Zone: Mount Tremalzo
Map: KOMPASS n. 096
Departure: Parking lot in the center of Vesio
Access: from Riva, take the S.S. n. 45 bis road for Limone, junction for Tremosine-Vesio
Length: 39.80 km
Difference in altitude: 1,313 m
Maximum altitude: 1,863 m
Time: 6 - 7 hrs
Bikeability: Total
Difficulty: very difficult
Beauty (1-5*): *****
Base: Malga Ciapa, Garda refuge, A.N.A. Vesio refuge on Nota Pass
Note: although this itinerary, which covers a considerable difference in altitude, requires physical preparation, it’s worth the effort due to the beautiful scenery and the route. Due to the altitude, it is inaccessible in the winter and early spring.

Starting out from Vesio, follow the signs for Polzone. After less than 1 km, turn right on the unpaved road to Val S. Michele valley that skirts the meadows and cornfields. Once you pass a small dam (at 5.3 km), head for the Tremalzo Pass. Beyond the bridge, you’ll go uphill and take a winding road. The steeper ascent will require changing gear speeds: don’t overexert yourself right away because the road is difficult and steep. After 13.37 km, you’ll take the road to the right, which is the only stretch that gives you a chance to rest a bit as you head to the Pisù Falls. At
1) Malga Ca dall’Era you’ll leave the woods and head to the alpine meadows on a road with a 10% gradient (in 1.5 km, there is a 129 m difference in altitude!) that puts your physical condition to the test. Once you reach Cocca Pass, the most difficult stretch is behind you. In just 4.8 km, along an unpaved road with a gradient that does not surpass 6%, you’ll reach Malga Ciapa. After 600 meters you’ll encounter
2) Garda Refuge, which is built below Mount Tremalzo. You are still 1.8 km away from the highest point of the itinerary. When you enter the tunnel after 3 hours and 22.30 km from the departure, you need to change clothes. Once you exit the
3) tunnel, you’ll come across an incredible series of curves along a tough descent. The first part of the road is full of potholes and bumps. After 7.30 km downhill, you’ll reach the beech trees on
4) Nota Pass: the road to the left takes you to the nearby A.N.A. Vesio refuge, then heads to the Segala chalet (A.N.A. Limone refuge) and Lake Ledro, but you’ll take the road on the right and follow the signs for Tremosine. The unpaved road, which turns into an asphalt road further ahead, takes you to the bottom of the Bondo Valley. After you cross the bridge on the left, the road levels out and takes you to Pertica, then Vesio.