For those who love to climb mountains, there are many opportunities in the Garda area, and this walk towards Monte Comer is particularly known to fans of mule tracks!
A panoramic trek on Lake Garda, which even allows you to choose between a walk in the woods or a steeper uphill variant, which makes the journey decidedly adventurous.
Let’s see how this route unfolds…
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The route from Borgo di Sasso to Monte Comer
Through woods and ancient villages, you follow the paths of the mule tracks of the past, to climb towards this mountain, 1280 meters high. You start from the village of Sasso di Gargnano, where there is a parking lot where you can leave your means of transportation.
Ready for the walk, you pass along the alleys of the town and the stone houses of this village which is located at about 500 meters above sea level. Once you reach a fountain, you follow the signs for the Hermitage of San Valentino and Cima Comer by following the path 31.
A path in the woods begins immediately, among olive groves and fruit trees, and you climb up to arrive at a panoramic point (a sort of terrace). From here you can admire Lake Garda in all its beauty, surrounded by mountains. You continue without great difficulty, and you come to a fork, where you can choose: on the left an easier path, or on the right a path that leads to the Hermitage of San Valentino and then to an equipped path up to Cima Comer.
By following the path to the right, which is an ancient mule track, in a short time (about 10 minutes) you will reach a wooden door, which represents the entrance to the Hermitage by means of a strenuous climb.
I remind you that this stop at the Hermitage of San Valentino is one of the most suggestive stages and certainly deserves a detour. I also want to stress that if you want a quiet walk, you can skip it and proceed to the right fork.
The Hermitage of San Valentino
After climbing some steps, you arrive at this sacred place, located at about 770 meters above Gargnano, in a position overlooking the lake and wedged into the rock.
The silence and the scenery over the lake and Monte Baldo are unforgettable. Inside, you can visit the Church, built in 1663 by the inhabitants of the territory who were fleeing the plague, to take refuge in this crevice on which the rock looms. The Hermitage is surrounded by cypresses, in a wild nature that helps contact with nature as well as spirituality. Before reaching the hermitage, there are fields, woods, a steep and rocky path, but it is worth it for the landscape that includes a portion of this territory between the lake and Monte Baldo.
The uphill path to Comer
After the hermitage, you take a very steep path that goes up to Dito, and then to Cima Comer, through a support with a metal cord that helps the climb. I remind you that this part of the excursion towards the Cima Monte Comer is classified as EE, which means for Expert Hikers. This means that you will find the metal cords and you will have to arm yourself with strength and attention.
By choosing to climb this path (I remind you that you can choose not to go through here but at the fork you can avoid passing towards the hermitage but proceed towards path 31), more complex than the simple forest, the rugged road repays with beautiful scenery; it is also a short and manageable journey if you are experienced walkers.
You then continue towards a chestnut grove (perfect for early autumn hikes!) and reach a deviation that leads to Briano, and to the refuge of the Alpine troops of Gargnano at about 1000 meters above sea level, as well as the only refreshment point in the area.
Continuing, you climb for an hour towards a panoramic observatory over Lake Garda, then to the cross on the summit of the mountain: it is the summit of Monte Comer! Here you will find an exceptional view of Lake Garda and Monte Baldo. If luck has it that it is an exceptionally clear day, you can also admire much of the Prealps chain.
The circular route, the return from Cima del Comer to Sasso
On the way back, you reach Sasso by following a path that descends towards the western coast of the mountain (following path 32) you cross a beech forest and arrive back at the Alpine Troops Refuge of Gargnano. You continue to the left and take the path that descends into the woods and rejoins the outward route.
The travel times of the route are about 2 hours/2 and a half hours one way from Sasso to Cima Comer, and the return journey takes about an hour and a half. It is always advisable, during mountain hikes, to equip yourself not only with suitable clothing, but also with the necessary equipment for any eventuality. In your backpack, you can put water, food, a waterproof k-way, sweaters or jackets, fleece, gloves, and other useful accessories – such as trekking poles.
The issue of food is important on this hike towards the Cima Monte Comer, because there are no refreshment points at the top.
I would say you are ready!
Note: I also found this video that explains everything listed so far!
