Ponale Gravel Tour | ALTITUDINE

CYCLING · GRAVEL · RIVA DEL GARDA

Ponale Gravel Tour

Cyclists riding the Ponale gravel road above Lake Garda.

Riva del Garda → Pregasina → Riva del Garda

The old road above Lake Garda, ridden out to Pregasina and back.

DISTANCE

14.4 km

DURATION

2 h 45 min

ASCENT

858 m

DIFFICULTY

Intermediate

Route Overview

START

Riva del Garda

FINISH

Riva del Garda

ROUTE TYPE

Out and Back

ROUTE LINE

Riva del Garda → Pregasina → Riva del Garda

Introduction

A compact gravel ride with an outsized sense of place: rock-cut tunnels, exposed lake views and a sustained climb from Riva del Garda to Pregasina. The route follows the historic Ponale line before continuing on paved road to the village church, then returns largely by the same way.

Route Directions

Leave Piazza III Novembre and follow the lakeshore south to the Ponale entrance near the first tunnel on the Gardesana road toward Limone. Stay on the historic trail. After the dirt section and the refreshment point, keep left and continue climbing toward Pregasina. At the road beside the tunnel entrance, keep left and climb to the church overlooking the village.

Return largely by the same route. The official source describes a short alternative descent after leaving Pregasina, but this includes steep cemented slopes. Riders who want to avoid that section should return by the ascent route.

Highlights

Rock-cut tunnels above Lake Garda
Views across the northern lake, Monte Brione and Monte Baldo
The bridge over the Ponale Torrent gorge
The climb toward Pregasina
The historic Austro-Hungarian Tagliata fortification, visible through gates in the third tunnel

Safety and Conditions

The route is shared with walkers; cyclists must yield to pedestrians.
Wear a helmet and use working bicycle lights.
The official source recommends following the supplied GPX because the suggested line can be difficult to identify.
The optional alternative descent includes steep cemented slopes.
Check the official route status, weather and trail conditions again immediately before riding.
Always check the latest official route status, local conditions and weather before departure.

Get the Route

GPX download will be available here.

DOWNLOAD GPX

Around This Route

Places along this route will appear here.

Photo: AktivHotel SantaLucia / supplied to ALTITUDINE

FIELD NOTES, FROM THE NORTH.

EXPLORE