A classic hike of Garda Trentino: Monte Stivo

Monte Stivo dominates Garda Trentino, and from its summit you have one of the most spectacular views over Lake Garda and the surrounding valleys.

<p>The trail soon takes you above the woods and onto the wide open pastures which cover the summit of Monte Stivo and are clearly visible from the Basso Sarca. You are likely to come across cows and horses grazing on the pastures. Monte Stivo is an imposing presence in Basso Sarca, its bulk towering above the "Busa" (the flat lands between Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole).</p> <p>Proverbs in local dialect bear witness to the importance of this mountain in the life of the community, with expressions like "When Stivo has its hat on, either it's going to rain or the sun's coming out soon” (Quando el Stif el g'ha el capel o che'l piove o che'l fa bel".) The “hat” is the crown of cloud which covers the peak of the mountain and is a sign of variable weather.</p> <p>There is an observation/viewing point near the mountain hut which identifies all the surrounding peaks from Monte Baldo to the south, the Ledro Alps to the southwest, the Adamello glaciers, Carè Alto and Presanella to the northwest, the Brenta Dolomites to the north, the lesser Dolomites, Lagorai and Pasubio chain to the east. </p>