Monte Velo - Naranch Trail Loop

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

A moderate and constant ascent on paved road, viewpoints down to Lago di Garda and the Adige-Valley, remains of the first World War and some flowy lines make this short loop a good choice for a sunny morning. Come here if you don't like the MTB traffic at Ponale Road!

Most trails along the downhill belong to the Naranch Trail, but the proposed routing is simplified: more homogeneous and flowy.

More information about Naranch Trail here: maps.gardatrentino.it/mobil…

There are a lot of posibilities to reach the plateau of Santa Barbarba (elev. 1.165 m), coming from Sarca Valley (elev. 100 m). So e.g. MTB #761 climbs up on doubletracks to the north (10 km longer) or MTB #763 counterclockwise on unpaved forest roads (steep). There are also shuttle-services...

I suggest the following uphill especially for the quiet morning hours:
From Bolognano (elev. 130 m), take the paved road SP 48 up to the small village of Santa Barbara; SP 48 is known as Monte Velo Road by road bike-race Giro d' Italia (you'll find signs every km to control or improve your ascent).

Reaching the highest point, leave road SP 48 to the right towards Monte Creino. At a small paved road, you'll cross the fields above the village. After a U-bend, take the first doubletrack Crein Arte Doubletrack (wooden art beside the trail) on your left. Wooden art accompanies you to a fork.

On your left, a smaller doubletrack is the shortest way to Naranch Trail: Upper Singletrack, the start of the Naranch trail system (more interesting is a small loop: take the right branch, Monte Creino Access Road, enjoy the viewpoint and ride back via Naranch Trail: Creino Trenches).

When you have completed the short Naranch Trail: Upper Singletrack section, technically the most difficult part is behind you. Reaching "Gole," the southern shoulder of Monte Creino, a flowy part of your downhill starts on your rigth: Gole Flowtrail (if you like it steeper branch off at Naranch Trail: Middle Singletrack).

Getting to the plain, take Varano-Naranch-Road to your right. On a small hill to your left, you'll pass the little old chapel "Chiesetta di San Rocco." Follow this road slightly downwards (after km1.2 joins a paved road joins from the left; take this shortcut to Nago, if you want to stay on asphalt). Near the end of this road you can branch off to the right to "Maso Naranch," a typical restaurant with a nice view to Lago di Garda.

Continue your flowy downhill on Naranch Trail: Doubletrack and join Naranch Road: Lower Section of Nago-San Rocco Road. Complete your downhill on this small and steep paved road (if you like it harder: branch off to Naranch Trail: Lower Singletrack).

Reaching the plain and houses of Nago, follow the signs for MTB #763, #761 into a roundabout (and find out by this signs).

Marmitta Dei Giganti (part of MTB #763, #761, #731) offers you a speedy descent to Sarca Valley. Back to Bolognano, follow MTB #731 on small paved roads through the orchards; if you're going to Arco, turn left and follow MTB #763, #761.