Garda Trentino is one of the best destinations for those who love mountain bikes - there are routes for everyone, taking you to magical places and views that are worth every effort. Those looking for a relaxing day out can ride along the lake, while those who want adventure, or even a real challenge, can head straight to one of the many peaks that surround Garda Trentino. So, how do you choose the most suitable mountain bike tour? Here we want to tell you about different options, for every taste and every difficulty level!
Bike tours in Garda Trentino: Ponale and Punta Larici
It’s true that there are several peaks with a spectacular view over Lake Garda. However, some are more famous than others, because of the stunning view they offer to those who conquer them. One of these is certainly Punta Larici, ensuring an unforgettable panorama, overlooking the lake from 907 meters above sea level. To climb this peak by mountain bike, you can follow one of the most famous bike tours in Garda Trentino, reaching Punta Larici from Riva del Garda following the legendary Ponale. It’s an 11-kilometer route, with 950 meters elevation gain.
Lake Tenno: MTB loop tour
From Lake Garda to Lake Tenno - a mountain bike tour for those with a good preparation, for a total of 37 kilometers and an elevation gain of about 1000 meters, knowing that in some sections it will be necessary to get off the bike and push. The usual starting point for this tour is Linfano, following the north-eastern coast of the lake and then heading towards Pranzo and then up to Lake Tenno, about 15 kilometers away. From there, the loop continues up to Tenno Castle, and then back towards Riva del Garda from Gavazzo.
Sarca mountain bike cycle path, circular
An easier, really enjoyable but also longer ride, connecting Riva del Garda and Sarche. We are talking about a total of 56 kilometers with 400 meters elevation gain, mostly along a cycle path - the central part, from Arco to Pietramurata, is covered both on the outward and return journey, while a loop route is followed between Pietramurata and Sarche and finally around Brione. This is one of the best known tours, with wonderful views of Monte Casale, Arco Castle and the Sarca Valley, and you can start and finish directly in Arco.
Conquering Monte Velo and Monte Stivo
A mountain bike tour for real mountain lovers, taking you to mountain huts on two of the main peaks of Garda Trentino - there is significant elevation gain, exceeding 1,800 meters on a 44-kilometer route. Typically, you start from Arco to get to Drena, then reach the first mountain hut, Malga Campo, just under Monte Stivo. From there, following Passo due Sassi, you head towards Malga Zanza, in a scenic position on Monte Velo, and then return to Arco from the south.
The climb to San Giovanni al Monte
Let’s conclude our list of bike tours in Garda Trentino with this climb from Arco to San Giovanni al Monte and back: the highest point is this wonderful mountain resort, at 1050 meters above sea level. The loop route is 30 kilometers long, with an elevation gain of almost 1200 meters, mostly along a road with 20 hairpin bends, and then returning with a descent on a dirt road in the direction of Tenno.