Loop trail with hike up to Mount Luco in the Maddalena Group
Mountain tour • Val di Non
Loop trail with hike up to Mount Luco in the Maddalena Group
The beginning is steep but once you get past the vegetation the gradient drops and the trail leads up to Lake Luco and the beautiful ridge amid rocks and pastures.
<p>Mount Luco (2433 m a.s.l.) is the eastern peak of the Maddalena chain. It is rather isolated and located approximately 2km to the West of the Palade Pass. The climb up the mountain is medium difficulty and it is one of the most classic excursions in Val di Non. Lake Luco, the variety of landscapes and the spectacular view afforded at the peak and on the ridge make this itinerary particularly popular among the locals especially.</p> <p>The loop trail has a very steep start along the "diretta" (literally the straight) as the locals call it. Once you get past the vegetation the gradient becomes gentler and the trail leads up to Luco Lake and onto the beautiful ridge amid rocks and pastures. Some handrails and wooden steps facilitate the climb and the arrival at the top with the view of Val di Non, Val d'Ultimo and Val Venosta makes the uphill section worthwhile. The descent along the gentle grassy ridge towards the South is a genuine pleasure and just before returning to the Palade Pass, it will be worth your while stopping off at the cosy Malga Luco / Laugenalm.</p>
recommended route
Mountain tour
· Val di Non
Loop with ascent to Monte Luco in the Maddalene Group
APT Val di Non Verified partner
-
Loop of Monte LucoPhoto: Silvia Gentilini, APT Val di Non
Monte Luco (2433 m) is the eastern summit of the Maddalene, rather isolated and located about 2 km west of Passo Palade. The mountain ascent is of medium difficulty and is one of the most classic hikes in Val di Non. Lake Luco, the variety of landscapes, and the splendid view from the summit and ridge make this route particularly appreciated especially by locals.
The proposed loop starts very steeply along the "direct" route as locals say. Once out of the vegetation, the slope becomes gentler and through rocks and pastures you reach Lake Luco before tackling the beautiful ridge. Some handrails and wooden steps facilitate the climb, and reaching the summit with the view over Val di Non, Ultimo Valley, and Val Venosta is very rewarding. The descent along the gentle grassy ridge southward is very pleasant and just before returning to Passo Palade, it's worth stopping at the welcoming Malga Luco / Laugenalm.
Author’s recommendation
APT Val di Non Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
The stretch of trail 10 along the ridge is not technically difficult but is exposed in some points.
As you can imagine, the passability of routes in a mountain environment is strictly linked to current conditions and therefore depends on natural phenomena, environmental changes, and weather conditions. For this reason, the information contained in this sheet may have changed. Before departing, check the status of the route by contacting the refuge managers along your path, alpine guides, park visitor centers, and tourist offices.
Tips and suggestions
CAI / SAT trail difficulty classification: http://www.visittrentino.info/legenda-difficolta-cai
Roadbook
Difficulty: EE (experienced hikers)
The route starts from Passo Palade (Gampenpass), which is easily accessible from Fondo if coming from Val di Non, or from Lana if coming from South Tyrol, along State Road No. 238.
From Passo Palade, take the forestry road and after the first hairpin turn, take the right onto trail marker 133, which climbs steeply in steps through the dense forest. The trail is immediately challenging but then levels out to cover a short stretch of forestry road, after which you continue along marker 133 ascending again through the steep forest. After a series of steps and small hairpin bends, you finally come out of the vegetation into an area rich in rhododendrons. After crossing a scree slope and climbing a ramp, you finally reach Lake Monte Luco, a charming body of water worth stopping at to rest and refresh yourself.
Now proceed to the left towards the nearby ridge and once reached, follow it upwards to the right along marker no. 10. The ridge has delicate and sometimes exposed sections. Moreover, to facilitate the crossing between large boulders, comfortable wooden staircases with handrails have been built. The ascent is demanding, but the view of the cross rewards every effort. The panorama from the top stretches across Val di Non, Adige Valley and Ultimo Valley.
After resting and signing the summit register, continue along the ridge heading south, following markers 8A first and then 10. This leads you to the cozy Malga Luco where you can enjoy an excellent slice of strudel or a hearty platter. From the hut, descend through the pastures along a small path that intersects the forestry road leading back to Passo Palade and then to the parking lot.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The line 246 bus operated by the SAD transport company connects Passo Palade to Merano and Fondo. The pdf with the schedules can be downloaded here: SAD line 246.
Directions
From Fondo in Val di Non, follow the signs for Merano / Passo Palade up to the pass.Parking
There is a large parking lot at Passo Palade.Coordinates
Equipment
Trekking poles are useful to assist on steep sections. Always bring warm clothes, a jacket, and a change of shirt.Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Weather at the starting point
Statistics
You may also like ...
