Steep gradients for reaching Rifugio Graziani at an altitude of 1600 metres. A long, demanding tour, suitable for endurance climbers.
The surfaced road that climbs up the slopes of Mount Baldo and leads to Rifugio Graziani also offers racing bike enthusiasts an opportunity to reach significant altitudes. The tour, as it is presented here, features an initial flat part, skirting the blue waters of Lake Garda. Then, when we’re already feeling the kilometres in our legs, the long ascent to Mount Baldo sets in, with gradients exceeding 10% in some sections. The effort required is rewarded with another long descent that is just as long.
The length of this tour and the high gradient make this an undoubtedly tough proposal. The route is studded with many panoramic points, affording a splendid view, both of Lake Garda and of the Valle dell’Adige.
For more information on routes and bike services: rentals, workshops, shops and cycling friendly accommodation - APT Garda Trentino Tel. +39 0464 554444
From Riva del Garda take the cycle path to Torbole sul Garda, afterwards follow the “Gardesana Orientale (Eastern Gardesana)” road, which flanks the Lake Garda for 10 km, leading for some stretches into tunnels.
Passing from Trentino into the region Veneto you reach Malcesine. Carry on always flanking the lake, passing through the characteristic veronese villages of Brenzone, Castelletto, Torri del Benaco and Garda. At the roundabout go left uphill in the direction of Costermano, where the Pre-Alps start.
Continue past Caprino Veronese and turn left being ready to tackle an almost 30 km long climb passing through Ferrara Monte Baldo and ending with the apparently flat ground taking to the Rifugio Graziani mountain dew (1610 m).
From here on starts the likewise long downhill road passing through S. Valentino and Brentonico leading to Mori. Take the cycle path towards Nago, passing through the nature reserve of the Lake Loppio and the S. Giovanni Pass. At the roundabout at the end of the town of Nago go left, go downhill towards Torbole sul Garda and return to Riva del Garda.
We remind that headlights and rearlights as well as the use of reflecting suspenders are obligatory in tunnels, even considering that most of these are illuminated.
The towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Torbole sul Garda and Arco – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point or in the immediate surroundings.
For up-to-the-minute information on timetables and routes
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.
Getting to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino
Free parking in Torbole in the Busatte Park.
More Pay parking at the Panorama parking area, in Via Strada Granda or and along the lakefront Lungolago Conca d'Oro
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 drop your energy levels. The unexpected things also make up a part of the fun!
Do not compare a road bike with a mountain bike. They are very different, especially in technical terms, and facing a hill with a road bike could be much more difficult than facing the same hill with a MTB. Therefore, remember to throughly evaluate the type of route you plan to do and the locations you plan to cross. Do not forget to consider the current season. Has it been raining? Attention: the paint of the crosswalk could be very slick.
What do I need to bring on my bike tour?
It is always advised to let someone know where you plan to go and how long you expect to be.
Emergency telephone number 112.
