Emotional photos are taken from this panorama and that is precisely why Punta Larici represents a beautiful and unforgettable memory.
An accessible landscape after an intense hike, a trek on Lake Garda in Trentino much appreciated by those who practice trekking and love challenges…
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From Pregasina to Punta Larici, for the most exciting viewpoint
To enjoy the spectacular view overlooking the north / western shore of Lake Garda, you must start armed with energy and motivation. The trekking route to Punta Larici is not very difficult but still not amateur, and the final scenario repays every effort.
In any case, if this is the first walk of the season, I don’t feel like recommending it since the Punta Larici SAT 422A – technically so-called – is still classified for expert excursions among mountain trails. This is because the route winds along the rocky wall, some areas are exposed to height and gusts of wind, in some cases equipped with a metal cable for safety.
The alternative, if you are afraid of heights or do not feel too safe, may be to take the hike through the forest, the easier SAT 422B trail.
From Riva del Garda to Punta Larici
You can start from Riva del Garda, also passing through the Ponale Trail, and reach the starting village of the trail: you start from Pregasina, the village perched on a mountain wall of the Ledro Alps, and which dominates Garda from its position.
The route follows the path created by the Italian military during the First World War, between old mule tracks used to reach the Italian positions north of Punta Larici, such as Cima Nodice, which faced the Austrian Cima Capi. The fundamental points of the route:
- You start from the church of San Giorgio which is located in Pregasina, at about 500 meters above sea level, and take the forest road that leads to Malga Palaèr with a walk that lasts about half an hour and goes through a suggestive beech forest.
- You then reach the locality of Calcheròle, and continue along the so-called Senter de la Costa that winds along the mountain ridge. From here you reach Punta Larici or also called Cima Larici!
- You arrive at the highest point which is about 900 meters high, from where you can enjoy the scenario that includes Limone del Garda, Torbole, Riva del Garda, Monte Brione, the Altissimo mountain, and Mount Baldo in front, glimpses of Malcesine and up to the tip of Sirmione on the Benaco. The show is fascinating and, as I told you, unforgettable.
Alternative route: the tour of the Crests of Pregasina
For those who want to take the most elaborate route, you can follow the “ring” route of the Crests of Pregasina and Punta Larici, where you start and reach, after Pregasina, Bocca da Lè. From here you take trail 430, and cross Cima Bal and Cima della Nara. The forest in some stretches has pleasant clearings, and you can choose here whether to take the more challenging detour, the EE mountaineering, which presents climbing passages classified as I degree. It is not mandatory to take this deviation, and you can continue on the alternative trail.
You arrive at Passo Guil and turn left, thus taking the SAT 422 trail towards Pregasina. At this point, you can reach Passo Rocchetta, and take the Crests of Reamol trail, and reach Bocca Larici and then Punta Larici.
To descend, you can take the trail we have already seen 422A, then reach Calcheròle and return to Pregasina – a real circle that closes!
These trails also provide a stop at the viewpoint where the Regina Mundi is located, a statue of the Madonna that overlooks this incredible panorama on the north shore of Garda.
The characteristics of the trail to Punta Larici: length and duration
Starting from Riva del Garda, the trail lasts about nine kilometers (one way only) and the travel time is about four hours. Alternatively, as I already mentioned, you can decide to reach Pregasina by car and then take the path towards Punta Larici, which takes about an hour and fifteen minutes. The recommended period to reach Punta Larici is from May to October, but it is always good to keep in mind that the passability of the trails varies according to weather conditions and the state of the trail.
This itinerary crosses the protected area of the Alto Garda Bresciano Nature Park, and for this reason, some rules must be respected during excursions: stay on the path, do not collect stones, plants or mushrooms, do not light fires, do not give food to animals encountered or leave waste.
Tips for hiking Punta Larici
When undertaking more than a walk, and this is the case, it is good to bring valid equipment and above all dress appropriately. In the backpack, there should always be water and snacks useful for recharging energy. Also, it is always necessary to bring a light wind jacket and everything necessary.
For those who choose the most difficult path, Punta Larici offers an intense journey, in which it is good to have shoes suitable for the mountain and not too much weight between backpack or other personal effects. Because steep paths along the coasts require agile movements!