Sentiero Attrezzato delle Cavre

Overview

The Sentiero Attrezzato delle Cavre, in the province of Trento, is a loop itinerary that connects two equipped routes: the Sentiero Attrezzato degli Scaloni and the Sentiero Attrezzato dell'Anglone, linked by an upper ridge section. It is an ideal choice for beginners, characterized by low technical difficulty, moderate exposure, and continuous, robust protection. The environment is accessible in all seasons, though in the summer months, due to the low elevation, the heat can be intense. The route holds significant historical value: the Sentiero degli Scaloni was built in 1909 as an Austrian military trail.

The experience unfolds on a limestone slope typical of the Alto Garda region, with compact, stratified rock. The route alternates between vertical sections on ladders and long horizontal traverses on ledges, offering a varied but never exhausting rhythm. The panoramic nature of the ridge connection amplifies the sense of height, while maintaining a predominantly walkable and low-tech character.

Approach

The starting point is the village of Ceniga, near Arco. From Arco, turn left toward the village. On Via del Ponte, on the right-hand side, there is ample parking. From here, head up the opposite street, cross the Ponte Romano over the Sarca River, and keep right, quickly spotting a CAI signpost indicating the Sentiero Attrezzato degli Scaloni. Following the signs, you ascend along a rocky path until you reach the start of the first equipped section in about 30 minutes from the parking lot.

The approach takes place in a debris-filled gully, with a steady climb that gradually prepares you for the subsequent progression on rock. The environment is typical of the lower valley, with sparse vegetation and early glimpses of the cliffs above.

Via Ferrata

The itinerary is made up of two distinct equipped trails. It begins with the Sentiero Attrezzato degli Scaloni. The ascent starts with a diagonal traverse across gently sloping rock slabs, then leads onto an equipped earthen ledge that continues leftward, becoming progressively more exposed and steeper. After a short footbridge, you reach the most characteristic section, dominated by a vertical wall. Here, a long metal ladder with wooden rungs, initially slanting right and then left, allows you to gain height safely, offering exposure without technical difficulty. Past the ladder, you tackle an inclined slab equipped with artificial steps carved into the rock, protected by a left-hand cable. The route continues on an equipped trail up to an inclined ramp with stone steps, exposed but easy to navigate. The exit comes by scrambling up some small rocks to the left, concluding the climb at a wooden box containing the summit logbook. This first section takes about 30 minutes from the start.

The progression is smooth and well-paced: the ladders handle the steeper sections, while the ledges allow for brief, safe stops. The rock is solid, and the anchor points are closely spaced, minimizing psychological exposure.

From here, continue northwest to Dos Tondo, where the trail 428B begins-the true Sentiero delle Cavre. This panoramic path runs along the mountainside toward the Bivacco Crozolam. Past the bivouac, continue north, ignoring a forest road, following signs for Dro until a junction. Leave the CAI trail 425 on the left and descend to the right to intercept the start of the Sentiero Attrezzato dell'Anglone. The connecting section between the two equipped trails takes about 1 hour.

The connection is a pleasant ridge and traverse trail, almost entirely walkable, offering wide views of the Sarca Valley. The pace is relaxed, with moderate ups and downs that allow you to recover energy between the two equipped sections.

The Sentiero Attrezzato dell'Anglone features equipped sections on exposed ledges, with protections that are especially useful in wet rock conditions. The first part of the descent is very easy. The second half becomes steeper, with an inclined slab that requires attention and the use of equipment to maintain traction. You then descend a small gully with natural steps in the rock and some equipped rock steps: this is the most exposed section of the entire route, where a steady foot is necessary, though it does not present high technical difficulty. Finally, you traverse a last ledge carved into the rock, which descends steeply until it leads to the meadows and the first houses of Dro, onto a paved road. The descent along the Sentiero Attrezzato dell'Anglone takes about 45 minutes.

The descent is continuous and well-protected, but the lateral exposure on the ledge sections is significant. The rock here is more polished by erosion, requiring greater attention to traction. The character is that of a technical but not physically demanding descent, concluding the loop with a panoramic and airy experience.

Descent

From the end of the Sentiero Attrezzato dell'Anglone, head south along the CAI trail 425, which corresponds to a low-traffic paved road. Following this route, you return to the Ponte Romano and, from there, to the starting parking lot on Via del Ponte in Ceniga. This final return section takes about 30 minutes.

The return is a simple walk along the road, allowing you to unwind after the technical effort. The environment returns to that of the valley, with a straightforward and quick logistical close.

Useful Notes

The Sentiero Attrezzato delle Cavre is perfect for a first approach to via ferratas, being technically simple and equipped with abundant protection. The loop can be done in either direction without any particular issues. For planning, detailed topographic maps of the Alto Garda and Valle di Ledro area or the Valle dei Laghi and Alto Sarca are recommended. Given the short total duration (about 3 hours and 15 minutes), the itinerary can easily be combined with other nearby ferratas of moderate difficulty, such as the Ferrata Colodri in Arco, the Ferrata di Rio Sallagoni at Castel Drena, the Ferrata Ballino in Fiavè, or the Ferrata di Preore.

The route offers a complete and well-proportioned experience: the combination of two short ferratas with a long ridge section creates a pleasant rhythm, suitable for those wanting to experience rock progression in maximum safety. The morphology of the route, which makes use of ledges, slabs, and ladders, provides a clear introduction to the different types of passages you can encounter in an equipped environment.