To Monte Altissimo by mountain bike

Info

The tour

This is a tricky route which takes you from Tratto Spino up Monte Altissimo of Nago along path no. 633.
You return to Lake Garda downhill along path no. 601.

You will experience 42km of riding over a height ascent of 700m and more than 2000m in descent.

This rough track is very varied: from loose gravel and very technical to fast running single trails.

It is considered to be one of the most beautiful routes on Lake Garda: there aren't many places where you find
200om drop to ride.

On Monte Altissimo you have a breathtaking view over the whole Garda area and we recommend a break at the Altissimo Refuge D. Chiesa before you start the dowhill track.

Tour description

From Tratto Spino, you go down the off-road track which you see just after the top station of the cable car following signs to Bocca Navene until you get to the Refuge of that name. From the refuge, the tarmac road takes you uphill to Refuge Graziani and from here you have the most tiring part of the route: go left on the off-road track that goes behind the Refuge and at the the first fork in the road go left up path 633 which takes you up Monte Altissimo. The base of the path is irregular and this makes this climb really tiring and technical.

After taking a break on top of Monte Altissimo, start the descent on path no. 601 which begins to the north of the Refuge and turns left to pass below the small church. This path is very steep and you need to be an expert mountain biker to ride it.

Near Monte Varagna, you will find a crossroads where you can either choose to descend on a straight forward off-road track or go straight on on path no. 601 which takes short cuts and brings you to a small car park. Carry on downhill on 601 which crosses the tarmac road several times and brings you eventually to Prati di Nago.

From Prati di Nago you ride for a short while on the tarmac road: when you reach a chapel you will find a difficult small path which descends steeply to your left. Go on downhill taking various short cuts. On the hairpin bend on the left after Baita degli Alpini, get back onto 601 until you get to the cliffs of Nago.

Go slowly and be careful as the cliffs are used by many people and there are always people on the path. After the rock face, you will find yourself on some small tarmac roads that go through the fields.

Turn left at the road-side shrine and then take the first road on your right, turn left again and then right on the old road that goes to the Busatte Park. From the Park, go downhill towards Torbole along the tarmac road. From Torbole you can go back to Malcesine either by cycling along the Gardesana Road (taking great care in the tunnels) or in comfort by ferry which leaves from Torbole.

Starting point

The Top Station of the Malcesine Monte Baldo Cable car which is in the Tratto Spino area.
On this link you will find prices and timetables for the cable car.