recommended route
Monte Velo (Cross Country)
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View from Passo Due SassiPhoto: Archivio APT Garda Trentino (Ph. Ronny Kiaulehn), North Lake Garda Trentino
Monte Velo is a classic destination in Alto Garda. The route described here has quite a challenging ascent but no particular technical difficulty on the way down.
Signage: 759. Monte Velo - Tour
An elevation gain of 1200 metres and a total distance of 28 km for a tour which is largely on forest trails. The average gradient on the ascent which takes you from Bolognano to Malga Fiavei is around 12%, without a moment of respite.
Shortly after you leave the town, the surface turns into a dirt track, quite rough terrain in sections. Then the gradient levels off a bit and you come to a number of panoramic viewing points overlooking the lower Sarca Valley.
Leaving the town of Bolognano which is at the bottom of the ascent, remember that you will not find any more fresh water springs until you come to Carobbi: make sure to bring enough water for the trip.
The downhill run is on an easy forest trail which takes you to Carobbi and from there on you are on paved roads with short stretches of cement, until you get to the bottom of the valley. The snack bar mentioned at the end is not always open.
Author’s recommendation
This route characterized by its long ascent along the slopes of Monte Velo is recommended for emtb enthusiasts.
Track types
Rest stops
MALGA ZANGASafety information
ITRS - International Trail Rating System
The ITRS is an objective way to assess trails and routes from a biker’s perspective, evaluating four aspects:
- Technical Difficulty: riding skill level needed
- Endurance: combined effect of length, uphill and downhill
- Wilderness: amount of planning required based on mobile phone reception, rescue options, water supply and wildlife
- Exposure: consequences of a fall
Discover more about the ITRS system and check the classification of this tour in the photo gallery.
Safety Tips
- Always wear your helmet.
- Plan your ride.
- You share the trail with other users. Yield right of way to hikers.
- Let your speed be determined by your experience.
- Ride slowly on crowded trails, overtake with politeness and respect.
- Cycle only on authorized and open trails.
- Avoid muddy trails in order not to damage them further.
- Respect public and private property.
- Always be self-sufficient.
- Do not cycle solo in remote areas.
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, bike services (rentals, workshops, shops) and cycling friendly accommodation: Garda Trentino - +39 0464 554444
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
This trail starts in Arco on the cycle path at the Caneve car park. Follow the cycle path, taking the exit onto Viale Rovereto. Keep to the left here and continue on down the main road which you will leave on your right after about 100 m. Here you turn onto the first side road you come across on your right and then keep on straight until you come to the church in the centre of Bolognano. Leave the church on your left and follow directions for Gazzi. Here you begin to climb along the main road. About 300 metres from the church, when you come to a bend to the left, follow the signpost and take the side road you see in front of you, via del Cacciatore. Go straight on, the road surface is still paved but you will soon find yourself on a dirt road.
Climbing steadily, follow the main trail until you come to a junction just before Malga Fiavei, which is in a clear state of disrepair. Turn left here, continue along the forest trail which levels off a bit. Keep on straight past the church of San Francesco and you will come to the main road which goes from Bolognano to Passo Santa Barbara. Keep right here and continue uphill for about 800 m and then turn off to the left in the direction of Malga Zanga. Shortly after the farmhouse restaurant Agriturismo Torboli, follow directions and continue slightly to the left in the direction of Passo dei Due Sassi. Be prepared for another uphill stretch before you are definitively over the hill and along this part of the route you will come across some spectacular panoramic viewing points. You pass two large boulders from the top of which you can admire the entire valley below, then there is another stretch of seemingly flat road before you start the long descent.
When you get to the chestnut woods of Carobbi, where you will find a fresh water spring, keep on straight until you come to the paved road which will take you the rest of the way down. Follow the main road, continuing on downhill, passing Troiana, Pianaura and, shortly after, the spectacular Policromuro crags. The olive groves are a sign that you getting near to the valley floor. At the end of the descent, the trail is interrupted in the Moletta area. To get back to the centre of Arco, all you have to do is take the side road on the opposite side of the main road. Follow it past the kiosk on the cycle path which runs along the River Sarca until you come to the start of the pedestrian area of Arco.
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of tours or in the immediate surroundings.
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.
Getting there
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Parking
Parking in Caneve (5 minutes walk to the town centre).
Paid parking: Foro Boario, near the bridge (Via Caproni Maini) or the post office (Via Monache).
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Garda Trentino BIKE Map – Available in the info points of Garda Trentino (Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Ledro, Comano Terme)
Equipment
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 sudden drop in your energy levels. The unexpected things are part of the fun!
Remember to thoroughly evaluate the type of route you plan on doing, the locations you intend to cross and the current season. Has it been raining? Attention: The paths may be slippery and require more caution.
What do I need to bring on my bike tour?
- An adequate water supply according to your needs (considering temperature, possibility of refuelling and duration of the route)
- Plenty of snacks (for example, dried fruit or energy bars)
- Waterproof / Windproof jacket
- A spare top / spare socks (Descending in a sweaty garment, will make you cold).
- Suncream
- Sunglasses
- Bike gloves/mitts
- Map or GPS device
- Bike lights: best placed on your helmet or handlebars. (It is always best to be prepared)
- Bike repair kit for punctures and mechanical breakdowns
- First aid kit
- Emergency whistle
It is always advised to let someone know where you plan to go and how long you expect to be.
Emergency telephone number 112.
Statistics
- 11 Waypoints
- 11 Waypoints
Questions and answers
Rating
Photos from others