Val de la Meda - La Via delle Valli
A not very demanding route that develops entirely uphill, starting on a road, continuing on a mule track, and ending on a trail through woods, meadows, and pastures.
Pleasant route that winds along this solitary valley up to Malga Méda, recently renovated as a comfortable bivouac.
The itinerary starts at the Shrine of Madonna del Làres and follows a short stretch on a mountain asphalt road, then immediately continues along a cement-surfaced road that leads to Malga Splaz, the first stop in the valley. After passing the malga, there is a dirt road that crosses the pasture, first straight then winding, with a couple of hairpins leading to the locality of Smolinà. From here starts the beautiful mule track that climbs the valley with comfortable wide hairpins, surrounded by trees among which panoramic views of the Adamello Group open up. The path gradually gains altitude, turning into a comfortable trail that leads to the grassy basin located at the top of the valley, where, on a small mound, is the beautiful building of Malga Méda.
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 your credential to record your passages here: www.campigliodolomiti.it/laviadellevalli.
Missing the sign with the stamp? Let us know! (laviadellevalli@campigliodolomiti.it).
THE NEAREST VALLEYS:
From Val de la Meda it is possible to connect with:
- Valle Gaverdina: from Malga Méda, continuing on trail SAT 466 you can reach the pass Bochét de la Méda, here you cross the Peace trail and must turn towards Monte Altissimo (trail marker 463) until arriving at the summit of Monte Gavardina. Then you follow trail SAT 455 to reach Bocca dell’Ussol, the end point of Valle Gaverdina.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
You should know that:
- The reception is quite good along the entire route.
- There are no refreshment points, so it is important to bring food supplies and a water bottle that can be refilled near Malga Splaz (beware it is closed outside the pasture period!), or higher up near Malga Méda (inside the bivouac).
- Be very careful in summer on the section connecting Malga Splaz to Malga Méda as it is poorly visible due to tall grass.
Note: as you might expect, the passability of trails 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 in this sheet may vary. Before departure, check the status of the route by contacting tourist offices.
Tips and suggestions
When to walk the valley: from May to October. Check the snow conditions in the shoulder periods (May and October) due to the steep slopes at the upper part which can be very dangerous.
Sources and springs: there are no refreshment points, so it is important to bring food supplies and a water bottle that can possibly be refilled near Malga Splaz (beware it is closed outside the pasture period!), or higher up at the water fountain at Malga Méda (open from May to the end of September).
Status of the route: asphalt and cement path up to Malga Splaz, then dirt mule track up to the edge of the forest where it becomes a trail until Malga Méda.
Is biking allowed? For those who wish it is possible to reach Malga Méda by bike. Make sure to check the elevation profile carefully before deciding!
Bivouac presence: at Malga Méda, recently renovated, there is a comfortable bivouac with two rooms (upstairs) and a cozy room with fireplace, wood and gas stove, table, and sink (non-potable water). There are also dishes and pans for cooking and eating.
Curiosity: At Malga Méda, wild spinach is abundant and can be picked.
Don't miss: once at Malga Méda you can admire marmots hiding among the stones and surrounding slopes. For those continuing beyond toward Bochét de la Méda, in early summer you can spot chamois grazing in the high-altitude meadows, while in autumn also at much lower altitudes.
For the fitter hikers: those wishing to enjoy a view over the valley as well as the Adamello Group can continue up to the Bochét de la Méda pass (about 25 minutes from the malga).
Roadbook
From the chapel of Madonna del Lares, head south (towards Sella Giudicarie) until you reach the shrine next to the trail marker 466 located on the left side of the path and take the cement road that leads towards Malga Splaz. Continue for about 2 km along the same road, characterized by sharp hairpin bends, until you reach the malga. Beyond the building, the road becomes dirt and then a mule track, initially flat but gradually gaining altitude as it enters the forest. After passing the first tall conifers, the path turns into a trail on a meadow surrounded by lower broadleaf trees. The trail steadily gains altitude as it winds through numerous hairpin bends until arriving at the pasture of Malga Méda, the end point of the hike.
Stamp: you can find the stamp on the SAT signpost near Malga Méda.
Public transport
It is not possible to reach the starting point by public transport. One option is to arrive at the Tione di Trento station and then walk towards the village of Bolbeno (about 20 minutes on foot) and from there follow the signs to Madonna del Lares (another 45 minutes approximately), the starting point of the hike.
For public transport schedules, please consult the website of Trentino Trasporti at: https://www.trentinotrasporti.it, especially Zone 2.
Directions
From Madonna di Campiglio: follow SS 239 of Campiglio up to Tione di Trento, then turn towards Trento and after less than 1 km turn again towards Bolbeno. Upon reaching the village, follow the signs to Madonna del Lares.
A4 Milan-Venice: exit Brescia East (100 km from Bolbeno). Follow signs for Madonna di Campiglio and Val Sabbia via SS237 del Caffaro until you reach Tione di Trento. Turn towards Trento and shortly after turn again towards Bolbeno. Upon reaching the village, follow signs to Madonna del Lares.
A22 Modena-Brenner: exit Trento South (50 km from Breguzzo). Follow signs to Madonna di Campiglio until passing Saone town. Shortly after, three-quarters into a straight stretch, on the left is the exit to the village of Bolbeno. Once there, follow signs to Madonna del Lares.
Parking
There is a large parking area at the Madonna del Lares location.
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, waterproof clothing, jacket, or warm garments are recommended. Trekking poles are also advised to support walking uphill and downhill.
For those who heavily use their phone for map tracking or other information, it is advised to bring a power bank.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions