Garda Sarca Loop
Mountainbiking • Garda Trentino and Valle di Ledro
Garda Sarca Loop
<p>An absolute classic: the region’s first signposted MTB trail.</p>
<p><strong>Signage: 731. Anello Garda Sarca</strong></p> <p>Although the route never gets particularly high (the top of the tour is just 420 metres), the ascents add up on this almost 70 km long loop. Cycling constantly up and down along different surfaces, you pass by olive groves and vineyards, between apple orchards and along the river Sarca, visiting a variety of different villages as you go. This gives you a real feel for the Garda Trentino region between the northern shore of Lake Garda and the village of Sarche in the Valle del Sarca. If you don’t want to do the whole route, there are shortcuts at Arco and at Pietramurata that cut the distance down to 32.6 and 59.4 km respectively (<a href="https://www.gardatrentino.it/ArcoShortcut">731a. Shortcut Arco</a> and <a href="https://www.gardatrentino.it/PietramurataShortcut">731b. Shortcut Pietramurata</a>), both of which still provide an absolutely wonderful day out.</p>
recommended route
Garda Sarca Loop
Garda Trentino Verified partner
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Santa Maria al Lago Church in TorbolePhoto: Archivio Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
An absolute classic: the region’s first signposted MTB trail.
Signage: 731. Anello Garda Sarca
Although the route never gets particularly high (the top of the tour is just 420 metres), the ascents add up on this almost 70 km long loop. Cycling constantly up and down along different surfaces, you pass by olive groves and vineyards, between apple orchards and along the river Sarca, visiting a variety of different villages as you go. This gives you a real feel for the Garda Trentino region between the northern shore of Lake Garda and the village of Sarche in the Valle del Sarca. If you don’t want to do the whole route, there are shortcuts at Arco and at Pietramurata that cut the distance down to 32.6 and 59.4 km respectively (731a. Shortcut Arco and 731b. Shortcut Pietramurata), both of which still provide an absolutely wonderful day out.
Author’s recommendation
In a single itinerary, you can enjoy the great variety of landscapes and trails that Garda Trentino has to offer! From the shores of the famous Lake Garda to the hidden gems of the surrounding areas.
Garda Trentino Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
ITRS - International Trail Rating System
The ITRS is an objective way to assess trails and routes from a biker’s perspective, evaluating four aspects:
- Technical Difficulty: riding skill level needed
- Endurance: combined effect of length, uphill and downhill
- Wilderness: amount of planning required based on mobile phone reception, rescue options, water supply and wildlife
- Exposure: consequences of a fall
Discover more about the ITRS system and check the classification of this tour in the photo gallery.
Safety Tips
- Always wear your helmet.
- Plan your ride.
- You share the trail with other users. Yield right of way to hikers.
- Let your speed be determined by your experience.
- Ride slowly on crowded trails, overtake with politeness and respect.
- Cycle only on authorized and open trails.
- Avoid muddy trails in order not to damage them further.
- Respect public and private property.
- Always be self-sufficient.
- Do not cycle solo in remote areas.
This information is subject to inevitable variations, so none of these indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, it is advisable to check environment and weather conditions before setting out.
Tips and suggestions
Picked your route? Now find the right experts to go with it. Make the most of every ride with support from local MTB specialists – from guides and rentals to shuttle services and workshops.Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of tours or in the immediate surroundings.
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.
Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Parking
Parking in the locality Busatte.
Paid parking: Panorama, Via Strada Granda, Lungolago Conca d'Oro.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Garda Trentino BIKE Map – Available in the info points of Garda Trentino (Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Ledro, Comano Terme)
Equipment
Riding your bike requires specific clothing and equipment, even for relatively short and easy trips. It is always better to be prepared… e.g. for bad weather or a sudden drop in your energy levels. The unexpected things are part of the fun!
Remember to thoroughly evaluate the type of route you plan on doing, the locations you intend to cross and the current season. Has it been raining? Attention: The paths may be slippery and require more caution.
What do I need to bring on my bike tour?
- An adequate water supply according to your needs (considering temperature, possibility of refuelling and duration of the route)
- Plenty of snacks (for example, dried fruit or energy bars)
- Waterproof / Windproof jacket
- A spare top / spare socks (Descending in a sweaty garment, will make you cold).
- Suncream
- Sunglasses
- Bike gloves/mitts
- Map or GPS device
- Bike lights: best placed on your helmet or handlebars. (It is always best to be prepared)
- Bike repair kit for punctures and mechanical breakdowns
- First aid kit
- Emergency whistle
It is always advised to let someone know where you plan to go and how long you expect to be.
Emergency telephone number 112.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
