Lake Garda - Sport & outdoor

Gravel: The 5 Best Routes around Lake Garda

Here are the most beautiful gravel routes in Alto Garda.

Are you looking for a gravel bike route around Riva del Garda and its surroundings? You’ll be happy to know that this area is rich in trails, ideal for both those who want to enjoy a peaceful day outdoors and for more experienced cyclists seeking thrills.

Let’s discover the top 5 gravel routes in Garda Trentino, from the easiest to the most challenging.

 

1. Ledro Gravel Experience

 

• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 41.9 km
• Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Elevation: (+) 475 m, (-) 475 m

 

This gravel bike route crosses the Valle di Ledro, offering an experience immersed in the nature and history of this picturesque place. After crossing Lake d’Ampola, Val Concei, and Lake Ledro, this excursion allows you to take a break to visit the Museum of Stilts in Molina di Ledro. Additionally, you can enjoy a pleasant pit stop at the Visitor Center of Lake d’Ampola, located right along the route.

 

2. Maxxis Gravel Garda Trentino – Short Track

 

• Difficulty: Medium
• Distance: 66.4 km
• Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Elevation: (+) 451 m, (-) 451 m

 

This spectacular route doesn’t require intense efforts, as it’s relatively short and flat. It runs along the Valle del Sarca, through dirt roads and singletracks, offering an experience suitable even for those looking for something not too challenging. The only section with slight technical difficulties is near Lake Cavedine. However, the effort is rewarded by the return to Riva del Garda, which offers breathtaking views through the vineyards.

 

3. Cavedine Gravel Experience

 

• Difficulty: Medium
• Distance: 45.0 km
• Duration: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Elevation: (+) 901 m, (-) 912 m

 

Another route that allows us to immerse ourselves in Alto Garda on gravel is situated between the valleys of Sarca and Cavedine. Starting from the center of Arco, you ascend among olive trees and oaks. After passing some of the area’s most historic cliffs, you reach the village of Braila and then Drena, famous for its XII century castle. Here begins the Cavedine valley: from here, you reach the most challenging part of the route, difficult to traverse due to the rough terrain near the passage to the Sarca Valley. With its breathtaking views, villages, and a variety of terrains – including dirt roads, trails, and asphalt stretches – this route is highly appreciated by bikers of all levels.

 

4. Lake Tenno Gravel Experience

 

• Difficulty: Medium
• Distance: 45.5 km
• Duration: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Elevation: (+) 1,008 m, (-) 1,011 m

 

The Lake Tenno Gravel Experience starts from Arco and, through the main historical centers of Garda Trentino, offers the opportunity to visit medieval villages while engaging in outdoor activities. A caveat: despite being a medium difficulty route, some points are particularly steep and require a minimum of preparation. That said, the effort required to complete this loop is always rewarded. Through nature trails and dirt roads, you reach Lake Tenno, famous for its turquoise waters, where you can enjoy a well-deserved swim.

 

 5. Comano Gravel Experience

 

• Difficulty: Top
• Distance: 68.8 km
• Duration: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Elevation: (+) 1,105 m, (-) 1,107 m

 

The boldest bikers love this route: a gravel route from Garda Trentino that takes you to the Brenta Dolomites, through the Comano valley. This excursion offers spectacular views. It passes through the natural gorge of Limarò and Bleggio Inferiore, then continues towards Lomaso and over the Passo del Ballino. The terrain is always smooth and doesn’t have particularly rough sections. That said, since the expected elevation gain is quite high (1,105 meters uphill), this ride is recommended for those in good physical shape.

 

 

As we’ve seen, there’s no shortage of bike routes around Lake Garda. All you have to do is choose the itinerary you prefer and enjoy an unforgettable adventure exploring the breathtaking panoramas of Alto Garda on gravel. And if you’re wondering where to stay, you can choose one of the apartments at Residence Centro Vela and enjoy a splendid vacation just steps from Lake Garda.