Riva del Garda to Pregasina on the Ponale road

From the free car park by the hydroelectric power station at the southern edge of Riva del Garda, the old Ponale road climbs south along the cliffs above Lake Garda, through short tunnels and rock cuttings, with the water far below. It turns into the mouth of the Ponale valley at the Belvedere, where refreshments are sold, and the route then leaves the road to the Ledro valley and climbs south on the old road to the village of Pregasina, about 530 m. Return the same way.

It is 10.5 km there and back with 750 m of ascent; allow about 5½ hours. The grade is Moderate: a broad, rough old road, climbing steadily on the way out.

The road was begun in 1851 to link Lake Garda with the Ledro valley. It was closed to traffic when the new Ledro tunnel opened and became a path for walkers and cyclists in 2004, so expect bikes. Rockfall is possible. The path closes for some weeks each winter for maintenance: in 2026 from 12 January to 14 March. Dogs must be on a lead.

Riva has free car parks at the former hospital in Via Rosmini and the former cemetery in Viale Damiano Chiesa, as well as paid ones in the centre. Bus 214 stops at the Pregasina junction on the Ledro road.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with the distance and time worked out from it. The climb is the published figure: height data cannot be trusted on this ground. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.