14. Marocche Nature Reserve, the "Moon Valley" along river Sarca

An easy excursion in a truly unique environment in another dimension of time and space

<p>This nature reserve, meaning an area which is protected because of its unique natural and geological features, is the largest post-glacial landslide in the entire Alps: an imposing mass of rocky debris which gives the area a lunar appearance and a habitat for plants and animals which have adapted to this particularly arid environment.</p> <p>During your visit be sure to examine the dinosaur tracks on a great boulder along the trail: they date back to over 100 million years ago! And if you are into botany, watch out for the natural bonsais you will find among the rocks: they are true “dwarf trees” which due to the harsh environmental conditions have short branches and underdeveloped trunks. These trees do not usually manage to grow more than a metre high, even though they are often over a hundred years old.</p> <p>The Marocche di Dro are a Site of Community Importance, belonging to the Natura 2000 Network. </p> <p> </p>