GardaTrek - Top Loop 2: descent to Lake Tenno
Long distance hiking trail • Garda Trentino and Valle di Ledro
GardaTrek - Top Loop 2: descent to Lake Tenno
<p>This stage goes from a hut to the next, from Nino Pernici to San Pietro, touching the verdant shores of lake Tenno and the evocative medieval village of Canale di Tenno. </p>
<p>This stretch of the route is mostly downhill: it winds by the bottom part of the rocky rampart of <strong>Monte Tofino</strong> to reach Tenno's valley floor, a viewpoint onto the Alto Garda, well known for its medieval hamlets. It rises on the hillside of Monte Misone as up as San Pietro'mountain hut, a breathtaking observation post. </p> <p>Less challenging than the previous one, this lengthily excursion still needs great effort nonetheless with great rewards. In fact, along the trail it is possible to admire the stunning intense shade of <strong>lake Tenno</strong> and visit the medieval village of<strong> Canale di Tenno</strong>, recognized from the association "Borghi più belli d'Italia" as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Countless are the places to freshen up if tired.</p> <p>Leaving Canale in about one hour following an old mule track trough woods and chestnut grove, you reach the <a href="https://www.gardatrentino.it/en/info/rifugio-monte-calino-san-pietro_49935"><strong>San Pietro</strong> <strong>moutain hut</strong></a>, the last stop and a natural scenic place with a magnificent overview of lake Garda.</p> <p><strong>Attention: </strong>check the condition of the trail with the manager of the mountain hut Rifugio Nino Pernici. Otherwise use the <a href="https://www.outdooractive.com/r/38769639/" data-type="tour" data-id="38769639">alternative route</a>.</p>
GardaTrek - Top Loop 2: descent to Lake Tenno

Garda Trentino Verified partner
This stage goes from a hut to the next, from Nino Pernici to San Pietro, touching the verdant shores of lake Tenno and the evocative medieval village of Canale di Tenno.
This stretch of the route is mostly downhill: it winds by the bottom part of the rocky rampart of Monte Tofino to reach Tenno's valley floor, a viewpoint onto the Alto Garda, well known for its medieval hamlets. It rises on the hillside of Monte Misone as up as San Pietro'mountain hut, a breathtaking observation post.
Less challenging than the previous one, this lengthily excursion still needs great effort nonetheless with great rewards. In fact, along the trail it is possible to admire the stunning intense shade of lake Tenno and visit the medieval village of Canale di Tenno, recognized from the association "Borghi più belli d'Italia" as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Countless are the places to freshen up if tired.
Leaving Canale in about one hour following an old mule track trough woods and chestnut grove, you reach the San Pietro moutain hut, the last stop and a natural scenic place with a magnificent overview of lake Garda.
Attention: check the condition of the trail with the manager of the mountain hut Rifugio Nino Pernici. Otherwise use the alternative route.
Author’s recommendation
In summer you should stop off at Lake Tenno. Take time out for a refreshing swim in the famous turquoise waters of the lake!
San Pietro hut is easily accessible and one of the most popular destinations with visitors and locals alike. The hut was built on the foundations of the ancient hermitage which stood beside the little medieval chapel which is still standing today. There is a spectacular view from the terrace over Northern Garda.
Garda Trentino Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
While not involving any particular technical difficulties, this trek should only be undertaken by hikers with a good level of fitness and plenty of experience since there are some very exposed stretches which require due caution. The trail Sentiero della Regina from the Pernici hut to Monte Vender is often prone to avalanches during the winter season and in such cases is impassable until the debris is cleared.
You'd better check the condition of the trail with the manager of the mountain hut Rifugio Nino Pernici or contact the SAT club in Riva del Garda when you are planning the excursion. Be prepared if needs be to descend to Campi along SAT 402 (see the alternative route) where you can follow directions for Garda Trek - Medium Loop to take you to Canale di Tenno and from there to the Rifugio San Pietro hut.
From late autumn to the end of spring you can come across icy stretches which make the going treacherous unless you have the proper equipment. In any case, avoid this stretch in case of bad weather due to the risk of landslides or rockfalls in the gulleys along the way. Be sure to wear footwear and clothing suited to hiking in alpine conditions. This trail is only recommended from June to mid-October.
Safety Tips
- Choose itineraries that suit your physical and technical abilities. Collect information about the area you are visiting and the trail’s conditions and get a detailed trekking map.
- Wear clothes and take equipment that suit the difficulty and length of your tour. Keep emergency gear in your rucksack, including first aid supplies.
- Do not go walking alone in the mountains. In any case, tell someone where you are going and report back on returning.
- Look at the weather forecast before setting off and always keep an eye on the weather.
- In case of doubt, go back. It is better to give up than risk bad weather or face difficulties beyond your strength, ability and equipment.
- Do not leave marked paths and do not take shortcuts.
- All described walks are in a natural environment and therefore their use is at your own risk.
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
You’ve picked the perfect trail – now make sure you’re ready to enjoy it to the fullest. Local hiking specialists are here to help: guides, shops and experts with the tips and support you need for every step of the way.Public transport
No public transport available for this tour.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
How to get to Rifugio Nino Pernici:
- from Lenzumo at 796 m a.s.l. in Val Concei, by road for 7 km as far as the Trat pasture 1556 m, trail number 403, then along the trail for 20 minutes; on foot 2 h 15;
- from Riva del Garda 73 m, trail number 402, passing through Santa Maria Maddalena 252 m, San Giovanni 440 m, Pinza, Campi 672 m, Rifugio Grass hut 1055 m, Dosso dei Fiori pasture 1355 m, Bocca di Trat 1581 m - 4h 15min (1h 30min from Grassi hut, which you can reach by 14 km of road)
Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.
Parking
The nearest available car park is located near Malga Grassi in Località San Martino.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Garda Trentino TREKKING Map – Available in the info points of Garda Trentino (Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Ledro, Comano Terme)
Equipment
You need to wear the right clothing and take the proper gear when you go hiking in the mountains. Even on relatively short easy outings make sure to take all you need so you don't run into trouble if things take an unexpected turn, for example a storm blows up or you have a sudden drop in energy levels.
What should you take when you go on a hike?
Your rucksack (for a day trip a 25/30L capacity should do) should contain:
- water canteen (1L)
- snacks (e.g. mixed dried fruit or chocolate)
- First aid kit
- windproof jacket
- fleece
- change of t-shirt and socks (in a plastic bag)
- make sure to wear or at least bring a pair of long trousers
- hat
- sun screen
- sunglasses
- gloves
- whistle to attract attention in an emergency
Make sure you're wearing the right footwear for the trail and season. The going can get rough and rocky underfoot and a pair of hiking boots will protect you from sprains. When wet, a grassy slope, rocky slab or steep trail can be dangerous unless you are wearing the proper footwear.
And finally... don't forget to bring your camera! You'll need it to capture the stunning views you come across all over Garda Trentino. And if you like, you can share your memories with us at #GardaTrentino.
Emergency telephone number 112.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.