This trail overlooking the Sarca Valley is for those who like to hike off the beaten track in unspoilt natural surroundings
Explore Monte Brento which towers above the Sarca Valley. The more gently sloping side is covered in dense woods and pastures, the perfect place for a one-day hike with a few exposed stretches for just the right shot of adrenaline.
On the way up to Monte Brento You cross "pra dei muci" (haystacks meadow). Legend has it that a local man making hay on the mountainside refused to come down to the church on August 15th for the feast-day of the Assumption and woke up the next morning to find that the haystacks that had cost him so much effort had turned into mounds of earth.
For more information on routes, services (guides, mountain huts, shops etc.) and hiking friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
Monte Brento, rising sheer above the Sarca Valley, is one of the most popular climbing areas in Garda Trentino because of its trad climbing routes.
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.
Please note: This trail presents no particular technical difficulties but since there are some extremely exposed sections SAT 408B is classified EE, meaning it is only recommended for experienced hikers.
From the car park in Malga San Giovanni take the dirt track which winds up among some houses to the junction with SAT 408. Follow this trail as far as Malga Valbona. Now rejoin SAT 408 and then take SAT 408B which takes you to the summit of Monte Brento, marked by a wooden cross. The trail is exposed and there are views over the Sarca Valley and Giudicarie, Lake Santa Massenza and Lake Toblino, the Brenta group and Lake Garda. For the return leg, follow SAT 408B until you get back where you started from.
There is no public transport service to reach San Giovanni al Monte.
From Varignano, a district of Arco, follow the road that takes you uphill to Padaro and San Giovanni al Monte (about 11 km).
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Free parking near Malga San Giovanni.
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.