepared… e.g. for bad weather or a sudden drop in your energy levels. The unexpected things are part of the fun!

Remember to thoroughly evaluate the type of route you plan on doing, the locations you intend to cross and the current season. Has it been raining? Attention: The paths may be slippery and require more caution.

What do I need to bring on my bike tour?

• An adequate water supply according to your needs (considering temperature, possibility of refuelling and duration of the route)
• Plenty of snacks (for example, dried fruit or energy bars)
• Waterproof / Windproof jacket
• A spare top / spare socks (Descending in a sweaty garment, will make you cold).
• Suncream
• Sunglasses
• Bike gloves/mitts
• Map or GPS device
• Bike lights: best placed on your helmet or handlebars. (It is always best to be prepared)
• Bike repair kit for punctures and mechanical breakdowns
• First aid kit
• Emergency whistle

It is always advised to let someone know where you plan to go and how long you expect to be.

Emergency telephone number 112.