Monte Garzolet • 961 m - Guardian at the end of the Valle del Sarca

Sarche is dominated by the massive rock face of Monte Garzolet. It’s hard to imagine that there’s an actual village (Ranzo) just below the summit.▶ Signs above the school in Sarche 01 point to the “Rino Pisetta” via ferrata; we follow them across a meadow and into the forest. After the third signpost (Note: not marked here!), we take an unmarked, steep scree path to the left. Later, following red dots (manhole covers, trees), we continue straight ahead at the first intersection. We continue upward on steep switchbacks until we reach a large boulder with directional arrows. To the left (Ranzo), we then reach the “Sentiero Scal” 02 via attrezzata, featuring very exposed rock steps that we ascend in a zigzag pattern along the wire rope. Afterward, we climb a few more switchbacks over scree, with the massive south face of the mountain towering above us. Pass several side trails leading to the via ferrata and follow a beautiful forest path that initially descends slightly. Then turn right uphill onto the gravel road. After about 10 minutes, a forest path branches off to the right toward Ranzo, ascending two switchbacks. At the San Vigilio Chapel 03, turn right onto a cobblestone path toward the wayside cross. We now follow the road (No. 613) to the right toward Val Busa. A few minutes later, at the fork, turn right again—unmarked—onto an asphalt road into the forest, passing a house. Continue on gravel to a forest junction with a rest area; go straight ahead. Turn right at the next intersection. The route follows a wide, partly steep forest trail for less than 30 minutes to the highest point of Monte Garzolet 04, which features a rest bench and a magnificent view of Lake Toblino and the Sarca Valley. The descent back to the road follows the same route. We go around Ranzo to the right, heading north, until we reach the next fork at the crossroads (Via Dossèl). A sleepy little village with a bar and charming narrow streets. We head downhill to the right, leaving the village behind, and continue straight ahead at the fork with rest bench 05. The road winds down the valley in wide curves, becoming steeper in places. At a large crossroads, we’re treated to a fantastic panoramic view of the valley. In Val Busa, the Rio Ranzo babbles right next to the road, which is “besieged” here by climbers at several rest spots. On the left is a climbing cave. Shortly afterward, we come to the main road—which, unfortunately, has heavy traffic—and quickly cross it to finally satisfy our hunger and thirst at Castel Toblino 06. The impressive moated castle is not open to the public, as it is privately owned. Next to the main road runs a footpath on gravel and wooden sleepers that leads car-free south toward Sarche 01.Alternative route on the way back: About 1 km past Ranzo, at rest bench 05, the beautiful forest trail “ST01” branches off to the right and meets a forest road. After passing a gate, we continue to the left and rejoin the same road.