Monte Pizzocolo
A majestic mountain offering breathtaking Lake Garda views, with challenging ridge hikes and a cozy rifugio.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Monte Pizzocolo
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic mountain offering breathtaking Lake Garda views, with challenging ridge hikes and a cozy rifugio.
"Dreamlike views from the top, but choose your ridge wisely – some are for experienced climbers only!"
Check Ridge Difficulty
Southeast Ridge is now East Ridge - EE (expert). South Ridge is less exposed but still requires care. :warning:
Start Early for Heat
Hike by 5:30 AM in summer to beat the heat and enjoy cooler temps. :sunrise:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Lake Garda Views
Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Lake Garda and the surrounding plains from the peak.
Rifugio Pirlo
Near the summit
A cozy mountain hut offering a place to rest, eat, and even sleep overnight.
Challenging Ridge Trails
Various routes
Experience thrilling hikes along steep rock faces and exposed sections for the adventurous.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Ridge Wisely
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Ridge Difficulty
Southeast Ridge is now East Ridge - EE (expert). South Ridge is less exposed but still requires care. :warning:
Start Early for Heat
Hike by 5:30 AM in summer to beat the heat and enjoy cooler temps. :sunrise:
Bring Plenty of Water
1.5 liters per person is recommended, especially on warm days. :droplet:
Well-Marked Trails
Ascent is generally well-marked, making it easier to follow. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Ridge Difficulty
Southeast Ridge is now East Ridge - EE (expert). South Ridge is less exposed but still requires care. :warning:
Start Early for Heat
Hike by 5:30 AM in summer to beat the heat and enjoy cooler temps. :sunrise:
Bring Plenty of Water
1.5 liters per person is recommended, especially on warm days. :droplet:
Well-Marked Trails
Ascent is generally well-marked, making it easier to follow. :hiking_boot:
Mountain Bike Option
Possible to reach the summit by mountain bike if you're fit. :mountain_bicyclist:
Overnight Stays
Rifugio Pirlo offers cozy overnight stays with a fireplace. :bed:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning panoramic views of Lake Garda from Monte Pizzocolo's summit, calling the experience 'dreamlike.' The well-marked trails on the ascent and the availability of Rifugio Pirlo for rest and overnight stays are frequently praised. However, some routes, particularly the East Ridge, are noted as being very challenging and potentially dangerous for inexperienced hikers.
"Quite a challenging hike for a rookie. Ascent was easy because of the markings all over the place - very convenient to follow the track. Some climbing on the rocks on the way up, some narrow passes and bare rock, but all is doable with extra care. Descent is no challenge at all - watch Your step and avoid slippery boulders. We started at ~5:30 to avoid the heat and this was a very good decision as it reached almost 29-30 degrees when descending. We took a 1,5 liters of water per person and drank all of it."
Marius Kuklinskas
"At least a couple of times a year, I hike to the top of Mount Pizzocolo, offering spectacular views of Lake Garda and the surrounding plains. It can be reached from Gardone Riviera (San Michele) or from Toscolano Maderno or Gaino via trails of varying difficulty. You can also get there by mountain bike if you're fit."
Marco
"Very nice trip, too bad most of the way was in the clouds. At the top it cleared up for a few minutes 😊. Along the way and at the top it was cozy with the possibility of sleeping + a black kitchen with a fireplace."
Martin Karásek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Monte Pizzocolo from Gardone Riviera (San Michele) or Toscolano Maderno/Gaino via various trails. The route from Toscolano Maderno involves driving towards Maclino, then Sanico and Sant'Urbano, reaching Croce di Ortello before the trailhead.
Popular starting points include San Michele (Gardone Riviera) for a longer hike with significant elevation gain, and Toscolano Maderno or Gaino for different trail difficulties.
While you can drive to certain points like Croce di Ortello near Toscolano Maderno, the final ascent to the summit is typically done on foot.
Public transport options to the base towns like Toscolano Maderno or Gardone Riviera are available, but the final leg to the trailhead usually requires a taxi or a walk. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Parking is available in the villages near the trailheads, such as Toscolano Maderno or San Michele. Arrive early, especially during peak season, as spots can fill up quickly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Monte Pizzocolo is a natural park and hiking area, so there are no entrance fees or tickets required to access the trails.
Monte Pizzocolo is accessible year-round, 24 hours a day. However, hiking during daylight hours is strongly recommended for safety.
There is no admission fee to hike Monte Pizzocolo. It's a public mountain accessible to everyone.
While not mandatory, guided tours can enhance your experience, especially if you're interested in the local flora, fauna, or history. Local tourism offices or outdoor adventure companies may offer these.
No specific permits are required for general hiking on Monte Pizzocolo. However, always check for any temporary local regulations or advisories.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The difficulty varies greatly by route. The 'East Ridge' (formerly Southeast Ridge) is rated EE (experienced hikers) due to steep, exposed rock faces. The 'South Ridge' is less exposed but still requires surefootedness. South and southwest routes are generally safer and recommended for most hikers.
The duration depends on your chosen route and fitness level. Hikes can range from a few hours to a full day. For example, the hike from San Michele involves a 1,000-meter elevation gain and can take several hours.
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, especially for the rocky sections. Layers of clothing are advisable as mountain weather can change quickly. Bring sun protection and a hat.
Yes, Rifugio Pirlo is located near the summit, offering a place to rest, eat, and even spend the night. It often has a fireplace and basic kitchen facilities.
The summit offers spectacular panoramic views of Lake Garda, the surrounding plains, and often the Monte Baldo mountain range.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit provides the most iconic panoramic shots of Lake Garda. The ridges themselves offer dramatic landscape photography opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset. 
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly magical.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the landscape. Consider a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
The bivouac shelters offer unique shots, especially for astrophotography if conditions are clear. The varied terrain and flora also provide interesting close-up photo opportunities.
Use a wider aperture to keep both the foreground trail and the background landscape in focus. Experiment with different angles to emphasize the steepness and exposure of the ridges.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children are properly equipped with comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for changing mountain weather.⛰️ Experienced Hikers & Climbers
🚴 Mountain Bikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Ridges: A Guide to Monte Pizzocolo's Trails
The South Ridge, which was formerly part of the East Ridge, is now recommended as the more accessible, albeit still demanding, athletic hike. While it still requires surefootedness and some scrambling, it is significantly less exposed and better marked than the East Ridge. For those seeking a safer and more conventional hiking experience, the south or southwest routes (such as Sentiero 1 or 5) are highly recommended. These are also excellent options for descending circular routes and are generally more suitable for a wider range of hikers.
It's vital to be aware of the potential for confusion due to renaming and to always verify which ridge is being referred to in trail descriptions. Consulting local trail maps and, if possible, seeking advice from local guides can prevent dangerous situations. The Rifugio Pirlo near the summit offers a welcome respite and can be a good point to gather information or rest before continuing your descent.
The Allure of the Summit: Views and Overnight Stays
For those who wish to extend their experience, the Rifugio Pirlo provides a unique opportunity for an overnight stay. This mountain hut offers a cozy atmosphere, often featuring a fireplace and a basic kitchen, making it an ideal spot for hikers to rest, refuel, and even enjoy stargazing on clear nights.
The ability to sleep in a bivouac shelter adds an adventurous element to the trip, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the mountain environment. It's advisable to check the availability and booking procedures for the rifugio in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit