Cima Rocca

Overview

The Cima Rocca Via Ferrata is a relatively short route of great historical significance, following a restored military trail to conquer the summit of the same name. Its defining character lies in traversing a series of perfectly marked World War I tunnels, creating an engaging and protected ascent. The summit, at 1,090 meters, offers an exceptional 360-degree panoramic viewpoint over Lake Garda, Monte Baldo, the Giudicarie Valleys, and the surrounding mountain complex.

The environment is typical of the Prealps, with limestone forming compact walls and ledges. The route largely unfolds across open terrain, alternating between wooded sections and exposed ridge passages, ensuring a continuous and varied experience.

Approach

The starting point is Biacesa, a village reachable from Riva del Garda by driving about 4 km through tunnels toward the Val di Ledro. From the village, take Via dei Dazi; at its end, turn right to reach a parking area near a playground.

There are two main options for accessing the via ferrata. The most direct follows CAI Trail 417 north; after about ten minutes, at the junction, bear right onto CAI 460 heading toward the Church of San Giovanni. The approach, lasting about an hour, follows a comfortable forest path that gradually reveals the imposing south face of Cima Rocca. Behind the church, the CAI 471 trail markers indicate the way forward.

A more challenging alternative is the CAI 470 (Sentiero dei Bech), which connects to the CAI 417 (Sentiero Attrezzato delle Laste). Turning left onto CAI 471, a trail equipped with cables on the steepest sections leads to the Accioni Bivouac and then to the church, taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This second approach features more continuous elevation gain and exposed sections, foreshadowing the technical nature of the main route.

Via Ferrata

From the Church of San Giovanni, CAI 471 climbs with steep switchbacks. In 10 minutes, you reach the entrance of the first tunnel, marked as the start of the equipped section. You enter the tunnel, where a system of internal arrows guides the passage to a vertical exit onto a 13-meter metal ladder. This first tunnel, carved into solid dolomite, provides a spectacular and protected introduction to the climb.

Emerging into the woods, the trail tackles some steep, earthy gullies and overcomes several rocky steps equipped with cables, before leading to the second tunnel. Here too, the markings are clear for finding the passage. The progression is rhythmic: short stretches of forest walking alternate with technical rock passages, with constant but not excessive exposure.

Exiting the second tunnel, you continue on a partially equipped trail until reaching, uphill, the entrance of a third tunnel. This one is momentarily ignored; instead, follow the CAI 471A markers, which along an evident war trench, lead toward the summit. This final equipped section concludes the ascent to Cima Rocca, reachable in about 45 minutes from the church. The total route from the start of the hike takes approximately 2 hours. The via ferrata is not physically demanding, but its continuity and historical setting make it an engaging and scenic experience.

Descent

From the summit, you can return via the ascent route to the Church of San Giovanni, then choose one of the two approach paths for the way back.

A scenic alternative descends along the equipped trail that runs along the north face toward Bocca Pasumer. The trail, equipped on exposed sections, is technically simple but very panoramic, unfolding along airy ledges. You reach a junction where, on the left, is the entrance to a long war tunnel (about 300 meters), for which a headlamp is essential. This tunnel, carved into the mountain, emerges at the entrance of the third tunnel not taken on the ascent; entering it, you retrace the path back to the church.

Continuing straight at the junction, ignoring the tunnel, you reach a subsequent marked intersection. Here, CAI Trail 460B on the left also leads back to the Church of San Giovanni. Once at the church, you return to the village using one of the two approach options. All descent routes involve a return of about 1 hour and 30 minutes from the summit, for a total hike of about 3 hours. The north descent offers a gentler pace and continuous exposure toward the Val di Ledro.

Useful Notes

It is absolutely mandatory to bring a headlamp (preferably a headlamp) for safe progression through the tunnels, some of which are completely dark. The Cima Rocca Via Ferrata does not present high technical difficulty (moderate difficulty); its main value is historical and scenic, with the unique experience offered by the World War I tunnels and trenches. Be cautious of heat during the summer months, as some sections are sunny and exposed. For maps, the Alto Garda Valle di Ledro or Monte Baldo maps are recommended.

The route lends itself well to being combined with the nearby Sentiero Attrezzato delle Laste to create a larger loop. For longer excursions, it can be paired with the Susatti Via Ferrata and the Foletti Equipped Trail to also reach Cima Capi, or, moving toward the Passo di Tremalzo, with the Mora Pellegrini Equipped Trail on Monte Corno. The Lake Garda area is rich in other via ferratas, such as the Ferrata dell'Amicizia on Cima Sat or the Cascata Rio Ruzza Via Ferrata in Val di Ledro, offering multiple options to extend your alpine stay.