Between the Sarca Valley and the slopes of Monte Stivo, this stage of GardaTrek Medium Loop crosses some of the lesser known but equally charming areas of Garda Trentino
Ceniga and Bolognano are only a few kilometres apart as the crow flies: the Medium Loop trail takes you on a detour to discover the most interesting features of this area, especially on the slopes of Monte Stivo.
Before you head up towards Drena and the Castle which overlooks the rocky wasteland of the Marocche, the trail passes near the ravine of the Rio Sallagoni river where there is one of the most spectacular via ferratas in all of Garda Trentino.
Shortly before Braila, the trail passes through the Open Air Gallery, an art project which turns the woods into an open air exhibition. Here you will see many installations made with all sorts of recycled materials bringing to life a wonderful world of colour.
From Troiana, a path leads across the mountainside and as far as the ridge running down from the summit of Monte Stivo, where you have wonderful views of the towns of Massone and Bolognano and over the plain as far as Torbole and Lake Garda.
This trek can normally be done all year round, but in the winter months you might come across some snow on the way. For this reason you should check the conditions of the trail if you are thinking of doing it from November to March. In this period it's advisable to check in advance the opening of mountain huts and accommodation, as they might be closed. Click here for information on accommodation, vacancies and prices at Garda Trentino.
For more information on routes, services (guides, mountain huts, shops etc.) and hiking friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
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 Ceniga you cross the Sarca Valley and head along country lanes to the hillside of Varino on the lower slopes of Monte Stivo. After Maso Trenti the road starts to rise as you go towards Drena with its imposing castle on the rock above; go through the centre and then head for Casina, then follow signposts which take you back in the direction of Braila. Now go uphill towards Carobbi and Troiana which you pass and then take a trail along the hillside to the ridge running down from Monte Stivo. A steep trail takes you to the Ir Valley just above Bolognano which you reach along backroads through the olive groves.
Dro and Ceniga are connected by the intercity bus lines 205 (Riva del Garda – Sarche - Trento) and 204 (Riva del Garda– Cavedine - Trento) to the other places in Garda Trentino.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
From Arco, follow the SS45bis road in the direction of Ceniga.
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Free parking in Via Arco.
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.
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