Val d'Arnò - La Via delle Valli
Medium elevation gain loop route crossing the pastures of the Malga d'Arnò and Maggiasone among meadows, woods, and waterfalls, until reaching the pass dominated by the pinnacle of the Frate.
The route starts from the lush pastures of Malga d'Arnò to reach Malga Maggiasone through wide meadows interspersed with woods, where in summer you can encounter cows and other alpine animals. From Malga Maggiasone continue gently uphill along a section of the "Peace Trail" that leads to the rock slabs beneath the pinnacle of "Passo del Frate." The last section is steep, equipped with iron rungs inserted into the rock, allowing you to reach Passo del Frate from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Daone Valley and Monte Corona. The return follows the same route back to Malga Maggiasone, then continues along the trail leading first to the Cravatta waterfall and then again to Malga d'Arnò.
Author’s recommendation
Continue your journey on La Via delle Valli, choose other valleys to explore among the 50 proposals! Discover them all and create the credential to record your passages here: www.campigliodolomiti.it/laviadellevalli.
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THE NEAREST VALLEYS:
From Val d'Arnò you can connect to:
- Val Bona: from Passo del Frate, descend along trail SAT 262 and then SAT 249.
- Val di Bondone: from Passo del Frate, continue on the peace trail towards Monte Corona, paying close attention to a short quite steep meadow section equipped with a steel cord to avoid slipping although the trail remains clear throughout. After passing the summit, continue along the ridge (beware of the first section on stone slabs) until you intersect the Val di Bondone route that leads to Dosso dei Morti.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
You should know that:
- The route is well marked but it may be useful to use GPX tracks in case of doubts during the hike.
- The valley has no refreshment points, so it is necessary to stock up on water and food. During the summer farming season (late June to early September) it is possible to get water at least from the two malgas along the route.
- Reception (cell signal) is poor for long stretches.
Note: as you can imagine, the passability of routes in a mountain environment is strictly linked to current conditions and therefore depends on natural phenomena, environmental changes, and weather conditions. For this reason, the information contained in this sheet may change. Before leaving, check the state of the route by contacting mountain guides or tourist offices.
Tips and suggestions
When to hike the valley: from May to October. In other months, the valley may be inaccessible due to snow and ice. In spring, there may be patches of snow and ice on the trail: take care!
Springs and water sources: the valley is crossed in the lower part by the Arnò and Roldone streams.
Trail status: very well maintained, SAT trail markers are generally clearly visible, signs and information present. Only one slightly challenging passage in the gully leading to Passo del Frate.
Mountain guide: accompaniment by a mountain guide is recommended (https://www.campigliodolomiti.it/it/pianifica/servizi?PLAN_=PLAN_GUIDE_ALPINE).
Can you use a bike? For those who want to and have energy to burn, or a fully charged e-bike battery, you can reach up to Malga Maggiasone starting from the valley floor and ascending the mountain road that reaches Malga d’Arnò, where it turns into a mule track and finally a not-too-narrow trail. Then continue on foot along the SAT 262 trail up to the pass. Check the elevation profile carefully before deciding!
Don't miss: the spectacular waterfalls of Rio Roldone and Cravatta.
Refreshments and shelters: no mountain huts are present; shelter can be found at Malgas d’Arnò and Maggiasone during the summer farming season (mid-June to mid-September approximately). Near Malga Maggiasone there is a picnic area with tables and benches where you can rest or enjoy a good packed lunch.
Reception: none, very weak and intermittent at Passo del Frate.
For the more fit: a visit to the upper summit Ucia (Uzza) is worth it after another 40 vertical minutes!
Special features: the valley lies on the geological boundary dividing the Adamello front from the Dolomitic front, so you encounter trail sections with "Caribbean sand." In summer, the alpine pastures are lively with many cows grazing. At Passo del Frate, you can visit remains from the Great War including trenches, caves carved into the rock, and remains of cableways.
Roadbook
The route begins near Malga d’Arnò where it is possible to park your vehicle. Head along the road opposite the malga's stable stallion (trail mark SAT 262B) and after just over a kilometer, turn left into the meadow, following the SAT trail (262B), entering a flat section that leads to the bridge over the Rio Cablone. After crossing the footbridge, near Malga Maggiasone, turn right towards Passo del Frate (trail SAT 262). Follow the trail which gradually becomes steeper until the steep final gully, just under 300 m long but with an elevation gain of 120 m, which ends at Passo del Frate. For the return, follow the outward route back to the bridge over the Rio Cablone, then turn right towards Malga Maggiasone. Upon reaching the lovely wooden malga, follow the trail that leads into the woods below, where you will encounter the Cravatta Waterfall. Continue descending, staying on the same trail, until reaching the trail mark for Malga d’Arnò and then the road leading back to the starting point.
Stamp: At Passo del Frate, you will find the arrival sign posted on the rock wall.
Public transport
The starting point at 1500 m elevation is not reachable by public transport. The only option is to reach the village of Breguzzo and from there continue on foot along the mountain road that goes into Val di Breguzzo, following the Via delle Valli, following signs that lead to Malga d’Arnò, the starting point of the hike. It takes several hours to reach the malga.
For public transport schedules, consult the website of the transport company Trentino Trasporti at: https://www.trentinotrasporti.it, in particular Zone 2.
Directions
A4 Milan-Venice: exit Brescia East (95 km from Breguzzo). Follow signs for Madonna di Campiglio and Val Sabbia along SS237 del Caffaro; pass along Lake Idro up to Ponte Caffaro, the gateway to Trentino, then reach the village of Breguzzo (Sella Giudicarie) and enter the homonymous valley.
A22 Modena-Brenner: exit Trento South (50 km from Breguzzo). Follow signs for Madonna di Campiglio until reaching Tione di Trento, then continue towards Brescia until reaching the village of Breguzzo (Sella Giudicarie) and enter the homonymous valley.
Parking
Ample parking available in the Malga d'Arnò area.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
KOMPASS - Hiking map Alpi di Ledro, Valli Giudicarie 1:50,000.
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Equipment
Trekking shoes, rain gear, jacket or heavy clothing are recommended. In summer, a head covering may be useful. Hiking poles are recommended both for ascent and descent.
For those who extensively use their phone for following the map or other information, carrying a power bank is advised.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions