Hike to Punta Larici: Breathtaking Views over Lake Garda
Punta Larici is one of the most photographed and visited panoramic viewpoints in the Upper Garda area. It is located at about 907 meters above sea level, on a rocky spur overlooking Lake Garda, and offers a view stretching from Riva del Garda and Torbole in the north to the Sirmione peninsula in the south, with Limone sul Garda practically beneath your feet.
Looking down, the height difference toward the water is immediately noticeable, with the lake seeming to open beneath your gaze. It is not a destination for those who only love the beach: it is a place that requires walking, but rewards the climb with one of the widest and most recognizable views of northern Lake Garda.
Where Punta Larici is located and why it is worth visiting
Punta Larici is located in the municipality of Riva del Garda, in Trentino, in the area separating the Ledro Valley from Lake Garda. The starting point for most routes is Pregasina, a small hamlet perched at around 535 meters above sea level, reachable from Riva del Garda in about ten minutes by car.
The name "Larici" refers to the typical trees of the alpine mountain environment: larches, conifers widespread at these altitudes, characterize the vegetation of the slope together with beech forests and mixed woods.
The area lies on the border of the Alto Garda Bresciano Natural Park, which imposes certain rules of conduct, including staying on marked trails, not picking plants or mushrooms, and not lighting fires.
Who is this hike suitable for?
Ideal for those who want to experience the mountains authentically without tackling overly extreme routes, this itinerary is suitable for different types of hikers and nature lovers.
The variety of the route, the open panoramas, and the possibility of combining trekking and mountain biking make it especially appreciated throughout the warm season.
It is particularly recommended for:
- Intermediate hikers looking for a route that is not too long but offers a high-altitude panorama,
- Photographers and landscape enthusiasts, both for sunrise and sunset photography,
- Cyclists with e-bikes or mountain bikes who have experience on dirt roads and uphill terrain,
- Families with children already used to walking in the mountains (only on the forest route, not on the exposed ridge trail).
It is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo, for beginners in the mountains without a guide, and — regarding the ridge trail — for those bringing small children who are not yet independent on uneven terrain.
How to get to Punta Larici: access by car, bike, and on foot
By car or motorcycle
The most direct road starts from Riva del Garda. From the town center, follow the signs for the Ledro Valley: after the long tunnel, instead of continuing toward Lake Ledro, turn left toward Pregasina. You pass through a second tunnel and continue uphill with hairpin bends to the village. The distance from Riva del Garda to Pregasina is about 11 km, with a travel time of around 15-20 minutes.
The road is paved for the entire route, but it is narrow, with several tight hairpin bends: caution is required, especially when passing other vehicles. Those departing from Tremosine sul Garda can reach Pregasina by descending toward Limone sul Garda and then climbing toward Riva, or by driving along the western Gardesana road to Riva and then following the directions described above.
Please note: Pregasina is subject to a restricted traffic zone (ZTL). Visitors heading to the private parking area of Bar Rosalpina (paid parking) are authorized to pass through the ZTL by following the dedicated signs.
By bike and MTB
Punta Larici is a very popular destination among cyclists, but it is not suitable for all skill levels and requires good preparation. The climb from Riva del Garda along the historic Ponale Road — a spectacular cycling and walking path carved into the rock face above the lake — is technically manageable even for cyclists with good fitness, but the continuation toward Pregasina and then Punta Larici on dirt roads requires a suitable bike.
The MTB routes that include Punta Larici, especially those passing through the Ledro Valley, Bocca dei Fortini, and Passo Rocchetta, are demanding and technical: roots, rocks, and exposed sections make them suitable only for experienced cyclists with full-suspension bikes.
With an e-bike, the climb from the Ponale Road to Pregasina becomes more accessible, but the final stretch to the viewpoint must still be completed on foot (about 10 minutes from Bocca Larici).
On foot: the Punta Larici trek from Pregasina
The simplest and most direct route starts from the Church of San Giorgio in Pregasina (around 535 m above sea level) and climbs along the forest road marked SAT 422B.
The trail crosses a beech forest — quiet and cool even in summer — and reaches Bocca Larici (890 m) in about 30-40 minutes, a plateau where the first glimpse of the lake already opens up.
From here, a short uphill path of 5-10 minutes leads to the summit of Punta Larici (907 m).
Main route details (round trip, SAT 422B):
- Length: about 3-4 km one way; 6-8 km round trip,
- Elevation gain: about 400 m uphill,
- Average duration: around 1 hour uphill, around 45 minutes downhill,
- Difficulty: E (Hikers) according to SAT/CAI classification — suitable for those with a minimum level of fitness and proper shoes; technically easy, but the terrain is uneven and the final point is exposed.
The loop route (SAT 422A "Senter de la Costa")
There is also a loop route that includes the ascent through the forest and the return (or vice versa) along the SAT 422A ridge trail, known as "Senter de la Costa". This section is classified as EE (Experienced Hikers) because it runs along the edge of the rocky cliff with exposed stretches, some equipped with a metal cable.
It is not recommended for those suffering from vertigo, for inexperienced mountain hikers, or for those bringing small children. The trail dates back to the First World War: it was built by Italian soldiers to reach the positions north of Punta Larici.
How to get to Punta Larici from Riva del Garda
Those who prefer to start directly from Riva without using a car can follow the Ponale Road to Pregasina and then climb to the viewpoint. In this case, the total distance is about 9-10 km one way, with a total elevation gain of about 900 m and a travel time of approximately 3.5-4 hours. It is a trip that should be planned as a full-day excursion.
How to get to Punta Larici from Limone sul Garda
From Limone it is possible to reach Punta Larici by following the ridge trail. This is a long and very demanding itinerary — around 13 km with more than 1500 m of elevation gain — suitable only for trained hikers and to be tackled as a full-day hike.
What to see at Punta Larici
Punta Larici reaches 907 meters above sea level (also indicated as 903 m in some sources, depending on the exact point of the viewpoint). The elevation gain from Pregasina is about 400 meters.
The panorama from the viewpoint
Once at Punta Larici, you stand on a rocky spur overlooking the lake. The view is one of the most complete on the entire Garda area: you can clearly see Limone sul Garda directly below, Torbole and Riva del Garda to the north with Monte Brione in the foreground, Monte Altissimo and the massif of Monte Baldo on the opposite shore, and Malcesine and Brenzone farther south.
On clear days, you can also spot Punta San Vigilio and — on the horizon — the peninsula of Sirmione. It is one of those places where you understand why Lake Garda is often described by northern European tourists as an alpine lake with a Mediterranean character.
Sunset
Sunset is one of the busiest times at the viewpoint: the western light warms the rocky walls and colors the lake in golden shades. Those choosing this time for photography should keep in mind that the return to Pregasina takes place in low-light conditions.
The forest trail is not illuminated: bringing a headlamp is essential, and the return should be planned before complete darkness if you are unfamiliar with the route.
Where to eat near Punta Larici
There are no refreshment points directly at Punta Larici or along the main forest trail. The most practical advice is to bring a packed lunch and take advantage of the flat areas along the route or at Bocca Larici for a break.
For those who prefer eating at a restaurant, the options are located in Pregasina:
- Hotel Ristorante Panorama — It is the historic reference point for hikers and cyclists in Pregasina. It offers traditional Trentino cuisine with a panoramic terrace overlooking the lake. Located in the heart of the village, directly along the route leading to trail 422B. Suitable both for a full meal and for a stop for coffee or ice cream after the hike.
- Hotel Rosalpina — A few steps from the Church of San Giorgio and the starting point of the trail. It offers Italian cuisine and, upon reservation, Trentino specialties such as canederli in broth, salmon trout with polenta, and carne salada. It also has a bar popular with cyclists.
- Malga Palaer — The old mountain hut, no longer active as a dairy, is located along the loop trail at around 950 m above sea level. Occasionally it is managed as a refreshment point by the Pregasina Alpini group, but service is not guaranteed. It is better to check opening times in advance before relying on this option.
Where to park for Punta Larici
The main parking area is free and located near the Church of San Giorgio in Pregasina, which is the natural starting point for the trail. Capacity is limited and during summer weekends it fills up very quickly: on busy days it is recommended to arrive before 8:00 AM to find a parking spot.
Alternatively, the Rosalpina Parking Area is a paid option (around 8.50 euros per day, including a drink at the bar), located inside the Pregasina ZTL.
Visitors heading to Rosalpina can pass through the ZTL by following the dedicated signs. Along the road climbing from Riva, it is also possible to park near the Regina Mundi statue, from where a longer route starts, adding about 20 minutes on foot to reach Pregasina.
What to see nearby
If you are already in Pregasina or traveling along the Ponale Road, it is worth combining a visit to Punta Larici with other nearby destinations:
- Regina Mundi Statue — Located along the road between Riva del Garda and Pregasina. It already offers a beautiful lake view and is a very popular photo stop.
- Lake Ledro — About 15-20 minutes by car from Pregasina. A small alpine lake with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming in summer. Along its shores is also the Pile-Dwelling Museum, a UNESCO site.
- Ponale Road — The panoramic cycling and walking route carved into the rock above the lake, connecting Riva del Garda to Pregasina. On its own, it is already one of the most beautiful attractions in the area.
- Limone sul Garda — The closest village on the Brescia side of the lake, reachable in about 20 minutes by car from Pregasina. Famous for its lemon groves and historic center.
Practical tips and clothing for the hike
For the forest route (SAT 422B), trekking shoes with non-slip soles, layered clothing, and enough water are sufficient.
Along the route there is a fountain near the church in Pregasina: it is advisable to fill your water bottle before departure.
- Always bring a headlamp, especially if you plan to stay until sunset.
- Be careful near the cliff edge at the summit: the viewpoint is exposed and unprotected.
- In case of rain or wet ground, the rocks become slippery.
What to avoid:
- Arriving on weekends in July and August without first checking parking availability.
- Underestimating the descent: tired legs and uneven terrain are a frequent cause of injuries on the way back.
- Venturing onto the EE ridge trail without experience or with uncertain weather conditions.
- Starting late in the afternoon without a headlamp.
FAQ
How many km are there from Pregasina to Punta Larici?
About 3-4 km uphill with 400 m of elevation gain. The round trip on the same trail covers a total of 7-8 km.
How do you get to Punta Larici from Riva del Garda?
From Riva, follow the signs for the Ledro Valley. After the tunnel, turn left toward Pregasina (about 11 km, 15-20 minutes by car). Alternatively, you can walk up from the Ponale Road: about 9-10 km one way, with 900 m of elevation gain, to be planned as a full-day hike.
What is the walking route to Punta Larici?
The main route follows the SAT 422B trail marker from the Church of San Giorgio in Pregasina. It climbs through the forest to Bocca Larici (890 m), then another 5-10 minutes to the summit (907 m). Classified E (Hikers), well marked. There is also the SAT 422A ridge trail, classified EE, for more experienced hikers.
Where to stay to visit Punta Larici and the surroundings of Lake Garda
Those who want to explore Punta Larici, Limone sul Garda, Riva del Garda, and the Ledro Valley, but are looking for quiet accommodation away from summer traffic, may consider staying in Tremosine sul Garda.
The B&B Villa Delle Querce is located right here, immersed in the peace of the Garda plateau, with lake views and a short distance from the main hiking destinations on the Brescia side and Trentino side of Lake Garda.
An ideal starting point for those who want to combine hiking, scenery, and relaxation, without giving up the comfort of returning in the evening to a quiet place away from the crowds of the lakeside villages.
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