Hikes in Magasa

A family-friendly circular hike from Magasa to Cima Rest, passing through Denai and Malga Alvezza, among meadows, forests and some of the most characteristic landscapes of the Parco Alto Garda Bresciano.

An easy hike through the meadows of Cima Rest that leads to the astronomical observatory and the beech forest at Malga Corva, in a unique natural setting in the heart of Valvestino.

A medium-length hike in the Cima Rest area, through the pastures and forests of Valvestino, to explore the sites where Tombea cheese is produced and the Valvestino Ethnographic Museum.

A six-day hike from Limone to Toscolano-Maderno This trek through the western mountains of Lake Garda takes us on a six-day hike through a mountainous region that is partly well-developed but also partly very secluded. The route has been planned so that you’ll always be able to find a place to stay overnight. However, experienced hikers can also complete two stages in a single day. On the section between Cima di Mughera and the Tremalzo Pass, you’ll encounter numerous mountain bikers, as this section is one of the most popular routes in the Lake Garda mountains; it follows a former military trail from World War I, offering magnificent views as well as a few places to stop for refreshments. From the Tremalzo Pass, the route continues over Monte Caplone. From Limone, our starting point, to Malga Tombea, we’ll be following the “Sentiero Antonioli” (dedicated to a priest and writer from Brescia who championed the cause of tourism, and to whom they thus wished to “monument”), which we leave at Malga Tombea, however, as this long-distance hiking trail continues on to Lago d’Idro in Val Giudicarie and further into the Adamello Mountains. For the most part, though, you’ll be able to enjoy the solitude of the mountains along this route. On the southern half of this long route, we pass through several villages where rural depopulation is already evident, hike along the western slopes of the Valle di Vestino, and then reach the Val di Corpaglione via Capovalle and the northern flank of Monte Zingla. Via the Passo di Fobbiola and the “Sentiero dei Ladroni” (Thieves’ Trail), we then reach the Rifugio Pirlo allo Spino, one of the most important mountain huts in the western Lake Garda mountains and also beautifully situated. From there, we descend through the mountain meadows of Le Prade to Sanico and continue on to our destination in Toscolano-Maderno on Lake Garda. Numerous side trips to peaks add variety to this route, and we’ll certainly want to incorporate one or two of them into our diverse itinerary.

Denai Barn, Campei Saddle, Caplone Mountain, Campei Saddle. Tombea Hut, Tombea Peak, Tombea Road, Cablone Pass, Denai Barn.

High Garda Bresciano Park - Valvestino Ethnographic Museum - Rest - Rest Pass - Alpini Chapel of Cima Rest - Cima Tombea - Ledrensi Alps Reserve Network - Cablone Pass

On old war paths through a wild mountain landscapeMonte Caplone is the highest peak in the ridge between Passo Puria and Bocca di Cablone in the western Garda Mountains. A former military road connects the summit with Passo Tremalzo, although the path in the summit area has partially slipped. Daring mountain bikers value this route as a challenge. The ascent from the hamlet of Cima Rest initially passes through alpine meadows as well as beech and mixed forests. Overall, the Valvestino is a landscape full of beeches, which takes on a splendidly colorful note, especially in autumn. In late spring and summer, a lush flora thrives up there, and the mountain meadows radiate a rich green. In the summit area, the less sublime side of this mountain landscape comes to our awareness. During World War I, the front line ran here, almost identical to the border between Austria and Italy at that time. Decayed positions, rock tunnels, and trenches tell their own story. At the summit of the rocky Monte Caplone, we do not find a summit cross, but an iron surveying triangle. The view is magnificent; it extends over the entire southwestern Garda Mountains to the southern Lake Garda and to the long ridge of Monte Baldo. We vary the descent by hiking across the "Sentiero Antonioli" to Cima Tombea, which forms a wide alpine landscape up to the pathless summit.

Varied ascent in the western Garda Mountains The Cima Tombea in the westernmost Garda Mountains lies directly on the border between Trentino and Lombardy. During World War I, the front line ran here between the Austrian troops and the Alpini of the Italian army. This circumstance was also the reason for the "development" of this area with military roads, for which mountain bikers today are especially grateful. But the trip is also worthwhile for hikers. Not only do we find a managed hut with overnight accommodation at the starting point (a rarity in the western Garda Mountains), but at the summit itself we enjoy a comprehensive panoramic view from the peak.

The entire route is characterized by sweeping views, but the absolute highlight is the panoramic vista from the summit of Cima Tombea. The neighboring mountain villages of Magasa and Cadria offer a glimpse into life in this wild, romantic, and secluded mountain region. It’s well worth a visit.▶ Above the parking lot at Rifugio Cima Rest 01, take the road up to the left. Just before the small chapel at the signpost, turn right onto the narrow road toward Malga Tombea (No. 299). The first 500 m are very steep. Then follow the gravel path briefly downhill to Malga Alvezza (private). Climbing up a paved right-hand curve, we reach a bench with information board 02. First, continue straight ahead briefly; then take the second left turn toward Malga Tombea (No. 267B)—a beautiful meadow path.We enter the forest and pass a small waterfall; then the trail winds steeply in switchbacks past a rock tower. Above it, open, sweeping grassy slopes await us, offering fantastic views to the south. Keeping slightly to the left on a wide meadow path, we pass additional benches. Directly opposite stands the king of this region, the mighty Monte Caplone. Finally, we also have an unobstructed view of Cima Tombea. At the fork in the trail, turn left onto Trail No. 267, leading directly to the private Malga Tombea 03 (large-scale dairy operation).Above the alp, the narrow, rocky summit trail branches off to the right. A few switchbacks and some scree, then we’ve made it and are standing on the grassy ridge of Cima Tombea 04. At the top, a stone-built circular structure points out several surrounding peaks. With a magnificent panoramic view and the chance to explore small former wartime caverns, this is the perfect spot for a break at a lofty altitude. Back to the alp and turn right onto the former wartime road. To the left is the Dosso delle Saette hill; to the right are several wartime tunnels. After just 20 minutes, we reach the Bocca di Cablone 05 with a small statue of the Madonna. Without any trail markers, we follow the scenic gravel road downhill to the left. About 30 minutes later, at an iron fence, we turn left toward the private hut Il Bait 06 (“267”), where cheese is made. After another 15 minutes on an unmarked path down through pastures, we skirt around a wooded area on the right. Soon we come to the familiar fork, where we turn right and head back along the ascent trail.

Trekking on the Brescia Prealps. From Cima Rest we reached Cima Tombea (1947 m), the second highest peak of the Alto Garda Bresciano Park, after Monte Caplone (1976 m). A hike in a fantastic natural environment. From the summit of Monte Tombea, it is possible to enjoy a 360° view of the surrounding mountain ranges and beyond (on clear days it is possible to see the Rosa group). Circular route returning via the Alta Via no. 10 Garda-Brenta.