recommended route
14. Marocche Nature Reserve, the "Moon Valley"
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Marocche: A lunar valleyPhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino - Daniele Lira, Garda Trentino
An easy excursion in a truly unique environment in another dimension of time and space
This nature reserve, meaning an area which is protected because of its unique natural and geological features, is the largest post-glacial landslide in the entire Alps: an imposing mass of rocky debris which gives the area a lunar appearance and a habitat for plants and animals which have adapted to this particularly arid environment.
During your visit be sure to examine the dinosaur tracks on a great boulder along the trail: they date back to over 100 million years ago! And if you are into botany, watch out for the natural bonsais you will find among the rocks: they are true “dwarf trees” which due to the harsh environmental conditions have short branches and underdeveloped trunks. These trees do not usually manage to grow more than a metre high, even though they are often over a hundred years old.
The Marocche di Dro are a Site of Community Importance, belonging to the Natura 2000 Network.
Author’s recommendation
Some curiosity: the name "Marocche" comes from local dialect: "maroc" means boulder, a big lump of rock.
Local legends say that this place was once the city of Kas, whose inhabitants were known for their immorality. The Lord, tired of their dissolute behaviour, caused the surrounding mountains to crumble away, burying the town under a gigantic landslide that we now call Marocche.
Track types
Safety information
Safety Tips
- Choose itineraries that suit your physical and technical abilities. Collect information about the area you are visiting and the trail’s conditions and get a detailed trekking map.
- Wear clothes and take equipment that suit the difficulty and length of your tour. Keep emergency gear in your rucksack, including first aid supplies.
- Do not go walking alone in the mountains. In any case, tell someone where you are going and report back on returning.
- Look at the weather forecast before setting off and always keep an eye on the weather.
- In case of doubt, go back. It is better to give up than risk bad weather or face difficulties beyond your strength, ability and equipment.
- Do not leave marked paths and do not take shortcuts.
- All described walks are in a natural environment and therefore their use is at your own risk.
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.
Tips and hints
For more information on routes, services (guides, mountain huts, shops etc.) and hiking friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The “Marocche” nature reserve, a huge accumulation of rocky material created in the post-glacial period, is in the area to the north of Dro. The points of entry to the area are signposted to the left beyond Maso Trenti on the road leading from Dro to Drena. Signs bear the logo of the area. The landscape undergoes extreme and surprising changes: the visitor crosses a lunar and sometimes even desert landscape, walking from the great pile of rocks to the area where dinosaur tracks were recently discovered; from here the trail leads on through a wooded area to the Sarca river and the old hydroelectric station of Fies. From here we continue along the edge of the marshy Laghi Soli area to enter the rocky, arid reserve again and return to our point of departure
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Drena is connected by the intercity bus lines 204 (Riva del Garda – Cavedine – Trento) to the other places in Garda Trentino.
Stop in the locality Marocche on request.
Getting there
The "Marocche" is on the SS 45 bis "Gardasana occidentale"(Western Gardasana). From Riva del Garda, follow directions for Arco and then towards Dro (about 15 km).
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Parking
Parking along the main road near the castle or in the locality Marocche, near the Tamburello sports field.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Garda Trentino TREKKING Map – Available in the info points of Garda Trentino (Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Ledro, Comano Terme)
Equipment
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:
- water canteen (1L)
- snacks (e.g. mixed dried fruit or chocolate)
- First aid kit
- windproof jacket
- fleece
- change of t-shirt and socks (in a plastic bag)
- make sure to wear or at least bring a pair of long trousers
- hat
- sun screen
- sunglasses
- gloves
- whistle to attract attention in an emergency
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.
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